In a media-driven world, the English language is an indispensable vehicle for equal-opportunity communication - especially in university studies. Therefore, the University of Applied Sciences Ludwigshafen attaches great importance to the teaching of Business English in almost all study programs.

Due to the increasing number of older students, students who come to our university with a professional qualification, and students who have acquired their university entrance qualification 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 very beginning, these students are not able to start their studies on an equal footing with others, nor are they able to take advantage of foreign language programs and workshops on an equal basis. Out of shame, some of those affected even forgo an urgently needed stay abroad. They are thus clearly disadvantaged and often stigmatized until they graduate.

With the virtual English pre-course E-PREP, the possibility is created to support affected students in a location-independent and barrier-free way and to supplement previous knowledge in the foreign language. The aim of the e-learning tool E-PREP is to teach or refresh the necessary English skills in 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 in video contact.

Mr. Harry Sponheimer

harry.sponheimer@hwg-lu.de