Need to take the SAT this summer possibly in foreign country where kid does not speak the language
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Anonymous
| long and not interesting story, but my kid may have no choice but to take the SAT this August in Germany or Belgium and does not speak a word of German, Flemish or French. We understand the test itself is in English, but I am concerned general communications and instructions before, during and at the end of the test may be in one of those languages and my kid would not understand anything, which would create problems and add to the stress. We are trying to contact the College Board to ask but if someone has had this experience before, I would be happy to hear from you. TIA |
Anonymous
| Could your child sign up for the first offering of the SAT this fall when school is back in session? |
Anonymous
| Fly them home. |
Anonymous
| It’s on a laptop (your own) and I don’t think there are many instructions from the proctor. I’d take sample tests in blue book and talk to friends who have taken it recently, but I don’t think this will be that hard. |
Anonymous
|
I suspect that all communication once inside the testing room will be in English, but there may be issues outside the testing room, such as finding a bathroom or navigating the building. Fortunately, there will be other English speakers there to ask for help.
One option would be to reach out the nearest American or British or other English language high school, as they will have lots of experience with English speaking newcomers, and with kids hoping to apply to American universities. They may even have testing available on campus. A guidance counselor would be a good place to start. |
Anonymous
| Sign up for the SAT at an international high school? |
Anonymous
| If the test is in English, the directions the proctor gives will be in English. What’s the issue? |
Anonymous
|
I would suggest that you get in touch with a DOD school in Germany or Belgium (I think there is still one there.) American teens will be taking the test. I'm not sure when it is offered, but you might see if you can take one with other American kids.
But, as others said, if the test is in English, it is likely the directions will be, as well. |
Anonymous
|
OP, did you do this search?
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/test-center-search The international schools likely have American students there. |
Anonymous
| Germans speak better English than most Americans. The Belgians aren't so bad either. I wouldn't be concerned. |
Anonymous
|
Take it, with a plan to take it again in the fall.
Your kid should be familiar with the rules anyway, OP. He can look them up on the internet. Good luck! |
Anonymous
| I agree with the above posters who suggest signing up to take the SAT at an international school (ISB in Brussels or FIS in Frankfurt) are off the top of my head. My kids attended FIS and my son took the SAT there. All instruction and directions on campus are in English. There will not be a problem! |
Anonymous
|
FRANKFURT INTL SCH
AN DER WALDLUST 15 OBERURSEL, HESSEN GERMANY Test Center Code: 57775 Seat Is Available Looks like seats are available in Frankfurt, Germany at FIS for the August test date. |
Anonymous
| You would have to have someone escort you on base to take the test at a DOD school overseas. Unless you know someone with base access, who is willing to sign your son in, and sit at the test center, you will have a hard time getting him on post to take the exam. International schools are your best bet! |
Anonymous
OP here, thanks, I looked up the list and found FIS and is perfect, very close to Frankfurt airport as my kid needs to fly to Asia right after the exam the same date because needs to arrive no later than mid-day the 24. lots of moving pieces for this, otherwise would have taken it at JR around the corner. thanks to all!! |