English for Business
Who are the courses for?
Business and professional people and students of economics or business-related subjects. Business people who studied English for several years at school but have not had much opportunity to practise speaking often find these courses particularly useful. However, anyone who needs English in their working life can benefit. The level is intermediate and above.
Objectives
These courses aim to develop the ability to use English for international business. The courses will highlight both formal language for written communication as well as the more idiomatic language of daily communication. By the end of an English for Business course, participants should be able to:
- talk more fluently in business situations
- make an effective presentation in English
- use an increased range of business vocabulary
- have developed strategies for written and oral communication
The Courses
The content of each course is negotiated with the participants so that it can be tailored to suit individual needs, as far as possible. This means that emphasis can be placed on areas of language and vocabulary most relevant to the participants. All courses will generally cover the following key areas:
- meetings, discussions and negotiations
- telephone communication
- writing business letters, reports and memos
- making presentation
- language for entertaining foreign visitors and socialising
- cross-cultural differences in business
- the language of company reports, market trends and forecasting
- the language of money: discussing accounts and budgets
General information
Class hours
Classes will take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 to 12:45 with a short break and then from 2:00pm until 4:15pm, again with a short break.
Social activities
Excursions are arranged for Wednesdays and Saturdays. These can be to the main Scottish cities of Edinburgh, Aberdeen or Glasgow, or to places of interest such as castles and monuments or whisky distilleries. A ceilidh (Scottish dancing) evening with live music from a local band is usually held in the second week of the course. Other evening events, such as theatre trips, discos or barbecues can be organised in response to students' suggestions. Such events are not included in the course fee.