Arqus Plurilingual and Intercultural Hub
Arqus English Style Guide Online terminological data-base for terms in Higher Education Arqus Café Language courses English as a Medium of Instruction (EMI) Webinar series: 9 Months, 9 Universities Arqus Language Policy Network of Language Centre Directors AI and Language Learning and Teaching The Arqus Plurilingualism ModuleThe Arqus Plurilingualism Module has now been offered as a pilot phase during the academic year 2024–25 and again on a larger scale in the 2025–26 academic year.
It is a unique module as it provides a structure for students to work on their foreign languages and pursue one of the objectives of EU language policy: learning two foreign languages. Students learn a new language by taking an A1 course (Lithuanian, Norwegian or French) and continue to improve an existing language by participating in formats such as the Arqus Café and tandem programmes. In addition, this module allows students to become familiar with strategies for language learning and theoretical concepts related to language and culture. The module is designed to have students take a critical approach to and reflect on their language learning.
Students affiliated with Vilnius University have the opportunity to receive 5 ECTS credits. In addition, several of the Arqus Universities are able to recognise these credits. For those who cannot, the participants receive an Arqus certificate of participation.
For the A1 course, students can usually choose between multiple languages. Last time it was offered, Lithuanian, Norwegian and French were the choices.
The module is offered completely online and is designed as a self-paced container model. This means that participants can complete each structural part of this module at their own pace. Here is an overview of the module’s four structural parts:
| Structure | Contact Academic Hours | Timeframe | Examples |
| 1. Theoretical aspects of language and culture (e.g. language and society, language and globalisation, history of the language and language policies) | 14 | October–November | Webinar series: 9 Months, 9 Universities |
| 2. Formal learning of a language (attending an online A1 language course) | 48 | September–January | TBA |
| 3. Informal learning of languages (e.g. taking part in the Arqus Café or a tandem programme) | 32 | September–December | Arqus Café |
| 4. Initial and final reflections | Individual work | During the module |
Important information about the module:
- Duration: 5 months
- Volume: 150 academic hours ( 50 contact hours and 100 individual work hours)
- Platforms: MS Teams and Moodle
- Cost: free of charge
- Benefit: 5 ECTS credits or an Arqus certificate of participation
Pilot phase
During the academic year 2024–2025, Vilnius University piloted the Plurilingualism Module.
The pilot phase focused on the Lithuanian language and culture: students began learning Lithuanian and listened to theoretical lectures about Lithuanian culture, language and politics. One participant from the pilot version shares their experience as follows:
“Overall, the multilingual module has provided me with valuable insights into language acquisition, cultural adaptation, and literary representation. Understanding different learning styles has allowed me to reflect on my own approach to language learning. Exploring Lithuania’s sociolinguistic landscape has deepened my awareness of historical influences on multilingualism. Finally, learning about women’s literature in Lithuania added to my cultural knowledge of the country I am now living in. This module has not only enhanced my academic knowledge but also enriched my personal perspective on language and communication in diverse contexts”