1. DESCRIPTION OF THE SUCCESS CASE

 

1.1 Scope of the initiative

The European University Foundation – Campus Europae is a pan-European network of universities for enhanced student exchange and academic development in a European context. The partner universities are:

• University of Alcalá (Spain)
• University of Ankara (Turkey)
• Gazi University (Ankara, Turkey)
• University of Aveiro (Portugal)
• European Humanities University International (Vilnius, Lithuania) – exiled Belarusian university
• University of Greifswald (Germany)
• University of Hamburg (Germany)
• University of Eastern Finland (Finland)
• Vytautas Magnus University Kaunas (Lithuania)
• University of Lodz (Poland)
• Technical University of Lodz (Poland)
• University of Luxembourg (Luxembourg)
• University Henri Poincaré – Nancy I (France)
• University of Novi Sad (Serbia)
• University of Latvia Riga (Latvia)
• St. Petersburg State University (Russia)
• University of Trento (Italy)
• University of Vienna (Austria)

The main objective of Campus Europae (CE) is to enhance student mobility in the framework of the network of member universities. Campus Europae movers have the opportunity to spend two years of their combined undergraduate and graduate studies at two different universities in addition to their home institution. This enables them to learn the two languages of the host universities with the objective to actively take part in the academic, social and cultural life of the host university.

1.2 Range of languages studied

On of the aims of CE is to promote all languages spoken and taught at the member institutions; and especially to motivate students to learn minor languages. In order to fulfill the requirements which lead to the awarding of a certificate, or in case of two completed years a degree, students have to learn the official language of the host university. Therefore in the framework of the CE-network the following languages are taught: French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Serbian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Russian, Turkish and Finnish. Luxemburgish maintains a status of exclusivity.

1.3 Learning outcomes

According to the Campus Europae language concept students learn a language in three main phases:

1. Pre-departure e-language courses in the Hook Up! Courses are given online through assignments, interactive learning material and active teaching via internet telephone and video classes. Currently the project is partly financed by the European Union.
2. Campus Europae Intensive Language Courses CE movers take part in 4 – 6 weeks language course with a minimum of six contact hours/day, prior to the beginning of the academic year. After those courses students are able to communicate on an A2 level of the CEFRL, enabling them to deal with situations of daily life and bringing them closer to the local, native community.
3. Language courses during the whole academic year The less intensive language courses continue during the first and the second semester parallel to the study program. In this way CE Movers should obtain a B1 level at the end of the first semester and finish a whole year reaching B2 level. Fulfilling the language requirements is one of the most important criteria to be entitled to the CE-Certificate; and after two cycles the CE-Degree. Not in all, but in the majority of the study programs ECTS points gained on the language courses are recognized by the home institution.

 

1.4 Practical realization

Intensive courses as well as the accompanying language courses during the first and the second semester are obligatory for CE participants. In most universities both courses are awarded ECTS credits. Universities are encouraged to offer courses in English for international students during the first semester in order to facilitate the language transition into the local language. However, not all study programs are adjusted to provide enough courses in English. The Campus Europae Student Council is a provider of the ‘Buddy Network’ – a network of local students who provide mentors for every CE mover. They help incoming students to get acquainted with a university, city and local student life. In this way CE movers get integrated in a local community more quickly, which facilitates the language learning process.   
A supporting part in the CE (language) concept are Learning Employability Places (LEPs). Students have an opportunity to combine their exchange year with a professional experience in local enterprises or institutions. LEPs only occupy a limited time budget but are intended to last throughout the exchange year in order to continuously improve the subject-related language skills in a professional environment.

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