BASI Second Language Test
Passing the Second Language Exam is a requirement for the BASI Level 3 ISIA. Many other ski instructor governing bodies require you to speak a second language too.
How many of these words do you know in English?
Back in the day you used to get by with filling in a workbook or showing your GCSE certificate to pass the BASI Second Language Test. However, those days are behind us, and even as a French graduate I had to take the test.
The test is about 10 minutes long and is with an approved language test examiner who is also a ski instructor (some are BASI Trainers too).
At the start of the call the examiner will run through in English what is going to happen. Then the French part begins! (Or whichever your chosen language is)
Part 1: About you.
The first part of the exam is a nice chat, the normal things you would say when you meet another skier on a course or you meet your client for the first time. Where are you from? Where do you live? If you aren’t currently in a ski resort, they will probably ask you where you normally go skiing on holiday or for work. Expect to talk about your hobbies and interests too.
Part 2: A mini ski lesson.
The examiner will ask you to teach them something in French. Think about tasks you may gave your students during a ski lesson and those will probably be the things you get asked to say here. I had to describe how to do a snowplough turn, and I know others who have been asked to describe how to stop in a wedge or do a plough-parallel turn. Remember you’ll need to know all the ski equipment vocabulary in French for this part of the exam.
Part 3: Safety.
This is the most important part of the exam. Remember a previous experience of yours, a story you heard of or imagine a scenario. What would you say to the piste patrol if you had to call them? There are a few role play cards on the BASI website to give you a starting point for this section.
Start today!
A lot of people leave the second language test to the last minute because they either find learning a second language too difficult or they are scared of speaking and making mistakes in front of other people. If you’ve already worked as a ski instructor anywhere in the world (maybe not in a snowdome in the UK!), chances are you have had a conversation in English with someone who isn’t a native English speaker. Try to imagine what that felt like for them to first time. It’s natural to feel nervous about speaking out loud in the beginning, but remember, we all have to start somewhere, and the sooner you start, the sooner it will feel easier.
Can you help?
Yes. If you would like to take your second language test in French, then I can help. I have specially designed my French Language for Ski Instructors course to help prepare you for the second language test. It is a 10-week long course covering meeting your clients, ski equipment, teaching beginners to ski and safety. The course is running again in Summer 2024.
Continue after the exam
Why go to all that effort to pass the exam and then not use it? Try not to think of it as just a module you need to pass and then forget about it afterwards. There are excellent reasons for learning a language - better job prospects, more clients, more lessons, more pay! Every time you practise you will improve whether or not you make mistakes. I find that if I forget a word whilst speaking, then it doesn’t matter because I won’t forget it a second time!
In the new year I will be running a more advanced course that acts as a continuation of learning after the Second Language Test.
If you have any questions about the BASI Second Language Test or my courses, drop me an email at info@alpinelanguagecentre.com
