EUNICE Advances English-Medium Education

The international BIP EMI programme brought together lecturers from EUNICE partner universities, equipping them with practical tools for teaching specialised subjects in English.

Members of the EME (English Medium Education) team at the Centre of Languages and Communication have successfully completed an intensive BIP (Blended Intensive Programme) delivered within the EUNICE European University.

The programme was designed for academic staff from EUNICE’s ten partner universities who already teach, or are planning to teach, specialised subjects in English at their home institutions.

An international teaching team

The BIP programme was developed and delivered by teachers from four universities:

• Poznan University of Technology: Liliana Szczuka-Dorna, PhD, PUT Professor; Edyta Olejarczuk, PhD; Marta Strukowska, PhD; and Nuala Mederski, MA. Modules during the on-site week at PUT were also delivered by Iwona Łęcka-Drajerczak, PhD; Barbara Tarko, MA; and Justyna Połomka, MA;
• University of Cantabria: Marta Gomes Martinez, PhD, and Lucila Maria Perez Fernandez, PhD;
• Polytechnic Institute of Viseu: Lurdes Martins, PhD, and Paula Fronseca, PhD;
• University of the Peloponnese: Areti Vogopoulou, PhD, and Maria Megalani, PhD.

From online learning to an intensive week in Poznan

The programme followed a blended format. It began in April with a two-week block of online classes. From 8 to 12 June, sixteen participants then took part in an intensive week of presentations and workshops hosted by Poznan University of Technology.

The sessions covered topics including:

• teaching methodology,
• the effective use of a foreign language in the classroom,
• intercultural and cross-cultural communication,
• presentation skills,
• effective academic writing in English.

Participants also discussed the challenges of English-medium education and related them to the realities of their own institutions. These exchanges continued during the Forum and at a networking meeting with staff and representatives of the PUT authorities.

The final stage of the programme took place online from 22 to 26 June, when participants shared their key observations and experiences from the project.

Knowledge, practice and an international community

The BIP programme gave participants an opportunity to acquire new knowledge while also helping to build a community of academics teaching in English across EUNICE.

It encouraged reflection on the strategies, methods and tools needed to develop effective academic teaching practices. Participants actively contributed to the sessions, shared their insights and developed new ideas and practical solutions that they will be able to apply in their teaching.

The organisers, in turn, gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by non-native English-speaking lecturers who teach their subjects in English.

Recommendations for EUNICE universities

English Medium Education is an important area for EUNICE academic staff. New joint Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, known as excellence programmes, will be taught in English. Their successful delivery requires new methodological skills and effective communication between students and academic staff.

The BIP team will therefore prepare a report containing recommendations and guidelines for EUNICE rectors and vice-rectors responsible for education.

The second edition of the BIP programme for academic staff will take place at the University of Cantabria in 2027.

We look forward to welcoming the next group of participants!

Visit the photo gallery of the event!