Knowledge in German: The great opportunity
Internationally oriented courses are increasingly using English as the language of instruction. Why students should definitely have the confidence to do their master’s in another language.
Literature or databases can often only be found and accessed in English. More and more courses are internationalizing – the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences also offers some master’s courses in English. A logical step for managing director Doris Walter: “Everything around us is becoming international, without there being a need for mobility. English is the universal language in social and economic life and brings with it a good degree of cosmopolitanism, especially during studies.” For many of the so-called digital natives, i.e. those adults who grew up with digital technology, English hardly poses a hurdle.
Young and older semesters usually grow into it without any problems
Who can dare to tackle the master’s degree in English? “Everyone,” says Walter and adds: “Technical terms are probably the simplest thing. Anyone who is interested in a topic or has already worked it in quite well will already be familiar with many of the expressions.” As the mother of a daughter who is currently doing her medical studies in English, she says: “It’s so natural for the boys, they are convinced that they can do it.” or smartphone, are most used to dealing with media and accessing content in other languages on the Internet. “The challenge can be greater for older semesters who are considering part-time studies in English. But experience shows us that they, too, adapt quickly and stay on the ball.”
From Human-Computer Interaction to Innovation and Management in Tourism, the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences offers several courses that are exclusively taught in English. “Tourism is predestined for this,” says Walter. After all, students would gain more and more confidence in a foreign language the more intensively they use it. In the working world, this benefits guests from near and far. Today, every course of study therefore includes English-language modules and courses. Multimedia art, multimedia technology, wood technology or smart building on the campus in Kuchl – “everything international needs this knowledge,” she says.
English tested as the sole language of instruction
Speaking of what is on offer: the English-language degree programs are not just aimed at Austrians, but at those with a thirst for knowledge from all over the world. The master’s degree in tourism at the Urstein campus already includes people from up to 42 different nations. Walter Salzburg as a beautiful city with great surroundings. That’s why such offers are real magnets that bring students to the FH. “In addition, it is a huge advantage if people learn early on how to deal with the different international needs and learn how to deal with each other and work together.”
A look at the educational landscape in and around Salzburg shows that, in addition to the local university of applied sciences, the Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences and the University of Salzburg are increasingly working with English as the sole language of instruction in their master’s degrees. Technology and innovation are ideal for this, but also sales and marketing, media or sustainability topics.
And what about trends? In economics in particular, more and more non-German-language courses are emerging. As a world language, English is – and has been for a long time – a basic requirement for qualified jobs, advancement and management positions for many employers. Not least for this reason, FH Salzburg Managing Director Doris Walter points out that the English-language offers in Tennengau are to be expanded in the future – and that the company’s own employees are also repeatedly supported with further training or participation in international projects and research.