[lg policy] Language Policy of European University, Cyprus

[Harold Schiffman]

 Language Policy

The official languages in Cyprus are Greek and Turkish, but English is
widely used.  European University Cyprus offers programs of study in
English and/or Greek and encourages student and staff mobility.



*Language of instruction at EUC*


About half of the degree programs are offered in English. The rest of the
degrees are offered in Greek, whereas some of these are offered in both
languages.



Programs offered in English require that the students possess an academic
level of English. To indicate whether their English proficiency is up to
the university’s expected standard, students take the university’s English
Placement Test (EPT) prior to the beginning of classes. Applicants who have
passed either the TOEFL examination with a minimum score of 550 (213
computer-based, 79 Internet-based), English IGCSE with grade ‘C’ or above,
or IELTS with a score of 6.5 or above are exempt from the EPT. Other
external exams are accepted as equivalent (see Conversion Table for EUC
English courses).


For students who need to improve their English, the EPT result will
indicate the level of English language at which they are placed in their
first semester. There are four levels/semester courses of English, from A1
to B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), that offer
English language support so that students will improve their competence in
English and meet course requirements for their programs. Students are
expected to successfully complete all levels of English language courses
required by their degree. The English language courses that are
prerequisites to the degree courses count as elective courses and are not
charged extra to the overall degree cost.

Some introductory courses are offered in both Greek and English. In this
way, local first year students who enroll on an English-medium degree, but
still need to improve their English language skills, have the opportunity
to take some courses in Greek, until their competence in English reaches an
academic level. In parallel, these students acquire oral and written
proficiency in both Greek and English.



Programs offered in Greek usually require completion of a number of English
language courses. These may include general English, English for specific
purposes (e.g. English for Nursing) or academic English.



For students interested in the Erasmus exchange program, the minimum
English language level required for student mobility is B2.



*Orientation Program / EPT preparation*


Before the beginning of each academic year, EUC organizes an Orientation
Program for all students. The program’s goal is the smooth integration of
new students into student life by introducing the university facilities,
operations, academic system, advising system etc.  The Orientation Program
lasts for two weeks and, among others, it includes a series of EPT
preparation sessions which are offered free of charge to all students.



Moreover, as of September 2013, an intensive four-week Modern Greek
language program will be introduced within the framework of the Erasmus
program (Lifelong Learning).



*European Languages*


In addition to English and Modern Greek language courses, EUC offers
language courses in French, German and Spanish. There are four levels/
semester courses for each language.



*Staff*


Teaching staff, either local or incoming, should be able to communicate and
teach either in English and/or in Greek.  Exchange program participants are
welcome to attend the introductory levels of English and Greek language
courses offered at the university.



*Documents*


In order for the university to be visible internationally, documents such
as websites and informative brochures about the university are primary
available in English.  Much of this material also appears in Greek, while
some documents are published in Russian.



*Research*


EUC aims at disseminating research findings to society. Faculty members and
researchers are expected to contribute to an international research
environment by presenting papers at international conferences and
publishing their research in international scholarly journals. To this end,
most academic presentations are delivered and publications are written in
English.
 http://www.euc.ac.cy/easyconsole.cfm/id/2234


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