In a media-driven world, the English language is an indispensable vehicle for equal opportunity communication - especially in university life. For this reason, the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society attaches great importance to teaching Business English in almost all degree programs.

Due to the increasing proportion of older students, students who come to our university via a professional qualification and students who have obtained their qualification for university entrance abroad, the number of first-semester students who do not have the necessary prior knowledge of English due to their educational history is currently growing.

From the outset, these students are unable to start their studies on an equal footing with others and are unable to take advantage of foreign language programs and workshops on an equal footing. Out of shame, some of those affected even forego an urgently needed stay abroad. This puts them at a clear disadvantage and they are often stigmatized until they graduate.

The virtual English pre-course E-PREP creates the opportunity to support affected students in a location-independent and barrier-free way and to supplement their previous knowledge of the foreign language. The aim of the e-learning tool E-PREP is to teach or refresh the necessary English skills through self-study, if possible before the start of studies, at the latest in the first semester. In addition, so-called counseling sessions are offered, in which students' questions can be clarified via video contact.

Mr. Harry Sponheimer

harry.sponheimer@hwg-lu.de