STHI Conference Oberwiesenthal: EAP in Saxony and the Czech Republic

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Interview question for students:

I. University Setting/Syllabus:

1. Is studying English favoured?

2. What expectations did you have of your studies, and to what extant were they met?

3. What were the requirements for admission to your studies? Was there a numerous clausus?

4. Which courses of your studies do you consider most and less useful?

5. How is the learning atmosphere in your lectures/seminars?

6. Are there many tutorials or optional courses offered in your studies? If yes, do you attend them regularly?

7. Is the number of lectures and seminars balanced? Which one do you prefer?

8. Does your university have 2 different English departments (pedagogical, philosophical faculties)? Do you think this is useful?

9. Do you think your studies are more theoretically or practically oriented?

10. How would you describe the relation between you and your lecturers?

11. Can you specialise in certain fields such as linguistics or literature? If yes, which one did you choose? Why?

12. Do you have to pay student fees? If yes, how much is it?

13. What about regular attendance?

14. Do you have to work apart from your studies?

15. Would you like to continue your studies (M.A./PhD)? Why, why not?

16. How demanding are your studies (workload, schedule)?

17. Would you say your faculty is organized and that all courses work out?

18. Is it necessary to do internships next to your studies or is the programme at your university practically oriented?

19. Is a semester abroad included in your programme?
    - If not, would you appreciate it, and why?

20. Can you combine English and American Studies with another subject?
    - If so, which one would/have you pick/ed, and why?

II. During the semester

1. How is the content of your seminars/lectures?

   - What about presentations?

   - Is there a lots of group work?

   - Do you have to write papers at the end of each semester or exams?

   - How are the classes structured (like in school)?

2. How is the marking at your university?

3. Do you study one major subject or combined subjects?

4. Do you study basic and core modules? How many options can you choose from?

5. What about deadlines? Are your professors/instructors strict with deadlines and formalities (referencing, plagiarism, etc.)?

III. Student Views on their university

1. Why did you choose to study English and American Studies?

2. And why at your home university?

3. Would you recommend your home university to others?

IV. Career Perspectives/Employment sector

1. What is your dream job?

2. What is your major in your studies?

3. Why did you choose to study English?

4. Do you think that your chances on the job market increase with a university degree?

5. What job opportunities do you have with your university degree?

6. What areas do you want to work in? What are the intended fields of work for graduates of your program?

7. Which chances of employment do students of English and American Studies have in the Czech Republic?

8. Do you want to stay in the Czech Republic or go abroad after graduating?

V. Degrees

1. When were the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs introduced to your university and what do you think about that? (Did you prefer the previous system?)

2. Is it necessary to have a Master’s degree to find employment or is a Bachelor’s degree enough?

3. Can you earn a PhD at your university?

4. Do most students leave university after having completed their B.A. or do they go on to do their Masters? Why?

VI. Requirements

1. What about admission limits (numerus clausus, qualification in Latin)?  

2. Has the program gained in popularity? More students?

VII. Differences

1. Do you feel that there are pronounced differences between Czech and German students?

Questions to Lecturers

I. University setting:

1. What makes your programme special? Why do/should students choose your English Studies programme?

2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of your program?

3. How many students enrol each semester? Is that a success for the program?

4. Has the program gained in popularity? More students?

5. Which branches of the English studies program (linguistics, literature, cultural) do you think are most relevant for employment chances?

II. “Special offers”

1. Is a semester abroad included in your program?

2. Are internships included in your program?

III. Employment sector

1. What areas do your graduates work in? What are the intended fields of work for graduates of your program?

2. Do you see your students remaining in the country or leave to work abroad?

3. Why do you think did your students choose to study English?

4. Do you think that the chances on the job market increase with a university degree?

5. What job opportunities do you think your students have with/ without an university degree?

6. Is studying English favoured?

7. How is the learning atmosphere in your lectures/seminars?

8. Are there many tutorials or optional courses offered for your students? Do the students attend them regularly?

9. Is the number of lectures and seminars balanced? Which one do you prefer?

10. Do you think studying English at your university is more theoretically or practically oriented?

11. Is an internship or a semester abroad obligatory?

12. How strict are you regarding deadlines?

13. How would you describe the relation between you and your students?

14. Can your students specialise in certain fields such as linguistics or literature? If yes, which one are favoured?

15. Do you have the feeling that your students are overstrained in their studies?

16. Would you like to have more students to continue with their studies (M.A./PhD)?

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