International Cooperation on Multilingualism in Early Childhood Education

During the winter semester 2024/25, the first ERASMUS Blended Intensive Program came to fruition, linking an online seminar series with an in-person phase in Hildesheim. Within the framework of the Multilingual Childhoods seminar, students of the HAWK collaborate with students and educators from various countries, followed by an in-person session at one of the partner institutions.

Fall 2024: 

During the second online seminar In autumn 2024, educators and students from the USA, Czech Republic, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Germany met online every second Thursday for two hours. Representatives from partner universities and external guests facilitated each session on language education and multilingualism. In addition to keynote speeches and polls, opportunities for exchange through small group discussions in "breakout rooms" were plentiful. Students discussed topics from the keynotes and worked on assignments specifically. Students learned about the other's countries' early childhood systems and gained insights into the different educational approaches.

After an introductory presentation by Prof. Dr. Tim Rohrmann of the HAWK in Hildesheim and Prof. Dr. Jean Plaisir of Borough of Manhattan Community College in New York, Maria Fürstaller and her students from FH Campus Wien/Austria shared insights into student research projects on multilingualism in Austrian ECE settings. The third presentation featured Prof. Claudine Kirsch from the University of Luxembourg, a leading expert on multi- and translingual language education. Drawing from Luxembourg’s multilingual context, she discussed multilingual approaches to teaching and learning: from recognition of children’s multilingualism to implementation in mainstream education and curricula. Johanna Quiring from PH St. Gallen/Switzerland introduced current research on interaction and participation of children in language activities in kindergarten. Plaisir and Rohrmann concluded the online seminar series with practical approaches to implementing multilingual language education in early childhood learning and care settings.
An integral part of the online phase was the international online conference "Approaches to Creative Learning in Early Childhood Education", featuring four international speakers. Prof. Dr. Oresta Karpenko from Drohobych University in Ukraine illustrated the situation of early childhood education in Ukraine during wartime, highlighting associated challenges and opportunities. Prof. Oliver Thiel from ERASMUS partner university QMUC Trondheim inspired participants with playful approaches to early mathematical education. Dr. Efthymia Tsiara and Ass. Prof. Dr. Konstantina Rentzou from University of Ioannina presented scenarios and examples of multilingual language education in a Greek kindergarten, while Anja Siemens of the HAWK in Hildesheim introduced a research project on working with children within the context of Education for Sustainable Development.

Between the online seminars, HAWK students met with Prof. Rohrmann for in-person sessions aimed at increasing their confidence in English, acquiring technical vocabulary necessary for subject-specific exchanges, and developing presentation skills. They also worked on engaging with English scientific texts.

Spring 2025: International Students Visiting Hildesheim

In early April 2025, the HAWK in Hildesheim hosted the presence phase of the BIP. Around 40 participants from four European countries gathered in Hildesheim to exchange their ideas on the challenges and opportunities of multilingualism in early childhood education. The aim was to learn from each other across national borders and to develop new, joint approaches to managing multilingualism. The practice week offered not only theoretical insights but also practical experiences on site.

The week began with a welcome event at the HAWK in Hildesheim. After introductions, participants took a city tour that provided first impressions of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Hildesheim and its impressive history. The second day focused on exchanging experiences related to multilingual childhoods and practical work. Alongside introductions to early childhood education systems in participating countries, discussions covered intercultural communication and the significance of language for transitions and relationships within the kindergarten context.

Visits to practical settings were particularly memorable for participants. International students and teachers were divided into groups to visit ECEC settings in Alfeld, Hannover, and Hildesheim, as well as a vocational school for educators. Additionally, two language counseling centers were introduced, providing participants with insights into the German kindergarten system. The study workshops at the university—namely, the Aesthetic Workshop/Laboratory, the Language Workshop, and the Learning Workshop "Campus Kinder" with a mobile writing workshop—were also presented to the guests.
A highlight was an excursion to Bad Harzburg, where participants explored the Harz National Park and the lynx reintroduction project. Under bright sunshine and in time for the lynx feeding, the group reached the lynx enclosure.

The final day was dedicated to reflecting on the multitude of impressions. The week concluded with a closing round, allowing everyone to say farewell. Overall, the BIP week was considered a success, with participants reporting positive experiences and memories. Prof. Dr. Tim Rohrmann summarized, “We see that many countries have monolingual traditions, but all children’s language skills are important. Essentially, all children can be excellent multilingual learners if multi- and translingualism is accepted in their educational environment and they are well-supported.” At the end of the week, everyone agreed that the seminar not only opened new perspectives but also emphasized the importance of supporting children on their multilingual journey.

Fall 2025: The Third Online Seminar

The second ERASMUS Blended Intensive Program began in October 2025 with the online phase, this time hosted by the University of Ioannina, Greece, in collaboration with the HAWK in Hildesheim. Led by Assistant Prof. Dr. Konstantina Rentzou, speakers from several countries participated in online sessions on various aspects of multilingual language education. Building on the previous series, both the content depth and student participation opportunities were expanded.

Theoretical foundations were deepened through engagement with international strategies and national curricula concerning language education in early childhood. Prof. Dr. Barbora Loudová Stralczynská from Charles University in Prague and Dr. Maria Fürstaller of Hochschule Campus Wien presented European Union, OECD, and UN strategies aimed at promoting multilingualism early in life. A new UNESCO publication emphasizes multilingualism as a “fundamental characteristic of humanity” and regards multilingual language education as an “essential pedagogical approach”. Against this background, participants examined the framework guidelines for early childhood education in their countries.

Prof. Dr. Claudine Kirsch, Johanna Quiring, and Prof. Dr. Jean Plaisir also participated again. The international online conference scheduled for December 4, 2025, organized by the University of Ioannina together with partner universities, will address “Supporting children’s agency in a diverse and multilingual world”. Guest speakers include Dr. Joanne McHale from Dublin/Ireland, Assistant Prof. Dr. Isaak Papadopoulos from the International Hellenic University, Greece, Prof. Renata Zanin Scaratti from the Free University of Bozen-Bolzano/Italy, and Prof. Dr. Bianka Wachtlin of the HAWK, reporting on interprofessional cooperation between childhood education and speech therapy within the ongoing SpraBiL project.
 

In March 2026, seven HAWK students, together with Prof. Dr. Rohrmann, Prof. Dr. Bianka Wachtlin, and Dr. Halah Elkarif, will travel to the University of Ioannina in northern Greece for the in-person phase of the BIP. This program will include various seminar sessions with students from other partner countries, encounters with students from Ioannina University, and visits to different early childhood settings. The visit also coincides with Greece’s national holiday, celebrated with parades, which makes the trip even more festive. The group is eager to meet students from other countries, get to know the partner university, and gain practical insights from Greek kindergartens.
For the winter semester 2026/27, continuation of the project is already planned. It is expected that the ERASMUS partner university in Prague will take the lead, and that the physical phase will be linked to an international research conference.