Programme description
Related pages
Erasmus Intensive Language Courses are one of the activities of Erasmus, which is part of the Lifelong Learning Programme. The EILC give Erasmus students visiting countries for studies and placements the opportunity to study specific languages with the aim of being better prepared for the Erasmus mobility period abroad.
EILC are specialised courses in the less widely used and less taught languages organised in the countries where these languages are used. The students coming to those countries as exchange students usually study in English language, however it is assumed that basics of the language will help students in everyday life.
The EILC takes place in all countries despite the countries where the official language is: English, French, German or Spanish.
Goals of the courses are to teach students to communicate in the target language in everyday situations and learn about the culture of the country. Therefore, beginner level and intermediate level are usually offered.
The courses are also including various cultural and social activities to help students get to know the country, where they will spend several months of his life, and its inhabitants.
EILC are designed for students who is going to spend their Erasmus studies or internship in the given country in the certain academic year. It is not necessary that student attend the course at the same institution as will be his/ her host university.
The courses last from two to six weeks (with a minimum of 60 teaching hours in total, and at least 15 teaching hours a week). They are held in the period of July-September (summer / autumn courses) and January-February (winter courses). The course must be attended always before the semester/ intership, a part of it can take place at the same time as the semester, however it cannot be after the stay on the host institution. Attending the course is possible only once.
The course participants should acquire basic communication skills in Czech language, i.e. after completing the course participants should be able to understand simple texts, react in real life situations and communicate in Czech (meeting/greeting others, orientation in the city, travel arrangements, shopping, doctor’s visit, etc.). We believe these skills (corresponding to the levels A1/A2 of the CEFR) would be helpful to the students during their further stay in the Czech Republic and would be a good base for their potential further Czech language studies.
Application are done thru the home institutions. The courses are free and students can obtain Erasmus scholarship for the period of stay.
For more general information and details about EILC visit the webpage of The European Commision. Specific information about the courses are to be found on the website of The National Agency for European Educational Programmes (NAEP).
EILC at the University of Economics, Prague
University of Economics, Prague is proud to have an opportunity to organize Erasmus Intensive Language Courses for the two times already (in August 2011 and 2012). As an institution we have long-time experience in running preparatory language courses.
The EILC for the fall semester 2013/2014 will be held from August 5, 2013 till August 23, 2013. There will be two groups of student, each consisting of 15 students maximum. The University of Economics is not having EILC course for the spring semester. All students of the EILC have reserved place at the dormitories.
During the course, each class should meet 2-3 language teachers focused on different areas of language and using different learning/teaching methods. Each class would also be given at least one specific lecture on Czech culture and history (to be held by our university teachers). During the whole course, two members of the International Office administrative staff will be available for course participants and teachers/lecturers. Further personal assistance to the course participants will be offered by the student organisation ESN VŠE Praha – Buddy System that is known for providing perfect support services to all international students at VSE.
Course participants have a rich accompanying programme. There are several specific lectures on Czech culture and history held by VŠE teacher. Students visit main architectonic and cultural sites in Prague, some important Czech institutions and interesting tourism areas near Prague. An important part of the course programme would consist of field trips and other cultural events (to be organised mainly in the afternoons). Namely, the following trips should be included: guided tour through Prague, a half-day trip to Kutná Hora or another historical Czech town, a visit to one of the traditional Czech breweries, a “City Rally”: a student competition with quiz questions about the Czech Republic and its inhabitants and special tasks to be completed in Prague city centre. As for other types of cultural activities, e.g., last year we invited the course participants to see a Czech film with English subtitles (Lidice) and were happy to see positive reactions from students.
University of Economics, Prague is planning to open one additional course for students not eligible for EILC or those who will not get place at EILC. For more information see here.
For detailed information see our online brochure or visit the information sheet the website of the Czech National Agency – The National Agency for European Educational Programmes (NAEP).
Where next:
