The TEFE A+ BIP programme, designed as a preparatory course for international teaching practice of future English language teachers, followed the methodology of the TEFE Consortium – TEFE Framework for the Internationalisation of Teaching Practice and Employability. This framework was published last year by Comenius University Bratislava and is available at https://tefe.online and also in the online catalogue of the Slovak National Library TEFE Framework for the Internationalisation of Teaching Practice and Employability 2020-2023 (uniba.sk). Educators from six partner universities of the TEFE consortium led the training of TEFE A+ BIP participants. On behalf of the Faculty of Arts, University of South Bohemia, the programme was organised by the Department of English Studies.
The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) represents an innovative approach within the Erasmus+ programme, offering international short-term intensive courses with innovative teaching elements that combine physical and virtual learning. A prerequisite for BIP programmes is the involvement of a minimum of three higher education institutions from three different Erasmus+ programme countries.
The TEFE A+ BIP České Budějovice, implemented as part of the University of South Bohemia's 2023-1-CZ01-KA131-HED-000124019 project, connects, in addition to the University of South Bohemia, five other TEFE A+ universities: Aston University, Birmingham (UK), Comenius University in Bratislava (SK), Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest (HU), Public University of Navarra, Pamplona (SP), and University of Passau (GE). Launched virtually on 15th February, the programme introduced participants to the TEFE methodology, objectives, and programme details, enabling them to collaborate in international teams.
The main objectives of the BIP include:
- Strengthening inter-institutional cooperation at both central and faculty levels;
- Promoting international multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary programmes;
- Developing new courses in the form of combined mobilities;
- Introducing innovative teaching, training, and study methods;
- Offering modules or programmes in English that build on and enhance existing degree programmes.
Running as part of the three-year TEFE A+ project, the TEFE A+ BIP programme focuses on innovating and internationalising English language teacher education programmes. It is practically oriented and aims to increase the professional experience of future English teachers, with all training and collaboration conducted with the goal of establishing international teaching practice as a standard component of teacher education programmes.
The first TEFE A+ BIP was held under the auspices of the Faculty of Arts at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, with subsequent editions to be hosted by the University of Passau (Germany) and the Public University of Navarra (Spain). The TEFE A+ BIP České Budějovice programme welcomed a total of 30 student teachers of English and teacher educators.
The programme's opening ceremony was attended by Vice Dean for Foreign Affairs, PhDr. Pavel Král, Ph.D., who introduced the Faculty of Arts and discussed current directions in foreign cooperation. This was followed by a detailed presentation of the BIP programme and the commencement of work activities in international working groups. The opening day concluded with a performance by the TEFE A+ music trio composed of Alena Prošková (violin), Matthias Fuchs (oboe), and Tomáš Jajtner (composition and piano).
Conducted at the Faculty of Arts of the University of South Bohemia in a hybrid format, the entire BIP teaching programme was supported also by students of the TESOL study programme from Aston University and colleagues from partner TEFE universities. Participants explored key professional competences, their development, and self-assessment opportunities, focusing on Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC), Global Civic Competence (GCC), and Professional Teaching Competence for Internationalisation (PTCI).
An excursion to Třebon took place on Wednesday afternoon, providing participants with insights into the history and culture of South Bohemia. On Thursday, participants observed English language classes at selected schools in České Budějovice, attending a total of 15 lessons at six different schools followed by detailed group reflections led by colleagues from Aston University.
Special thanks are extended to the schools and to the teacher mentors who have facilitated the teaching sessions and over the past few years supported the idea of the TEFE project, contributing to the gradual development of international teaching practicums. Namely:
- Episcopal Grammar School of J.N. Neumann, Jirsíkova 5/ 420, České Budějovice – Mgr. Marko Jandrić
- Grammar School Česká, Česká 142/64 – Mgr. Žaneta Jirsová
- Business Academy Husova 1, Husova tř. 1849/1, České Budějovice – Mgr. Pavla Figurová a Mgr. Daniela Pokorná
- Secondary Vocation School of Business, Husova tř. 1846/9 – Mgr. Žaneta Jirsová
- Higher Vocational School, Secondary Technical School of Automotive Industry and Technologies, Skuherského 1274, Mgr. Tereza Melhubová
- Primary school and Kindergarten Kubatova, Kubatova 2202/1 – Mgr. Barbora Novotná, Mgr. Hana Davidová, Mgr. Lukáš Pojsl
The final day of the programme, scheduled for 22nd March 2024, will feature group presentations developed as part of the "TEFE A+ Ambassadors Poster" activity and a final evaluation session led by Aston University, UK.
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