NEOLAiA

How can teaching in English become more engaging, inclusive, and accessible? And how can instructors be supported in creating international learning environments? The new Language Assistant Exchange Program (LAEP), launched within the framework of the NEOLAiA alliance, aims to answer exactly these questions.

This semester, Bielefeld University welcomed its first two language assistants from partner universities within the NEOLAiA network: Nissrine Lamdardar from the University of Jaén in Spain and Vendula Prágrová from the University of Ostrava in the Czech Republic. During their three-month placements, they worked closely with faculty members teaching in English while gaining valuable international experience themselves.

Supporting English-Medium Instruction
The Language Assistant Exchange Program offers faculty members teaching disciplinary or professional courses in English the opportunity to collaborate with an English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI)-trained language assistant from one of NEOLAiA’s partner universities.

Throughout the semester, the assistants worked alongside instructors to refine course materials, observed classes and provided feedback on teaching methods, and helped develop activities and assignments that allowed all students the chance to participate. The goal is to strengthen English-medium instruction while creating more interactive and student-centered learning environments. “The collaboration has benefitted both instructors and students by fostering more engaging, inclusive, and interactive learning environments while strengthening confidence and effectiveness in teaching through English,” says Grace Dolcini from NEOLAiA Work Package 7, which coordinates the program. 



Following the success of the initiative, the Language Assistant Exchange Program will continue over the next three semesters, providing ongoing opportunities for faculty to request the support of a language assistant in their courses. 

Learning Across Educational Systems
For Nissrine Lamdardar, joining the LAEP program was an opportunity to combine academic interests with the exploration of new cultural and educational environments. 

“I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Turkiye before moving to Spain, and that has allowed me to get familiarised with the educational systems of both countries. Through LAEP, I believed I would have the chance to further broaden my knowledge and gain insight into another educational system, particularly at the higher education level,” she explains. 

One of the most valuable aspects of her stay was supporting EMI courses across different disciplines. “I gained experience supporting EMI courses by assisting professors in subjects outside my field and helping students understand the content and communicate in English. I also learned how to design and lead engaging activities at the university level. This improved my teaching skills and my confidence in diverse language and culture classrooms.” 

For Vendula Prágrová from the University of Ostrava, the program offered an opportunity to gain experience, learn something new, meet new people, and get to know a different culture. Among the most valuable professional experiences she gained were “working with different types of people, being honest, saying no, leading for the full 90 minutes of a class, [and] time management.” 

More Than an Academic Placement
Beyond the professional and academic experiences, both participants highlight the people they met during their stay as one of the most rewarding aspects of the program.

For Nissrine, the welcoming atmosphere at Bielefeld University stood out in particular. “My highlight of the experience was meeting the people who teach, work, and study at the university, as well as those I met in the city. Bielefeld University has a very welcoming atmosphere and many opportunities to connect and build meaningful bonds with others, which I truly appreciated.”

She also enjoyed discovering the city itself: “Bielefeld is a beautiful city, surrounded by nature, which made my stay even more special and enjoyable.”

Both participants would readily recommend the program to other students. Nissrine describes it as “a great way to grow professionally, build confidence, and better understand how higher education works in a different context than yours.” Vendula agrees: “It’s an experience like no other that will help you grow professionally.”

Looking Ahead
Following the successful pilot phase, the Language Assistant Exchange Program will continue over the coming semesters. The next assistant will arrive from the University of Nicosia in September and remain at Bielefeld University until mid-December. 

Faculty members interested in strengthening their English-medium teaching can already contact the program team to arrange collaboration opportunities for the winter semester. The program is also currently seeking a Bielefeld University student to spend three months at the University of Ostrava as a language assistant this autumn. Bachelor’s and Master’s students interested in the opportunity are encouraged to get in touch with Grace Dolcini as soon as possible. 

The LEAP Assistant Program demonstrates how European cooperation can have a direct impact in the classroom: by bringing together new perspectives, international experience, and innovative approaches to teaching and learning.