International Certificate for General Staff

Competency Area 1

Language Proficiency

Employees improve the foreign language skills they need to work in an international environment.

Elective Modules (at least 1 module):

• Language course (intensive course with at least 25 hours over one semester or conversation course over at least two semesters) in English, German (for persons without German mothertongue), or other languages
• Language proficiency assessment: English, German, or other languages

English, German, or other languages: at least B1/B2 level for German and English, or A2/B1 for other languages, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

• Language course certificate

Competency Area 2

Intercultural Competence

Required module: 

• E-learning course “Intercultural Competence.” Registration is via the BOKU Training Pass (2 hours)

Elective Modules (at least 1 module):

• Workshop on Intercultural Competence (offered once per academic year as part of staff development) – see Training Pass (at least 2 hours)
• Workshop on Intercultural Competence offered by networks or at BOKU partner universities (at least 2 hours)
• Participation in a staff training week on the topic of intercultural competence

• Confirmation of Participation

Area of Expertise 3

Internationalisation at BOKU

Elective Modules (min. 2 modules):

• Internationalisation in Everyday Work – What the BOKU Strategy Means and What BOKU IR Offers (The Role of Administration in International Processes) – see BOKU Training Pass (1h)
• International Administration: Gaining International Experience as a BOKU Employee – see Training Pass (2h)
• Welcome Lecture – BOKU at a Glance (please complete this in the respective foreign language; this means that native German speakers should attend the English version) – see Training Pass (2.5h)

• Confirmation of Participation

Area of Expertise 4

International Mobility

BOKU staff members expand their professional expertise in another country or through hosting international guests, gaining a new perspective on their field. Furthermore, as Ambassadors for Internationalisation, they contribute to the dissemination of international and intercultural experiences.

Required Module (to be completed after the elective module): 

• Ambassador Activities: Active role in international events or online training sessions in cooperation with BOKU IR (exchange of experiences)

Elective Modules (at least 1 module):

• Stay abroad, e.g., Staff Mobility with at least 5 program days (at least 20 hours)
• Mentoring incoming staff for a minimum of 5 days (minimum 20 hours)

• Confirmation from BOKU IR Regarding Ambassador Activities
• Confirmation of Stay for Staff Training or Confirmation of Supervision for Incoming Staff