English-medium instruction at higher education institutions: new web portal
With the launch of the ZHAW English-medium instruction (EMI) web portal, the LCC Language Competence and Knowledge Development Research Group endeavours to provide not only various resources on the topic of EMI specifically, but also on quality in international programmes in higher education generally. The overarching goal of the portal is to promote international and intercultural skills.
As universities and universities of applied sciences seek to improve their international profiles, the number of English-taught courses, modules and programmes continues to rise. This presents a number of challenges to teachers and students, as well as programme directors and institutions, as all parties involved attempt to find effective pathways to attain their internationalization objectives.
To help address some of these challenges, the LCC Language Competence and Knowledge Development Research Group has developed the EMI web portal. The International Affairs Office together with the Language Competence and Knowledge Development Research Group recognized the need for such a collection of resources within the framework of the International Portal with its broad mandate to provide ZHAW staff and students with relevant information on internationalization, intercultural competences, as well as staff and student mobility.
EMI in Switzerland
Readers will find a brief introduction to EMI with an outline of EMI in Switzerland, as well as information on EMI-specific and general language training for teachers. For those interested in EMI research, there is also information on the LCC’s EMI-specific research activities including published papers and research projects plus conferences that the Language Competence and Knowledge Development Research Group is involved in. Of particular interest is the recently completed Swissuniversities funded “Developing Quality Management Parameters for International Profiles” research project, jointly run by the ZHAW and the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH). This international project, involving network partners from across Europe, developed and tested sustainable Quality Management Parameters that offer organizational units within universities of applied sciences the opportunity to prepare for, and participate in, a Programme of Excellence in International Teaching and Learning.
Further Information
“Developing Quality Management Parameters for International Profiles” research Project
EMI Workshops for lecturers
Language Competence and Knowledge Development Research Group