Fachhochschule Technikum Wien

English Language Course in Dublin, Extended Version: New Track for Teaching Staff of UAS Technikum Wien

UASTW understands internationalisation as a holistic concept. The annual English course in Dublin is an important measure to promote the internationalisation of all employees.

Objectives

The English course for administrative staff and lecturers aims to strengthen language skills in academic and administrative contexts. It is aimed at both administrative staff and lecturers from various disciplines and supports them in communicating academic content and administrative processes both confidently and concisely in English. The course includes practical exercises from everyday working life. It also promotes intercultural understanding to ensure effective and professional communication with students and colleagues from all over the world.

Background

UAS Technikum Vienna promotes language training for all employees. There are various reasons for this, including - An increasing number of incoming students - A wide range of courses taught in English - Six English-only Master's degree programmes - High mobility figures for teaching and general university staff The mobility of the participants is financed via Erasmus+ Staff Training.

(Implemented) Activities

In total, 25 colleagues completed the 30 hours language course organised by the UAS International Office together with the Center of English Studies in Dublin. The course was tailored to the individual needs of the employees.In addition to 13 colleagues from the departments, 12 lecturers from three faculties also took part for the first time in 2024. The participants came from Electronic Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Life Science Engineering faculties, the HR, Finance, Infocenter, Marketing & Communications, IT, Teaching and Learning Center departments and the Technikum Wien Academy. The time away from the language course was at the participants' free disposal The first course took place in 2019, followed by a break in 2020 - 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in 2022.

Results

In addition to increased language skills and a deeper intercultural understanding, internal networking is also a valuable aspect that should not be underestimated. Former participants from previous years still meet regularly for lunch. The language course thus proves to be a sustainable measure to promote collegial exchange and team spirit.

Lessons learned

The organisation of the language course requires a relatively long preparation period and becomes even more complex with the involvement of another partner institution. Limiting the number of participants is essential; with 25 people, as was the case this year, administrative capacity limits are quickly reached. An additional challenge is the call for applications and the selection of participants in-house: Participation is currently based on nominations from the respective line managers on a first-come-first-served basis. All in all, the English course is a low-threshold measure to provide staff and teachers with easy access to language training. Without extensive prerequisites, the course promotes basic English skills in a practical way and provides important language tools for everyday working life. This low-threshold approach enables participants to develop their skills in a supportive environment and break down barriers in international exchanges.

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