Beyond the language of the classroom - preparing to study in English
Dr Nóra Kelecsényi pointed out that "learning a subject in a foreign language really requires more than just intermediate or even advanced language skills, as the aim is not only for the students to survive these courses, but also to succeed in their studies and acquire skills that will be valuable in their future careers". She emphasised that each subject area has its own specific vocabulary and rules of written communication that need to be mastered in order to read, take notes, study effectively, and pass exams and write one’s thesis.
In addition to the need for appropriate language skills, she stressed the importance of active classroom participation: "Students should express their opinions clearly and accurately, ask questions and present the results of group work in a way that is comprehensible to all". This includes mastering the "language of the classroom" - the specific vocabulary and expressions used in class.
However, the use of English is not limited to the classroom. "In our English groups, Hungarian and international students study together so they have to use English to communicate before, during and after class, whether for academic or social purposes," says Dr Kelecsényi. Many students also communicate with their teachers in English, especially in the presence of their international peers or when writing e-mails together.
As for applications outside the classroom, she added: "Many students plan to study abroad through schemes such as Erasmus+ or Charm-EU, or to work for international companies, either abroad or in Hungary. In these situations, they need to communicate in English with university coordinators, teachers, colleagues, and supervisors". It is therefore essential for them to know the rules of formal English correspondence, email writing, and presentation. "A well-written letter often gets a quicker and more accurate response so these communication skills are often more valuable to employers than subject-specific knowledge that is not necessarily expected of beginners," she stressed.
The Faculty supports students in improving their language and communication skills. "Naturally, we cannot aim to teach all the required skills in one 90-minute class. Instead, we intend to highlight the importance of these skills for successful studies and to introduce methods and online resources that students can use to acquire and refine these skills through continuous self-development," Dr Kelecsényi explained. She hopes that "the interactive nature of the introductory lessons and the immersion in the language will allow students to feel confident in using and improving their English and to experiment with the different methods presented in class".
She concluded by emphasising the Faculty's commitment to the future of its students: "We are dedicated to ensuring that our students are well prepared for whatever challenges they may face in their studies and professional careers.
Photo: Liza Weisz, Gergely Bernáth