FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE: A CHALLENGE IN HEALTHCARE EDUCATION AND PRACTICE

This paper describes the methodology and findings of a project to design and develop an online English language program for healthcare including intercultural needs. The project is an ERASMUS+ 2014 project, where organisations from seven different countries are participating: Tecnalia Research & Innovation (SP), Pro-Kompetenz (DE), Klaipėda University (LT), Palacký University (CZ), The Slovak Medical University (SK), FIT-The ICT Pipeline (IE) and English in Medical Practice Association (PL). The consortium brings together language training departments of higher education centres dedicated to the training of medical and care staff. As common challenge, the partners have identified the lack of a modular, adequate, homogeneous, media supported training programme, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR) standards to satisfy demands of learner-centred formal and informal learning approaches for the English levels B1/B2 and development of intercultural competences for training centres and learning at the workplace. The aim of the project was first to investigate how to overcome the inadequate situation to use self-made materials composed of different sources, producing a free and high-quality reference material for the English education for healthcare students and professionals in European countries, based on the experience and needs from institutions that really work on the subject and know the gaps. Secondly, it is commonly recognized that foreign language/intercultural competences contribute to better recognition on the European labour market, especially among healthcare professionals. The project’s aim is to overcome linguistic barriers and improve chances for students, medical and care professionals for active efficient use of the potentials that the European community offers for learning and working. The project will finish by September 2017 offering innovative linguistic support in the area of English for Medical Purposes by providing an easily accessible, flexible and media assisted learning programme to those who wish to volunteer, carry out specialist trainings, study or work professionally in English speaking healthcare environment. The project’s final products are: learning content which uses ICT-based methodologies that directly addresses needs of the target groups in both formal learning arrangement and flexible, self-paced informal learning settings, a free learning platform for informal and personalized learning, exchange forum and content that can be used on mobile devices, a free app for android mobile devices, the content of professional English in healthcare (nursing in particular) specified according to CEFR, media based content for speaking and listening practice based on CEFR, and tailored, tested, professional and intercultural modular content, including development of intercultural competence.