Linguistic integration as a success factor

A lack of language skills presents many international students with problems in their studies and hinders their access to the German ­job market. At the same time, foreign language skills are one of the ­most important key qualifications for all students who want to secure their professional opportunities at home and abroad. For the employees of Trier University of Applied Sciences, ­too, language skills and competencies in the ­field of ­intercultural communication are ­important success factors for ­working with international target groups. The aim of the project is therefore to establish a Center for Language and Intercultural Communication (ZSI) as a cross-location and cross-departmental ­institution at Trier University. The goal of the ZSI is to ­enable students, researchers and ­employees of the HS Trier to ­present ­topics from their respective fields in ­scientific, technical and professional contexts in both German and English and to ­discuss them in an ­interculturally ­competent manner. ­They should also be ­able to acquire ­competencies in ­at least one other foreign language. In the context of this, the following language portfolio is built up:

• English with a focus on academic English and ­business English for the target group of students and ­doctoral candidates.
• English for employees with a focus on general English, office communication, and ­selected technical language areas from science and ­administration
• Mobility languages French and Spanish with the aim of ­bringing students ­and doctoral candidates without prior knowledge up to the B2 level through the program "Startklar fürs Auslandsstudium und -praktikum": Over ­a period of four semesters, two-week ­compact courses­ are ­offered for ­this purpose, ­combined with semester-accompanying courses in the ­amount of 4SWS.
• HS Trier focus country languages (Chinese) with the main goal of providing an ­introduction to the language and culture. For this purpose, cooperation with the University of Trier, ­which offers the Sinology program, is ­sought­ whenever possible.

In addition to language courses in e-learning format, the offer for employees will also include a translation and proofreading service, which will ­contribute to the expansion of English-language teaching and better ­support for ­international students. This will ­be accompanied by intercultural competence workshops, especially for administrative staff, ­and proactive promotion of job shadowing or training opportunities abroad.­ A language tandem program and a monthly language evening are aimed at all university members and round off the language offerings.

• 4-week virtual German courses before the start of studies
• Semester-long introductory and advanced courses and tandem programs for foreign students and (junior) researchers

In addition to the development of this portfolio, the institutionalization of the language center is to be made professional and sustainable through the adoption of a corresponding language policy. For this purpose, a round table of language policy with representatives of all departments and the administration is to be initiated within the framework of the project.