STHI Conference Oberwiesenthal: EAP in Saxony and the Czech Republic

Chemnitz University of Technology:

Student 1:

Because the English language is something I have always liked and I thought I should study what I'm good at instead of studying something that would not make me happy.

Student 2:

I have always liked the English language and when I spent a year in the USA I realized that I wanted to do something with English. During my A-levels I wanted to become a teacher, so I thought I could combine this.

Student 3:

It sounded like something you will have good job opportunities with...but in reality it is different.

Student 4:

I always loved English and I spent a year abroad after school, so I knew that I wanted to study English.

Chemnitz University of Technology:

Student 1:

For me personally, the English literature and history courses were less useful. What I considered as most useful were the courses of the English practical language programme (e.g. academic writing, call, etc.).

Student 2:

As I said before I would like to become an English teacher, therefore I would like to have more courses on teaching methodologies instead of literature and history. In general I think that the practical language courses (ILC, translation, writing) are most useful for the students.

Student 3:

For me, the linguistic courses are most useful; the literature courses are less useful.

Student 4:

For me the most useful courses were translation and TESOL. The least useful courses were cultural encounters and CALL.

University of South Bohemia České Budějovice:
This depends on the teacher, but mostly the atmosphere is friendly. But there are too many students (around 100), about 30 persons per group.

   
Jan Evangelista Purkyně University Ústí nad Labem:

We are only 4 students, and we know each other very well. The relationship to our teachers id very good.

Masaryk University Brno:
Depends on the teacher, but they are usually the nice.

Technical University Liberec:
Most English related subjects feel like a waste of time sometimes as you cannot apply them in school. Syntax is not quite as useful, can't teach it to the children. Literature most useful. Can use it in class.

Chemnitz University of Technology:

Student 1:
It is not necessary, but I would recommend it to everyone studying this subject as employers look for people with working experience. 

Student 2:
No it is not necessary. Only as a part of the TESOL module, we had an obligatory teaching training.

Student 3:
No, it is not necessary for our studies, however, every employer wants you to have working experience.

Student 4:
Internships are possible, but they are only required for the TESOL module.

University of South Bohemia České Budějovice:
An Internship is included for methodology, so for all students who want to become teachers. 

Jan Evangelista Purkyně University Ústí nad Labem:
There is no internship required in the BA programme. However in the 1st year of our MA programme, we have to do internship for 3 weeks, which includes 6 observation hours and 20 teaching hours. In second year of the MA programme we have to do a four- week internship, which includes 30 hours of teaching and observation.

Masaryk University Brno:
We have teaching practice during the semesters.

Technical University Liberec:
Yes, there are internships in form of teaching practice.

Chemnitz University of Technology:

Student 1:
1. For almost all seminars, we usually have to prepare one presentation and write one term paper at the end of the semester. 2. There is lots of group work, especially for the presentations. 3. With regard to homework, assignments, etc. it often feels like school, because the courses are structured like it used to be when I was in school. 

Student 2:
Yes we have many presentations in the course of our studies. We have to give presentations in almost all semesters. We do a lot of group work. For most seminars we have to write term paper at the end of the semester instead of exams. The number of seminars and lectures which require exams is very small.

Student 3:
The seminars often include presentations as a PVL (prerequisite) and term papers as PL (requirement). Working in groups is done very frequently.

Student 4:
Yes, we have to hold presentations and do group work. We usually have to write papers at end of our semesters. The classes are sometimes school like but usually we are treated like adults.

University of South Bohemia České Budějovice:
We have to do many presentations for our seminars, but less group work. Our exams are combinations of written and oral exams. We don’t have to write that much papers at home.

Jan Evangelista Purkyně University Ústí nad Labem:
We have to do many presentations. We do group work and write term papers, but not as much as the students in Chemnitz.

Masaryk University Brno:
We have to do more individual work, especially presentations. We have to hand in our written works during the semester. The oral or written exams are always at end of the semesters. Sometimes we also have a combination of a written and oral exam.

Technical University Liberec:
There are many presentations, discussions and assignments. We have about 5-6 oral exams, but not so many written exams.

Chemnitz University of Technology:

Student 1:
I would love to work in a big company, where I can communicate with people and have the opportunity to develop my skills.

Student 2:
I would love to teach English to adults, maybe at university.

Student 3:
Doing research and development at a university.

Student 4:
I would like to teach English to adults, or being a translator.

University of South Bohemia České Budějovice:
My dream job is working as a translator. 

Jan Evangelista Purkyně University Ústí nad Labem:
Teaching at a primary or secondary school.

Masaryk University Brno:
Working as a teacher.

Technical University Liberec:
I want to work as a teacher.

Chemnitz University of Technology:

Student 1:
I am still not sure about that!

Student 2:
It depends on your specialization modules. I could become a teacher or a translator.

Student 3:
Actually, you have no opportunities if you just rely on your studies. You need to have work experience.

Student 4:
Most of the graduated students from TUC work as teachers in adult education or as translators.

Jan Evangelista Purkyně University Ústí nad Labem:
The job opportunities are very good, but you have to work hard.

Masaryk University Brno:
We can become teachers in private or public schools.

Technical University Liberec:
With our degree we can teach in private and public schools.

Chemnitz University of Technology:

Student 1:

As mentioned before, I don't think the chances are as good, especially because employers are often not familiar with the new degrees (BA, MA).

Student 2:
Our degrees enable us to work in many sectors such as teaching, translating/ interpreting and working as editors.

Student 3:
I think the chances are not good because the students don't have any job related experience to work in the free economy, e.g. in the fields of management, economy or technology.

Student 4:
Teaching, but the studies at TU enables you only to teach adults. If you want to teach in school, you need to study in Leipzig or Dresden, where you can become school teachers.

Masaryk University Brno:
English teachers are needed in our country.

Technical University Liberec:
We have good chances on the job market because English teachers are needed in the Czech Republic.

Chemnitz University of Technology:

Student 1:
It turned out that it is very difficult to find a job with only a Bachelor's degree.

Student 2:
I think the MA degree increases your chances on the job market.

Student 3:
Oh yes definitely, especially if you study languages.

Student 4:
I am not certain. But what I heard so far is that only a BA is not enough.

University of South Bohemia České Budějovice:
Officially, there is no degree needed, but studying helps to be more competent for this type of work.

Jan Evangelista Purkyně University Ústí nad Labem:
Yes, in my opinion it is necessary to have the MA, because everyone is degree-oriented.

Technical University Liberec:
Yes, in order to find a good job it is better to have a MA degree.