Foreign Language Update Live and Direct: UAS Technikum Wien Goes Dublin
04 August, 2022
In view of the increasing degree of internationalization, the FHTW supports the language training of its employees. Eleven colleagues were in Ireland for a one-week course in July.
After a break of two years, the one-week course English for Administrators organized by the International Office took place again in July 2022 in Dublin. Eleven colleagues from the faculties, the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) and the InfoCenter went to Ireland to work on their English grammar, pronunciation, and presentation skills in a 30-hour English course at the Centre of English Studies.
Due to the increasing number of incoming students, a wide range of English language courses and a high number of mobile teaching and administrative staff, the UAS Technikum Wien promotes language training for all staff members. The curriculum of this week was tailored to the needs of the colleagues in the individual areas. Topics such as answering emails, problem solving and conflict resolution as well as vocabulary training in the field of academic language use were on the agenda. From the central accommodation in the famous Trinity College, it was only a stone’s throw to the language school and many other sights in the city.
Carla Hartl, administrative assistant of the Bachelor’s program Electronics and Business and the Master’s program Internet of Things and smart systems from the Faculty of Electronic Engineering, made use of the offer for the second time and enthusiastically reported: “On the first day, the program was tailored to our suggestions with the head of the language course, so we were able to practice a lot together, get to know our colleagues from other organizational units and gained insights into their working environments. In the afternoons and evenings there still was time for activities and so some visited Kilmainham Gaol, saw The Book of Kells in the famous and remarkable library, chilled in Phoenix Park, went hiking on Hovth and of course there was time for Fish’n’Chips, cider and beer in pubs with River Dance and Live Music. The weather was excellent.”
All in all, participants noticed an improvement in their language skills when dealing with students, colleagues, and requests. With regard to the UAS-wide strategy and internationalization, the improvement of the staff’s English skills is an important step, because internationalization must of course take place at all levels.
