Freqently Asked Questions

Why should I come to the UK to study English?

The UK is the home of the English language. It has the longest history and the highest standards of English language training you can expect in the world. The country offers you experienced teachers, an abundance of learning resources (including all those native English speakers) and an environment that is totally designed around your learning needs. Its rich culture, history and natural resources enrich every part of your study experience. You will find learning English in the UK is fun, stimulating and 'real'. More importantly, immersed in the learning environment, you will find you can achieve more in a much shorter time than you could at home. The UK is also renowned for being one of the most important centres of business, which means you will have the opportunity to meet and make contact with people from all over the world. So where better to study?

Which course is suitable for me ? Business English or General English?

Business English courses are specially designed for professional people who need English for their work. They particularly emphasise the practical needs and objectives of individuals. They aim to help you have the language skills you need in your work environment. Therefore, there are specialised language courses designed for different professions, such as lawyers, doctors, bankers, marketers and engineers etc.
Unlike a General English course, there are no set or standard course modules you have to follow; courses are based on your needs and by negotiation with your tutors. In this way, you can maximise the effectiveness of your study outcome. Classes are often small “mini groups” with other mature professional people, or one-to-one sessions.

How to choose a centre for business and professional English?

There are more than a thousand English language training centres in the UK; many of them claim they offer courses for everyone. However, only around four hundred are British Council accredited. British Council accreditation is the only English language quality assurance scheme backed by the UK government (see more at http://www.britishcouncil.org/accreditation.htm). So, firstly, always check if the centre is accredited by the British Council.

Secondly, check if the centre is the member of BusinessEnglishUK. BusinessEnglishUK is an association of accredited centres who specialise in business and professional language training and who are already members of English UK, the biggest association of language centres in the world. They are guaranteed to "do what they say" and represent the highest quality standards of training in this sector in the UK.

With the above two important quality assurance factors taken into account, the rest is down to personal preference – such as location, environment and budget. BusinessEnglishUK has designed a course search which will help you narrow down your choices. If you have further specific needs, please contact us and we will provide you with advice free of charge.

What are the questions should I ask a centre when choosing?

In addition to the usual questions people ask, we feel you may find the answers to the following questions will be helpful:

1. Do they provide the course I am looking for?
2. Is the course run on regular basis or on demand?
3. How long is one lesson – one hour or 45 minutes?
4. What is the experience and background of the trainers for the course?
5. Do the trainers have a background in the area of the course?
6. What is the format of classes the centre offers?
7. Does the total cost - tuition, accommodation and transport -  fit in my budget?
8. Does the centre offer the facilities that I need during my stay?
9. What social activities are included in the fees? Are they relevant to me?
10. Is there a dedicated area for professional training or it is mixed with other (perhaps young) learners?
    

How can BusinessEnglishUK help me find the right course?

BusinessEnglishUK makes choosing a course easy. There are 3 ways we can help you: 

1. Use our web site to find information about the course you are interested in and contact centres directly
2. Use the online Course Enquiry Form (>>link) to send your specific requests. Your message will automatically be distributed to all BusinessEnglishUK member centres. Those centres that can offer the course that you are looking for will respond to you directly.
3. Contact BusinessEnglishUK directly and we will do our best to find answer your enquiry as quickly as possible.