KIST Language Centre (KLC) is a support centre to KIST faculties of Science and Technology and to various public and private institutions and organizations operating in Kigali and Rwanda at large. KLC includes two departments : English and French. KLC, initially called School of Language Studies (SOLAS), commenced as soon as Kigali Institute of Science and Technology started; for it is part and parcel of KIST. Thanks to its skilled and experienced staff and to its modern logistical framework, and to cooperation with the British Council, on the one hand and the American Embassy in Rwanda, on the other, KLC offers high quality full time courses to KIST students and part time courses to insiders and outsiders. We offer courses in English and French and we are planning to introduce Swahili, German and Chinese. Developing appropriate level language skills (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing ) is just an entry into our focus: Language for Professional Purposes.
KLC also gives to KIST students the opportunity to develop Study Skills such as note taking (in class), note making (in library and lab), fast reading, time management, etc. We also offer quality services in various consultancy areas. Professional Translation and Speech Writing. are on top of those activities.

Level of language learning
The level of learning is determined, at the beginning, through an entry test which helps teacher and learner to classify the latter as Beginner, False beginner / Elementary, Intermediate, or Advanced.

Certificate of Language Proficiency
When the level is completed successfully, the learner is awarded a certificate in language proficiency. Full time learners, i.e. KIST regular students are granted the Certificate of Language Proficiency after completing :
- A Module of English or French for General Communication, of which intermediate and advanced performers at the entry test are exempted ;

- A Module of Language for Specific Purposes : English for Science and Technology (EST) or French for Science and Technology (FST) / Français Technique, for English speaking students;

- A Module of English for Academic Purposes (EAP), aimed mainly at preparing the students to Writing their Research Papers.

N.B: Language short course learners are awarded Language Proficiency Certificates at the end of each level, unless they want to continue the training and be granted the certificate at a higher level. KIST full time students cannot be awarded their degree or diploma , i.e. be graduated, unless they have been granted a Language Proficiency Certificate.

With KLC, you climb up the Tree of English Language Teaching (ELT)
See Figure from HUTCHINSON AND WATERS 1987

1.1. Rooted in Communication Skills learning Even native speakers of any language learn it , not for the pleasure of knowing how to speak the language, but for using it in communication : among other things, for expressing and understanding views, requests or instructions. 1.2. Specific Language The intermediate and advanced learners or speakers very often realize that, in addition to general communication skills acquired through time and /or training, they need a better understanding and handling of terms and language structures specific to their work field. At KIST Language Center you hear: As a tool to be used for specific communication, language needs to be sharpened After consolidating the basis of communication, you are given the chance to enter your specialty through English, if you speak a different language. Documents used for language teaching belong to the students’ specialization area. Follow then the upper level, in which the student, who has been gradually prepared to critical analysis, enters a phase of academic writing and more professional communication. Therefore, even language proficient students always find useful learning in KLC. Learners at elementary level develop speaking and listening skills; they read articles and work related books; they learn how to write clear paragraphs and produce descriptive, writing; how to write different type of letters, and how to differentiate letter, email, memo and fax writing. At intermediate level, they read and understand documents and reports, and they express themselves with colleagues and partners. Focus is on sub-areas like English or French for Business and Administration, English for Teaching, English or French for Technicians; English or French for Medical Studies, etc. In writing, trainees end this level with full understanding and mastery of connectors, but able to produce coherent and cohesive pieces of writing, from paragraph to essay. At advanced level, they write more and better reports, with evidence of deeper and wider investigation ; they express themselves better in meetings, in conferences, and in field work exchanges, with coherent and cohesive handle of collected facts and figures, with standard writing of references.

Preparing to TOEFL, IELTS and other international language tests

As part of its Short Course Programme, KLC designs and monitors modules for graduates who wish to start post-graduate studies. Some need to prepare for an international language test; others need to be acknowledged as proficient in English by our reputable Institution. In the first case, KIST staff prepares the applicants through specific training; for the latter, we organize a Language Proficiency Test and award a detailed Testimonial to whom it may concern.

The main contents of KLC language teaching methodology

The main parts of KLC language teaching / learning at all levels are:
- Functional language, focusing on speaking and listening activities;
- Applied grammar, for strengthening the structural basis of speaking and writing;
- Specific Reading and writing.