Policies

The policies of the UN Language and Communications Programme are found in the Official Information Circular document (pdf). To find out if you are eligible to take our courses, look at our eligibility table.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How do I make a general inquiry about UN LCP classes?

You can come to the LCP office in the Secretariat in room 606 between 1:30pm and 3:30pm Monday to Thursday, or contact Catherina ('Chiqui') Dakay by e-mail to language@un.org.

Q: Do I have to pay for classes?

Classes are free to UN staff members with contracts through to the end of term and to diplomats (accredited mission personnel), tour guides, UN retirees (Secretariat, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNOPS).

For more details, please read our eligibility table.

The fee structure for paying students is: five-hour courses $550, four-hour courses $500, three-hour courses $450, two-hour courses $300, one-hour courses $150.

Q: Can my spouse (husband or wife) or children take language classes with the UN LCP?

No. Unfortunately, the UN LCP only has the mandate and resources to allow UN HQ staff members and diplomats assigned to UN HQ to take classes. However, if you contact the language coordinator / head teacher for the language your spouse is interested in studying, we may be able to provide you with details of private language schools and teachers in the New York area.

An English language programme is now available: click here

Q: I work for a UN agency. Can I take language classes with the UN LCP?

UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNOPS individual staff members with contracts until the end of term do NOT pay for language classes as there is an agreement for the agency to reimburse the UN LCP with the fee ($350 as of July 2005).

Unaccredited mission personnel (assistants), WFP, UNITAR, UNESCO, FAO, WHO and ILO staff members, as well as staff members at UNHCR liaison offices DO pay the course registration fee ($350 as of July 2005).

Also, up to 10 participants from UNFCU and up to 10 participants from the Press can take UN LCP classes paying the course fee.

Q: I am an intern / consultant. Can I take language classes with the UN LCP?

No. Unfortunately, the UN LCP only has the mandate and resources to allow UN HQ staff members and diplomats assigned to UN HQ to take classes. However, if you contact the language coordinator / head teacher for the language your spouse is interested in studying, we may be able to provide you with details of private language schools and teachers in the New York area.

Q: I am a UN retiree. Can I take language classes with the UN LCP?

Yes. UN retirees from the Secretariat, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNOPS continue to be eligible for classes.

Q: May I attend class as an observer?

No. Since there is often a waiting list for our courses, we are unable to allow anyone who is not officially registered to sit in a class.

Q: Who can take the Language Proficiency Examination?

For all questions regarding the LPE, please go to http://www.un.org/exam/lpe.