On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, female students from the Department of English Language and Culture at the Faculty of Education, Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (UKF), including future bachelor’s and master’s graduates, visited Tulipánová Primary School in Nitra. They prepared a program for pupils in Grades 5–8 to celebrate the European Day of Languages, which is commemorated annually on September 26.
The initiative was launched by the Council of Europe in 2001 in cooperation with the European Union. Its mission is to highlight the linguistic diversity of our continent, where more than two hundred languages are spoken, and to promote lifelong learning. Today, knowing a foreign language means more than simply gaining an advantage in education or when looking for a job. It opens the door to other cultures, helps overcome prejudice, and fosters understanding among people from different backgrounds. Attitudes toward communicating in other languages begin to develop at an early age, which is why it is important for children to develop a positive attitude and a sense of curiosity.
The students therefore opted for a playful approach, preparing a short quiz, an activity involving the flags of European countries, and an English word puzzle. The activities showed the pupils that language is not merely a subject on the school timetable, but a living part of every nation’s identity.
The visit also provided valuable experience for the future teachers themselves. They had the opportunity to test their skills in a real classroom setting and experience firsthand how to motivate young learners. Such a connection between university education and practical experience is an integral part of preparing high-quality teachers.
The pupils participated in the activities with enthusiasm, a sense of humor, and healthy competitiveness. The morning demonstrated that exploring foreign languages can be both fun and inspiring. The European Day of Languages thus took on its own distinctive “tulip” dimension.
Text: Mgr. Veronika Vrábelová (Department of English Language and Culture)Photo: Mgr. Viktorie Vršanská (Department of English Language and Culture)