Educational Challenges and Career Prospects

In a globalised Europe the ability to speak more than one language and access lifelong language learning gives people opportunities for personal development, education, employment, mobility, access to information and cultural enrichment.

Don’t miss the first-ever discussion organised in Greece on the concept of educational challenges and career prospects arising from foreign language education.

The discussion is open to students, teachers, governmental and educational institutions, business representatives as well as the general public and will address issues related to the challenges, prospects and changes in foreign language education as well as other issues of common interest.

The event is inspired by the European Day of Languages concept and is being organised by EUNIC Greece under the auspices of the European Commission representation office in Athens.

Opening Remarks

• Professor Ioannis Panaretos, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Education, Lifelong Learning and Religious Affairs
• Stratos Meindanopoulos, DG Translations, Field Officer, Representative of the European Commission in Athens

Session 1: Languages and Education

Moderator: Professor Argiro Proskoli, University of Athens

• How does the government engage with the issues of improving the quality and diversity of foreign languages taught at school?
  Professor B. Dendrinos, University of Athens, Project Director of foreign language projects funded by the Ministry of Education, Lifelong learning and Religious Affairs
• The right of learners to quality and equity in education – the role of language and intercultural skills
  Dr. Waldemar Martyniuk, Executive Director, European Centre for Modern Languages, Graz
• What is the quality of foreign language education at university level?
  Professor Nicos Sifakis, Hellenic Open University
• Are foreign language teachers provided with opportunities to develop professionally?
  Cliff Parry, Senior Teacher, British Council

Session 2: Languages and the Workplace – Case Studies and Discussion

Moderator: Harris Ikonomopoulos, President, British Hellenic Chamber of Commerce

• Do employers’ expectations match their employees’ skills?
  Venetia Koussia, Managing Director, Manpower
• Are language skills important for the career development of employees? Are employers satisfied with the foreign language skills of their employees?
  Yannis Koutrakis, HR manager, Microsoft
• The importance of foreign languages for the international mobility of Greek executives
  Georgios Haros, Executive Director, ICAP People Solution
• Do employers provide foreign languages training as part of the career development plans?
  Sofia Mela, Specialist in French for professional and specialised uses