Lifelong Learning Programme

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This material reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein

Also available in:

Webmaster: Pinzani.it

Case Studies

Homepage > Case Studies

Case Studies

back to the list

basic information

Title of the Project
Work Global, Speak Local! – Plurilingualism at the FH Kärnten (Carinthian University of Applied Sciences)
Brief description
The main target group consists of students taking the English-medium 'International Business Management' Masters' at the University of Applied Sciences Carinthia (Kärnten). The project objectives include: 4 semesters of learning an additional foreign language (e.g. Russian, Italian, Slovene) from level A1 to B2 according to the CEFR, for better career prospects; developing integrated competences for an international work environment, with a focus on the South-Eastern and Central European region. Project Deliverables included: the course concept and curriculum, as well as the successful completion of the language programme and the IBM masters' by 23 students at the end of 2010, with 36 more enrolled in the following year. The level achieved at course-end was B2 according to the CEFR Common Scale of Reference levels.
Country
Austria
Year
2011
Target Language
English, German, Italian, Slovene, Other
Sector
Higher Education
Further Information

THE INITIATIVE PROMOTER’S PERSPECTIVE

Background

Globalization and regionalization trends at the beginning of the 21st century present new challenges for the economy globally, while the eastward expansion of the EU has created new business opportunities for Austria and other Central European countries. Hence the need for adequately qualified employees, who, in addition to a solid business background, also have sufficient know-how regarding the specific cultural aspects and socio-economic conditions in the inter-regional business environment of Central Eastern and South East Europe (CEE). The University of Applied Sciences Carinthia (Kärnten) in Austria has introduced an English-medium International Business Management Masters' programme to addresse this need. The "Work global, Speak local!" project focuses on the development of language competencies in less widely taught languages, esp. the languages in „South East and Central Europe (SECE)“. It encourages both plurilingualism and the development of multicultural awareness, through a combination of methodological approaches.

Objectives

The main aims include:
- promoting multilingualism through the teaching / learning of languages, with a focus on the South Eastern and Central European region;
- motivating students to learn languages and encouraging them to develop intercultural competences;
- promoting mobility, with a view to enhancing the students' future career opportunities in an international work environment;
- promoting positive attitudes to plurilingualism and cultural diversity, while ensuring the students' developing an in-depth understanding of other cultures.

Approach

The innovative dimension of this project encompasses aspects such as: the language programme offered over 4 semesters; the methodological approach (blended learning, including the use of social media, of the platform „Sprachtandem Management Languages @ CUAS“, creating opportunities for exchanges among students of various linguistic and cultural backgrounds); the transdisciplinary curriculum, aimed at developing integrated competences, combining content-oriented subjects with language and culture-learning. For Quality Assurance purposes, professional development workshops address economic issues combined with a language and socio-cultural focus.

Results

At the end of 2010, 23 students had successfully completed the IBM master's program, the language skills programme (in Italian, Slovenian, Russian or German as a Foreign Language) at B2 level. At the moment of applying for the ELL, there were further other 36 students in training. Another deliverable within this programme is also the development of an 'internal Sprachdiplom'.

Why the European Language Label?

The dual focus on multilingualism and intercultural competence development, combined with the work-related concern for improving international work mobility and complex professional expertise in the field of international business management.

Activities following the award of the European Language Label

The successful continuation of this English medium masters' programme, with its complex profile, with a focus on integrated competences; its active web site and the development of networks and partnerships.

THE NELLIP NETWORK’S PERSPECTIVE

Consistency with European Policies in the field of Language Learning

• enhancement of quality in language teaching
• focus on evaluation of performance of language teaching and learning
• focus on teacher training
• promotion of new approaches to language teaching and learning
• promotion of multilingualism
• promotion of recognition and validation of language skills acquired through non formal and informal education
• promotion of the development of teaching material for the learning of less widely spoken languages

Consistency with European, National and yearly priorities

- promoting plurilingualism in the world of work and, through this, enhancing career opportunities;
- promoting quality communication in professional environments;
- geographical focus on the South-East and Central Europe region
- provides inspiration and a model of best practice for other multicultural environments.

back to the list

Comments on this Case Studies

Your comments are welcome


Date: 2014.10.20

Posted by Mariana (Romania (Prosper ASE))

Message: We are interested in implementing such an idea! Our students in International Business are interested inlearning an additional language, preferably less widely spread.

21 December 2014

Audio- video presentation of the NELLIP project

An audio- video presentation of the NELLIP project has been created and made available in the Information section of the NELLIP portal. To access the presentation please click here: http://nellip.pixel-online.org/IF_intro.php.