In the winter semester 2025/26, the University of Passau integrated, for the first time, the international ICTEP project into its English language programme. Through structured online exchanges, student teachers explore key issues in teacher education while further developing their academic English and discussion skills.
International Teacher Education in Digital Dialogue
The University of Passau is joining the International Conversations in Teacher Education Project (ICTEP) for the first time. Initiated by Prof. Dr Jordan Shurr (Queen’s University, Canada), the project was introduced through the European Teacher Education Network (ETEN) and promotes the digital internationalisation of teacher education.
The aim is to systematically integrate international, research-informed online collaboration into English language teaching. In this way, subject-specific professional development is meaningfully combined with the advancement of academic language skills.
What is ICTEP?
ICTEP is a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) initiative that connects student teachers from 18 universities across 10 countries.
Working in moderated small groups, participants engage in discussions on key themes in teacher education, including:
- Inclusion
- Diversity
- Special Educational Needs (SEN)
- Cultural Humility
Implementation at the University of Passau
t the University of Passau, ICTEP is embedded in the English language programme at the Language Centre and is open to student teachers as well as other interested students.
The course design includes:
- Academic and linguistic preparation for international discussions
- Three online meetings with partner universities
- A research-oriented portfolio to support critical reflection on the experience
Through their participation, students develop:
- Speaking and listening skills in academic English
- Confidence in academic discussion
- Intercultural awareness
- Digital communication skills
- The ability to reflect professionally on their practice
Strengthening the International Dimension of Teacher Education
By joining ICTEP, the University of Passau is further strengthening the international dimension of its teacher education programmes. The project demonstrates how language teaching can be closely linked to research, made professionally relevant, and how the language learning process is enhanced by authentic context.
ICTEP brings together international perspectives on teacher education with innovative language learning formats, creating new opportunities for meaningful global academic exchange.
In the field of educational research and inclusion, the interdisciplinary project is supported by the Chair of Educational Science with a focus on Diversity Research and Educational Spaces in Middle Childhood (Prof. Dr Christina Hansen) and the project Basic Competences for Inclusion (BAS!S 2.0, Dr. Florian Salzberger).
Participating institutions and countries
- Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (Spain)
- University of Calabar (Nigeria)
- HZ University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands)
- Ludwigsburg University of Education (Germany)
- Ecclesiastical College of Education (Austria)
- University of Education, Winneba (Ghana)
- University of Guyana (Guyana)
- Marnix Academie (The Netherlands)
- HAN University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands)
- KDG University of Applied Sciences (Belgium)
- PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts (Belgium)
- Kristianstad University (Sweden)
- NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands)
- Vives University of Applied Sciences (Belgium)
- Queen’s University (Canada)
- University of Vienna (Austria)
- Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands)
- University of Passau (Germany)
For further information, please contact:
English Language Department,
Language Centre, University of Passau
Ophelia Sabine Blake
Email: sabine-ophelia.blake@uni-passau.de
Project website: https://www.addedrg.ca/collab.html