UniSC (AUS)

Just in time for the "summer" semester, i.e. on 01 December, Dr Elmar-Laurent Borgmann, Head of Languages /International Affairs at RheinAhrCampus, started his three-month stay as a visiting lecturer and researcher at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Maroochydore, Australia. The campus is located about an hour's drive north from Brisbane and near the Mooloolah River National Park. The classes and tutorials he taught focused on "Communication and Thought" and "International Business". In addition to his teaching, he undertook reaserach on "Game-Based Learning" with his Australian colleagues and advised the International Office concerning the adaptation of the ECTS credit transfer system to the Australian university sector.

Dr Borgmann noticed a number of similarities between USC and RheinAhrCampus, e.g. the modern buildings, the modern equipment, and the strong personal contacts between students and lecturers - but he also observed some differences, e.g. the very intensive individual support offered to students which leads to high a very structured and plannable learning process. Since his return to RheinAhrCampus he has tried to implement similar processes in his own teaching but has also introduced these ideas to his colleagues.

Visiting lecturers receive a very warm welcome at USC, they are quickly integrated and administrative issues are dealt with efficiently, professionally and in a friendly "Australian" way.

From his point of view, a stay at USC can be strongly recommended - in terms of the academic offers and the organisational support as well as in terms of the surroundings. Beautiful landscapes, national parks and the friendly „no worries“ attitude of the university staff provide a thoroughly enjoyable environment for living, working and studying.