What are the course objectives for the
English for Engineers Course?

 

The course is designed to help develop the communicative performance of Engineers who wish to improve their abilities in English when dealing with their staff, other managers, suppliers, external colleagues and other Engineers internally or internationally as needed, with the correct vocabulary, phrasing, appropriateness and context and style.

Over the years we have had students study our English for Engineers courses from just about every type of engineering background. Civil Engineers, Biochemical Engineers, Agricultural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Chemical Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, Aeronautic Engineers … just about all fields have been covered over the years.
Our English for Engineer courses can focus on widening the student’s knowledge of engineering terminology or equally on building their confidence in using the correct language for the situation at hand. We build on the student’s passive knowledge and tailor our English for engineering courses specifically to help our students benefit the most from their time here with us.

In the last year, we have had Engineers from the Aerospace, Chemical, Mechanical, and Civil fields of Engineering.

 

English for Engineering: Communication Skills

 

Because Engineers often need to communicate with people from all over the world in an international setting, we can help them in the classroom to learn English but with an emphasis on communicating effectively in situations they will come across daily in their professional lives, with role plays, and simulations.
The daily needs of a professional Engineer are varied, some like to focus on telephone skills, others on how to format an effective email. It is common for students to improve their presentation skills for when they need to impart information to their teams or their customers. We help them with practical and effective methods of communicating their ideas to others.

While utilising the vocabulary for their particular situation we can help with a range of functions some of which may include:

  • Meetings and Teleconferencing – how to participate with other members of a team.
  • Negotiations – discussing how to come to an agreement with someone in a diplomatic way.
  • Presenting Information – Conveying an idea to the team or a customer.
  • Dealing with Numerical Data.
  • Telephoning – checking and clarifying and improving listening skills.
  • Socialising and Networking – Before or after a meeting, at a conference or in the restaurant.
  • E-mail, Letter and Report Writing.
  • Cross-cultural awareness – how different culture approach similar situations and how to avoid misunderstanding.

 

Technical English for Engineering: Lexical Content

 

On our English for Engineers course we look together with the individual student at the specific language that is required for them to be able to do their job more effectively, and tailor their course accordingly to their needs. An example of this might include building the range of vocabulary in some of the following areas:

  • History of Engineering
  • Shapes
  • Materials
  • Tools
  • Energy
  • Machines, Computers, Nanotechnologies, MENs and NEMS
  • Measurement
  • Scientific Method
  • Health and Safety
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Engineering and Sustainability

Their course will focus on the relevant vocabulary, register and grammatical structures that are used in the field of Engineering and we work with each individual to ensure they are given the opportunity to practise the language that he or she has acquired and/or requires by using a variety of communicative practice activities.

 

English lessons for Engineers: A Case Study

 

To read what Jörg has to say about the English for Engineers course that he attended last year.Click here.

  • Fact Check

    Minimum age: 25 Average age: 40
    Maximum class size: 1 to 4 (depending on course)
    25 hours (60 minutes) per week, plus 5-10 hours self-access
    Options for an extra 5 hours
    Start any Monday
    Minimum 1 week
    All levels for 1:1 classes. Group classes above level A2

  • Duration / Timetable / Programme

    Course duration can be for between 1 and 4+ weeks (2 weeks is the average). The programme is highly intensive and includes 25 contact hours plus 5 to 10 self-access study hours plus 7.5 hours social English over optional teacher accompanied lunch per week plus optional evening social activities (such as restaurants, guided tours, live music, cultural events). We would recommend that most students do a combination course: 1:1 in the morning, giving the students the opportunity to not only study English but work on individual and specialised needs necessary for professional communication; mini group of maximum 4 people the afternoon, focusing on professional communication in an international context with students of different nationalities and cultures.

  • Sample timetable

    8:30 - 9:15 Optional guided self-study.
    9:15 - 10:30 Period 1 with Morning Tutor (1:1)
    10:30 - 10:45 Morning Coffee Break
    10:45 - 12:00 Period 2 with Morning Tutor (1:1)

    12:00 - 13:15 Lunch with teacher/s and fellow students (optional)

    13:15 - 14:30 Period 3 with Afternoon Tutor (mini-group – max 4 participants)
    14:30 - 14:45 Afternoon Coffee Break
    14:45 - 16:00 Period 4 with Afternoon Tutor (mini-group – max 4 participants)
    16:00 - 17:30 Optional Self-Access Study

    Evening Social Activity Programme (optional)

Accommodation

An Executive homestay will maximise your exposure to native speakers while learning about the culture in England, and provides an opportunity to network and build long-term friendships. Offering high levels of comfort and convenience; most of our homestays are current or retired professionals.

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Executive students talk with Host family about England

Social Programme

The Executive Social Programme and its tutor accompanied lunch system, provide opportunities to socialise in English and network with professionals from all over the world. And the evening? The evening social programme is full and varied. It may include evening meals, nights out, cultural events or sports!

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