General English Courses

General English courses help you improve your overall language proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. 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 people from different countries.

Students per class: 12 maximum

Levels: Elementary to Advanced

Age: from 16 years+

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

Course duration: any number of weeks

Intensity: 15 or 25 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, professional and educational settings while working, studying, socialising, travelling or anything else you may need in real life.

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.

GE 15 – General English 15 hours per week in a group

GE 15 is a semi-intensive programme that provides a comprehensive focus on all four language skills, including speaking, listening, reading and writing, along with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. Classes are limited to a maximum of 12 students, ensuring personalised feedback and ample practice. The course emphasizes effective communication and practical activities which will enable you to use English in real-world situations confidently and accurately. GE 15 is the right course if you want to improve your English skills quickly and increase your overall mastery of the language.

GE 25 – General English 25 hours per week in a group

GE 25 is an extension of GE 15, providing an additional 10 hours of instruction in a group class. It’s an intensive programme that allows for more practice and covers a range of topics that build on the morning classes, thus giving you a more in-depth learning experience. GE 25 is the best course if you wish to improve your English proficiency in the shortest possible time.

MIX 25 – General English 15 hours per week in a group + 10 hours per week private lessons

MIX 25 is an intensive programme that allows you to combine GE 15 classes with additional 10 hours of private 1:1 lessons focusing on generic or specific topics of your choosing. You will benefit from the possibility of customising your private lessons with instruction and practice of general, business, academic or any other skill you wish to improve. MIX 25 is the ideal course if you want a more personalised learning experience built around your areas of interest and specific language goals.

Learning outcomes at each level are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and a more detailed description can be found in the next section. Here are a few examples of what you will learn and be able to do.

A1 – Beginner/Elementary

You will learn how to introduce yourself and ask for someone’s name, nationality, age, and occupation. You will also learn how to ask for information, order food and drinks in a restaurant, go shopping, and write simple emails.

A2 – Pre-intermediate

You will learn how to describe your hobbies and interests, ask for directions, make appointments, and give simple opinions about movies or books. You will also learn how to write short emails or letters to friends or colleagues.

B1 – Intermediate

You will learn how to talk about your past experiences and future plans, express your opinions and preferences, make suggestions, and negotiate in simple situations. You will also learn how to write short essays, reports or letters on topics of personal or professional interest.

B2 – Upper-intermediate

You will learn how to discuss social and political issues, express your opinions in a debate, give presentations, and negotiate in complex situations. You will also learn how to write argumentative essays, reviews, or reports on a variety of topics.

C1 – Advanced

You will learn how to participate in professional discussions, give speeches, conduct interviews, and negotiate complex situations. You will also learn how to write papers, proposals, or reports on complex and abstract topics.

C2 – Upper-advanced

You will learn how to read and understand literature, write professional papers and reports, and speak fluently and spontaneously in any social or professional situation. You will also learn how to understand and use idiomatic expressions and language nuances with ease and precision.