# From Pilots to Practice: Building EU4Dual Language Learning Co-operation - Savonia AMK

> EU4DUAL is developing language learning and teaching from pilot projects into well-established practices.

## Introduction
The EU4Dual alliance and its partners’ co-operation has been a success in many ways. Over the past two years, co-teaching and learning pilots have been created to support diverse language-study options for the alliance’s target groups. These pilots aim to strengthen participants' skills in the world of work, not just linguistic skills, while supporting student and staff mobility.

## Co-teaching Experiments
The co-teaching experiment was carried out in spring 2025 between students from Koszalin University of Technology in Poland and Savonia UAS. In total, 28 students participated to gain experience in international virtual teamwork.

The course involved three online meetings where teams solved self-chosen case tasks. Teams were required to organize their activities independently and record meetings to demonstrate face-to-face online communication. The project concluded with a final webinar where teams presented their solutions.

Student feedback was highly positive, noting that the experience prepared them for working life and helped them overcome challenges like technical issues and scheduling. Due to this success, the implementation was repeated in March-April 2026, with plans to continue in Spring 2027.

## HR Benchmarking Bootcamp
The HR Benchmarking Bootcamp (Autumn 2024) brought together HR professionals from Finland, Germany, and Poland. Facilitated by a Savonia language teacher and an HR specialist, the bootcamp provided an intensive learning experience focused on sharing HR practices in English.

Participants received personal feedback on their English communication, supported by preparatory tasks and "coaching cards." The goal was to build confidence in English interaction regardless of the participant's starting level. Feedback highlighted peer learning and increased confidence as key benefits, leading to plans for future improvements in group formation based on skill levels.

## Language Learning Portal
A Language Learning Portal is currently under development for EU4DUAL. It aims to provide:
* Information on online and face-to-face language courses.
* Language-learning materials for general and field-specific purposes.
* Connections to the "Languages and Cultures in Tandem" programme.
* Resources for teachers to find partners for virtual cooperation.

The portal is scheduled for launch in Summer 2026.

## Virtual Tandem Programme
A fully virtual Tandem programme is being developed to leverage the alliance's diverse European language and cultural areas. Based on the "Each one teach one" method, the programme will utilize the Moodle platform for discussions and sharing materials. It is designed for both students and staff, with the first implementation planned for the 2026-2027 academic year.

## Blended Intensive Programs (BIP)
Savonia UAS and RheinMain UAS (Germany) have piloted a BIP focusing on intercultural communication for two years. In Spring 2026, this cooperation expanded to include Koszalin University of Technology (Poland) and Mondragon University (Spain). The next BIP is scheduled for 2027 in Koszalin, with Savonia UAS hosting in 2028.

## Conclusion
Language learning is essential for global working contexts. The cooperation enabled by EU4Dual provides added value to students, professionals, and the world of work by increasing confidence, fostering multicultural teamwork, and building international networks.

## References
* Hyrkstedt, I. & Viklund, P. 4.2.2025. 2-in-1 – HR Benchmarking Bootcamp: HR-käytänteiden ja -osaamisen jakamista englannin suullista kielitaitoa vahvistaen. Savonia-amk.
* Hyrkstedt, I. 2025. EU4DUAL-koulutuspilotilla potkua yritysten henkilöstön osaamisen ja verkostoitumisen edistämiseen. Toolilainen -Tekniikan ammattikorkeakouluopettajien järjestölehti 2, s. 22-23.
* Pietilä, A.-M., Savela, S. & Suhonen I.-M. 2024. Monikulttuurisuustaitojen harjoittelu osana kielten opintoja. Savonia-amk.
* Räisänen, I. & Leskinen J. 2024. Successful cross-cultural communication at Savonia. Savonia-amk.
* Stankiewicz-Majkowska, J. & Hyrkstedt, I. 2025. Internationalisation and work life skills across the Baltic Sea: Kut – Savonia COIL project in language learning. European Scientific Journal of Dual Higher Education, 1, 1, s. 35-55.
* Suhonen, I.-M. & Mylläri, A. 2026. Learn Language and Culture in Tandem – ystävyyttä, kielitaitoa ja kulttuurienvälistä ymmärrystä. Savonia-amk.
* The European Dual Studies University 2025.