Most of the students are not familiar with the DIN norms until they start working. They are not only not aware of their rights and duties, they were, moreover, not prepared to deal with these norms as a professional translator.
In contrary to working life, the main focus in the course of studies is on translations, done by the students on their own. Unfortunately, skills of working successfully in a team are not promoted. A survey has shown that FASK graduates criticize that 'aesthetic' texts, providing absolutely no idea of the student's future work, are frequently discussed in translation practice courses.
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There are also classes where constructivist principles have already been implemented. Texts or even entire projects that are based on authentic translation projects and working situations, are discussed. In other cases, the students even work on real translation projects, accepted by the lecturer. In this way, students are motivated and encouraged to work independently. They find themselves in a situation where they take responsibility. They produce a text to which they have contributed considerably and which is also ready for the market. These tasks lead to greater self-confidence and make it easier for the student to find a job.
Many students lack basic computer skills and most of them have no experience with modern translation software. Though computer courses are offered at the university, there is only a very limited number of seats available per semester. In addition, there are not enough computers for the students. However, computers are essential in a translator's everyday life.
Neither the grades nor the progress the student has achieved during the semester are recorded; it is only the (final) examination marks that are crucial. The several departments of the FASK (not to mention the whole FASK), do not have a consistent grading system. The grades of written tests do not give clear information about how this mark has been given. When asked by the students, lecturers frequently are not willing to take a closer look on the student's translation proposals they marked wrong and to explain their own corrections. The result is that those students are becoming frustrated with the decisions of the lecturers.
Modularization of study programs have lead to a more flexible and transparent study arrangement. Grades that have been achieved at foreign universities can be credited now because of the introduction of the ETCS.
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For further information on this topic
see the survey "Is there a life after university?"