ELI-Incubator
The ELI Inkubator project was realized at Brandenburg Univeristy of Applied Sciences (THB) in 2024 and 2025 and was funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as part of the UAS.International programme.
The project's primary objective was to significantly enhance the internationalisation of existing degree programmes, thereby making them more appealing to international (exchange) students. Additionally, it aimed to equip THB students with not only subject-specific knowledge but also English-language and intercultural skills. As part of the expansion of the English-language teaching programme, the efficacy of various didactic models, cooperative teaching formats with international university partners and digital processes was evaluated and integrated. In the long term, the project sought to enhance the quality and scope of the English-language teaching programme to strengthen its internationally and regionally competitiveness, thereby facilitating further development steps.
In order to extend the scope of English-language instruction, English-language teaching increments (ELIs) were developed. ELIs are self-contained, readily deployable teaching modules of varying scope, which contribute to the internationalisation of the university curriculum as a whole. The development of ELIs occured in stages.
- ELI Basic: English-language components in German-language courses
- ELI Classic: courses taught in English
- ELI Digital Exchange: ELI Classic, in conjunction with virtual collaboration with an overseas partner university.
- ELI Mobility: The ELI Digital Exchange is to be combined with a physical exchange with an international partner university.
The selection of ELIs to be developed was carried out in accordance with a systematic, transparent and criteria-based voting process. Faculty members were invited to submit proposals for ELIs. The selection decision wasmade in close consultation with the heads of the departments and took the following criteria into account: The relevance of the ELI for students, the selection processes for students and skills development, the availability of resources, the integration into existing degree programmes, the practical relevance and applicability, the innovation potential, the sustainability, and the involvement of international partner universities are all taken into account.
The implementation of selected ELIs were supported by
- Didactic and operational support for faculty and teaching staff
- Establishment of digital processes in internationalisation
- Networking and communication with international partner universities
- Exchange with the practice network of the THB
The ELI-Inkubator project was designed to enhance the internationalisation of course offerings at our university through three primary initiatives:
- Strategic Alignment and Development: The project aimed to align the development of English-language courses with the university's strategic goals. This approach ensured that internationalisation efforts are not only integrated into the university’s framework but are also pursued in a coordinated and strategic manner.
- Criteria-Based Selection Process: A criteria-based selection process for English Language Initiatives (ELIs) was introduced to foster a university-wide, coordinated process for the sustainable advancement of international education. This process aimed to embed internationalisation as a core, long-term objective. It served not only to increase the number of English-language courses but also to strengthen the institutional foundation for internationalisation.
- Expansion and Innovation in Teaching: The development of English-language courses within the ELI-Inkubator allowed for increased course offerings and explores new teaching methods. This initiative systematically promoted English as a teaching language, thereby enhancing the university’s appeal as an international partner. The incubator setting provided a controlled environment to test innovative didactic concepts and develop frameworks for potential English-language degree programs.
Additionally, the project emphasized sustainable and efficient internationalisation through the promotion of digital teaching formats and the establishment of digital processes. The integration of digital components and virtual cooperation with international partners aimed to make internationalisation ecologically and financially sustainable, while also enhancing the Internationalisation@Home experience for students. These digital advancements provided faculty and staff with the tools necessary for the effective design and implementation of ELIs.
For further information on the project, please contact:
Anika Kettelhake
Academic Staff for Strategic Internationalisation
T +49 3381 355-816
anika.kettelhake@th-brandenburg.de