The Arqus Network of Language Centre Directors meets at Vilnius University

On 1–2 June 2026, the Faculty of Philology at Vilnius University hosted directors and representatives of Arqus University Language Centres for a strategic meeting on the future of plurilingualism and intercultural cooperation within the Alliance.

The meeting brought together members of the Arqus Network of Language Centre Directors Community of Practice (CoP), led by Professor Olaf Bärenfänger, director of the Language Center at Leipzig University. The event was opened by Associate Professor Gintarė Judžentytė-Šinkūnienė, Vice-Dean for studies in the Faculty of Philology at Vilnius University.

Representatives from Leipzig University, the University of Lyon, the University of Wrocław and Maynooth University attended the meeting to discuss the future of the Plurilingual and Intercultural Hub, co-led by Leipzig University and Vilnius University. As Arqus II concludes in September 2026, the participants explored ways to ensure the sustainability of its activities during the upcoming bridge funding period.

Over the next two years, Vilnius University will lead plurilingualism-related activities within the European Values working group. Discussions focused on two flagship initiatives: the Arqus Cafés and the Arqus Plurilingualism Module.

Participants examined opportunities to further develop the Arqus Cafés, Arqus Lounges and language summer schools, in the process of creating more spaces for multilingual interaction and promoting languages beyond English across the Alliance.

Special attention was given to the Arqus Plurilingualism Module, developed in 2023–24 and successfully piloted at Vilnius University. The module combines theoretical studies in multilingualism and intercultural communication with formal language learning at the A1 level and participation in informal language learning activities such as the Arqus Café.

The successful pilot of the Plurilingualism Module at Vilnius University has attracted growing student interest. Participants discussed how the module could be expanded and offered as a credit course at other Arqus universities in the upcoming bridge funding period.

The meeting also addressed an overview of the results and achievements of the Network of Language Centre Directors (CoP) and its role in strengthening cooperation across the Alliance in the future.

The discussions highlighted the strong commitment of the Arqus partner universities to promoting linguistic diversity, intercultural dialogue and innovative approaches to language education while at the same time laying the groundwork for continued collaboration in the years ahead.