History

The SOWI-Zentrum für Wirtschaftssprachen at the School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences (SOWI) was set up as a result of changes in the teaching curriculum in 1986.

At that time, under the direction of the Faculty Dean, Prof. Schöpfer, and with the help of the Styrian Chamber of Commerce and the Federal Ministry of Art and Science, it was possible to establish teaching facilities for courses in initially five, and later on, in six languages.

Under the leadership of Prof. Beinsen (Economics), Prof. Baigent (Public Economics) and Prof. Schneider (International Management) the programme was extended, and the business language centre then offered courses in seven different languages.

On 1 April 2004 the business language centre became an autonomous department within the School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences with Ian Clark as its director.

Since 6 November 2007 the organization has been known under the official name of "SOWI-Zentrum für Wirtschaftssprachen".