Ensuring the teaching of educational programs in English is one of the tasks of the Strategic Development Plan of Lviv Polytechnic. The First Vice-Rector Oleh Matviikiv told how this process is ensured at our University.
– Teaching disciplines in English contributes to the international recognition of the University, as well as its integration into the international educational space. In the period of globalization, these are important factors for raising the international rankings of the university, attracting international students to higher education and developing the academic mobility of students and academic staff. Understanding such trends in the internationalization of higher education, our University for several years has been encouraging the research and teaching staff of Departments to expand the use of English in educational and research activities.
At present, the University has approved 25 educational programs (7 bachelor’s and 18 master’s), which can be studied in English. This year 6 English-language educational programs at the bachelor’s degree and 5 master’s degree programs have been introduced.
In addition to fully English-language educational programs, Polytechnic also has some professional disciplines in a foreign (English) language as part of Ukrainian-language educational programs. In total, 139 disciplines are taught in English at our University, which is approximately 1.7 percent of the total number. These disciplines involve lectures, workshops and seminars in English, as well as preparation and semester assessment. According to the Regulations on Financial Incentives, University teachers receive a premium for teaching a discipline in a foreign language.
Therefore, Polytechnic students can master both the professional discipline and improve their English language skills, and teachers can broaden their knowledge of a foreign language, which gives the opportunity to get additional practice of communication in English on professional topics. Experience shows that such research and teaching staff are more actively involved in international conferences and apply for international competitions and grants, which contributes to the growth of the international image of Lviv Polytechnic.