The Linguistically Education Center at Lviv Polytechnic was established over a decade ago to enable students to master a foreign language. At first, the emphasis was on English. There were a lot of people willing to learn the language. The Centre focused its activities exclusively on teaching Polytechnic students. Gradually, the functions of the Center expanded and went beyond the University. School graduates and other categories of people who wanted to improve their language skills joined the language learning process. Over time, students were offered courses in German, Polish and Italian. The courses gained popularity among students and spread to a wider audience. There was a time when the Linguistically Education Center organised summer schools for children and language clubs for adults, where people could communicate in an informal atmosphere over a cup of coffee or tea.
– With the outbreak of a full-scale war, says Olha Levytska-Revutska, head of the Linguistically Education Center, the activity of the club’s regulars decreased so there was no need for language clubs. The funding does not allow us to organise children’s summer schools now, because it takes a lot of money to provide children with all-day active recreation and education.
– What are the three pillars of the Centre’s activities today?
– Today, the Linguistically Education Center offers English language courses at all language levels – from A0/A1 to C1/C2. Our students are entrants and those entering a master’s degree program, as well as those who aspire to work or study abroad and want to improve their knowledge to the appropriate level. Another category of students is scientists who intend to obtain an academic title. Based on the agreement concluded between the Representative Office of Oxford University Press, represented by the head G. A. Morris, and the Rector of Lviv Polytechnic National University, we offer them testing on an online platform in two areas: Use of English – grammar and vocabulary and Listening. We have developed course programs depending on the language level a student or scientist has reached. After successfully completing the courses, students, in addition to receiving an upskilling certificate, can take the Oxford Online Placement Test. The test results are recognized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine to receive academic titles of associate professor and professor.
– What about the advantages of the certificate?
– A big plus of the document is that it has no expiration date and is recognized abroad, if there are no other requirements. The certificate is issued in two languages– Ukrainian and English – on the letterhead of Lviv Polytechnic and is confirmed by a seal.
