Services for all the university lecturers and staff

Anyone from level B1 can improve their English in general language courses taught on a weekly basis.

See here for current information on the courses on offer and how to register. If you have any questions, please contact Christine Heinrich.

Carly McLaughlin offers flexible, one-on-one consultations for staff by appointment, providing tailored support on all aspects of communicating, teaching or research in English. Areas of support include:

For teaching staff

• Preparing teaching materials in English (slides, handouts, assignment instructions)
• Communication with students in English (via email / in person)
• Giving feedback in English

For administrative and support staff

• Written communication with students in English
• Basic service English: Helping with common IT, library, or equipment issues
• Explaining rules or procedures
• Intercultural encounters: handling misunderstandings, conflicts, difficult situations in English

For researchers and university management

• Chairing or participating in international meetings / conferences
• Presenting in English (conferences, partner universities)

Time and date are arranged on an individual basis via email. Queries should be directed to Carly McLaughlin (carly.mclaughlin@th-wildau.de).

Our new workshop series supports all university staff in communicating effectively in English in an international environment. Tailored group sessions for teaching staff, administrative staff, management, and support staff focus on practical communication skills and intercultural awareness in English — from writing clear emails and giving feedback to handling front-desk conversations, leading international meetings, and navigating multicultural classrooms. Each interactive 3-hour workshop combines hands-on practice with useful strategies for everyday university life. Each workshop will cover relevant key vocabulary and phrases, and give participants to discuss case studies and practice specific scenarios with role-plays, and discuss best practices.

Future workshops

Contact Martin Bradbeer at the Language Centre if you are interested in attending a workshop or organising a workshop for you and your team. Let us know if you have any specific suggestions for topics you would like a workshop on.

Amongst others, possible topics include:

For administrative and service staff

• English for everyday
  • Helping students in IT, library, labs

• Explaining procedures and rules in plain English
• Breaking down complex instructions step by step
  • “Safety & Emergency English”
  • Case studies: handling cultural misunderstandings

For university management

• Chairing meetings in English
• Presenting TH Wildau internationally
  • Storytelling & pitching in English
  • Adapting to academic vs. business audiences
• Intercultural leadership in English
  • Motivating and managing diverse teams
  • Case studies: handling cultural misunderstandings

For staff seeking a more focused opportunity to learn or refresh their English, the university offers intensive one-week courses twice a year, scheduled just before the start of each semester. Places are limited, so early registration is recommended. To join the next course (prior to the Summer Semester 2026), please contact Martin Bradbeer at the Language Centre.