Corvinus’s statement on the reasons for the changes affecting the teaching of foreign-languages
The leadership of Corvinus University of Budapest has decided to reshape the language education system offered by the university. Starting from the upcoming spring semester, the Foreign Language Education and Research Centre will focus its resources on English and German language training, as well as the teaching of Hungarian as a foreign language.
Data on the utilisation of language courses shows that only about 7% of students take courses in languages other than English, German, and Hungarian as a foreign language, most of them at beginner level, i.e. a level that does not allow to hold a regular discussion, to learn or to work in the other language. Given the fact the University fully acknowledges the importance to learn other languages than English or German, the leadership commits to find creative and effective solutions to support students in learning the language of their choice. In the near future, Corvinus will provide access to new language learning opportunities through the following channels.
In Budapest, it will secure cooperation partnerships with other universities and with cultural institutes or embassies, securing a more immersive learning experience. This model is already in place for Portuguese language teaching, in collaboration with the Portuguese embassy, and for Arabic and Chinese languages with external lecturers.
In the field of international mobility, the university supports its students in selecting their exchange or double degree destination according to their goal of learning a foreign language. For instance, an exchange or a double degree at a French, Spanish or Italian partner university allows the outgoing student to acquire credits in English while taking French, Spanish or Italian language courses and becoming fully integrated into local communities – a highly effective way to learn a language. Corvinus has 170 top quality partners worldwide, enabling its students to benefit from this rich and engaging learning experience.
The change will affect less than ten language teachers. The university leadership aims to find a fair, supportive, and acceptable arrangement for all parties involved, working together with the teachers.
The reason why English and German languages are maintained is related to the massive demand for such languages by Corvinus students. It also witnesses the observed preferences by the Hungarian students currently learning abroad through a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Out of the 18 thousand Hungarian students registered abroad, the vast majority is located in Germany, Austria (both with courses delivered in German), The Netherlands, the UK and Denmark (all with courses delivered in English).
The detailed design of the new language education structure is currently underway. The leadership of Corvinus is in discussions with the Student Union, informal student organisations, and the staff of the Language Centre to reach an agreement on an efficient and sustainable operational model that will be acceptable to all stakeholders.
For students in the International Business and International Relations bachelor’s programmes, proficiency in a second language is a key requirement. For those students who have already begun to meet this requirement, Corvinus will continue to offer the opportunity to study the language they have started, at the appropriate level, during the spring semester.
As a business, economics, and social sciences university, it is Corvinus’ responsibility to support students in acquiring the language skills necessary for their professional growth, thus providing access to relevant academic literature and advanced professional languages. The opportunities for students to explore foreign languages, cultures, academic, and professional communities will continue to expand year by year.