Course description |
“This course definitively will improve your pronunciation and self-confidence in speaking as well you will learn some tricks for talks, its worth it to try because of the small group and the dynamic exercises" - course participant 2014
The language of science is English. PhD students of the GSSE have to produce results in English but if they have difficulties speaking English, this could affect their progress. Improve your skills and confidence in speaking English with a native-speaker trainer that also has a PhD in science.
Each lesson will address language-based components (vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar) through role play, games, partner and small-group exercises, and larger group discussions. You will practice your listening and speaking skills in fun and creative ways, within the context of themes linked to living and working in the Netherlands and situations that you will come across as a PhD student. Homework, an essential part of this course, is geared towards daily practice of English and will include reading articles from your own research topic, discussing these articles with fellow classmates, scanning the (science) news in English and systematically using the opportunities available in your own research group to practice English skills (e.g. attending and asking questions at research presentations, conversing with people around the coffee table). Each student will also prepare and give a formal talk during the course.
This course will challenge you to immerse yourself in English to quickly and effectively increase proficiency. |
Course objectives |
Basic course:
- You will improve your academic vocabulary and learn to correctly use more of the words that you already know.
- You will improve your pronunciation by identifying what the problems are and using a number of different tools.
- You will speak more confidently in both social and work situations, able to exchange simple and direct information on familiar and routine matters.
- You will practice preparing for and giving oral presentations, and be more comfortable with asking questions as part of the audience.
Intermediate course:
In addition to reviewing some of the foundations covered in the Basic course:
- You will improve vocabulary using strategies on learning more unusual or difficult words.
- You will learn how stress patterns and intonation can change the subtle meanings of spoken language.
- You will improve your note-taking skills to better remember information that you hear.
- You will be able to understand and communicate on familiar matters that are regularly encountered, and deal with most situations while travelling in an English-speaking country.
Advanced course:
After a quick review of aspects covered in the Basic and Intermediate courses: - You will further learn how to effectively use your vocabulary by considering word choice and collocation.
- You will learn idioms suitable to academic situations.
- You will practice the rhythms of spoken English.
- You will more confidently join general discussions.
Which course to register for?
To estimate your English level, and thus the course most suitable for you, please take the Dialang diagnostic test for English in the following areas: listening, reading, structures and vocabulary. - For the Intermediate level, you must have a minimum level of B1 for the listening test plus B1 for at least 2 more areas.
- For the Advanced level, you must have a minimum level of B2 for the listening test plus B2 for at least 2 more areas.
Please note: the instructor may reassign you to another level after the course starts if this is deemed appropriate. It is important, both for you and the group dynamics of the course, that you are registered at the right level. |