Innovation in Language Learning

Nowadays, with English having become the dominant language used in all fields, being able to communicate effectively with people from different cultures is a must. ESP courses are offered to students who study in various disciplines at the Agricultural University of Tirana and Faculty of Natural Sciences. Students are required to learn English for employment purposes as well as for academic research. To prepare students for these needs, ESP courses are mandatory for first-year bachelor's degree students across various disciplines. ESP courses provide more than simply teaching the English language. The language teachers prepare students to communicate in English in the subject they are specialized in. These courses are designed to meet the specific needs of students to deal with real situations at work. The Department of Foreign Language contributes by developing books and materials specifically for these classes. However, in addition to linguistic competence, intercultural competence is essential for students to work in multicultural teams and to thrive in a globalized world. Currently, ESP teaching in Albania is mostly focused on linguistic competence, with little attention given to intercultural competence. This is why it is important to combine traditional ESP teaching with intercultural ESP teaching. Intercultural competence is not only important for ESP but also for life in general, as it affects all fields. Therefore, the primary focus of this study will be to suggest methods and strategies for integrating intercultural competence in ESP classes. It is crucial to teach students not only how to communicate but also how to interact effectively in a globalized world. By emphasizing intercultural competence in ESP courses, we can prepare high-quality graduates who can contribute to improving the economic situation of the country.