Bildungsurlaub English Courses

Bildungsurlaub English courses help you improve your overall language proficiency (speaking, listening, reading and writing) in general and professional contexts. We focus on skills development and the ability to use language fluently for effective communication. We also promote the use of appropriate grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation so that you can communicate accurately and confidently with colleagues and clients from around the world.

Courses satisfy all the requirements specified by the German government for Bildungsurlaub. This means that you can apply for extra holiday to attend this professional development programme and still receive your full salary. Conditions and more information can be found here:  Bildunsurlaub.de

Students per class: 12 maximum

Levels: Intermediate to Upper-intermediate

Starting dates: every Monday (subject to demand and availability)

Course duration: 2 weeks (60 hours)

Intensity: 30 hours a week

Placement test: free oral and written placement test at the school or online.

Topics

Lesson topics revolve around everyday situations that you may encounter in personal and professional settings. The General English option is designed to help you improve your language skills in everyday situations whereas the Business English programme is fully focused on developing your competence in professional contexts.

Students

Students come from all over the world, and you will experience a truly international environment where you will not only be able to practise English with people from different countries but also learn about their diverse customs and cultures.

Teachers

Our teachers are highly qualified Cambridge CELTA or DELTA graduates from English speaking countries like the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, etc. They aim to create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere where learning is a pleasant experience, and you feel comfortable expressing yourself.

Awards

Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate of Attendance from International House Bangkok stating the focus and duration of your course, and the highest level achieved.

Our approach to second language learning and teaching emphasizes communication and meaningful interaction as the main goals of instruction, with a focus on developing learners’ ability to use language for real-life purposes.

Communication: learning a language requires language use and not only language study. Communication should be the goal of language instruction.

Interaction: authentic and meaningful communication can only be achieved through interaction. Pair and group work should be prioritized in classroom activities.

Context: learners should be made aware of how to use language accurately and fluently, but also in a way that conforms to social and contextual norms.

Integration: competent language users are able to use all the language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Instruction on these skills should be integrated from the beginning.

Errors: language learning is a process of creative construction and involves trial and error. Errors should be viewed as stepping stones for development.

Materials: classroom materials and activities should reflect real-life situations and tasks, with a focus on social functions as well as linguistic structures.

Teachers: teachers should be viewed as facilitators and use their skills to manage interactions among learners while providing the necessary input and feedback.

Motivation: motivation plays a critical role in the successful acquisition of a foreign language. Classroom activities should reflect the interests and wants of the learners.

Personalisation: every learner is different and individual learning needs and preferences should be given priority when planning and delivering lesson.

Bildungsurlaub General English Programmes
These are intensive programmes (30 hours a week) that combine General English lessons (25 hours a week, 5 hours a day) and fun extra-curricular activities (5 hours a week).
General English classes provide a comprehensive focus on all four language skills, including speaking, listening, reading and writing, along with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Lessons emphasize effective communication and practical activities in everyday situations, and this will enable you to use English confidently and accurately in real-world settings.

Bildungsurlaub Business English Programmes
These are intensive programmes (30 hours a week) that combine General and Business English (25 hours a week, 3 hours of General English + 2 hours of Business English a day) and enjoyable extra-curricular activities (5 hours a week).
General and Business English classes focus on a wide range of everyday and business topics and will help you improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing, together with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation in personal and professional contexts. Business lessons are designed for learners working in different industries (e.g. Manufacturing, Energy and Utilities, Retail, etc.), covering different roles (e.g. Operations, Marketing and Sales, Project Management, etc.) and wanting to develop different skills (e.g. Presentations, Negotiations, Meetings, etc.).

Extra-curricular activities
Bildungsurlaub General and Business English programmes offer the unique opportunity to combine English lessons with a variety of extra-curricular activities. Here’s what you can look forward to.

Excursions & Immersion activities
Visit places of interest, go for a local meal, enjoy a night out, etc. and practise your English while socializing in an more informal setting.

Taste & Talk
Learn about Thai cuisine, from the market to the table: buy, cook and eat traditional Thai food under the guidance of a Thai chef.

Try Thai
Discover the beauty of the Thai language and culture with a local Thai teacher. Learn useful expressions to communicative in everyday situations.

Global Business English
Increase your cross-cultural competence with insights into British, American, Japanese, Thai, Indian and Chinese business cultures.