- Research shows that CEFR level B2 is the English threshold for studying EMI. Students at this level can understand the key points of complex text content. The topic of the article can be specific or abstract, or they can discuss professional content in their own major field (Graddol, 2006). Hence the College of Tourism’s EAP and ESAP programme focuses on enhancing students’ English proficiency level to CEFR level B2 as well as helping students to obtain the academic English skills needed for success in university and future working environments. By providing varied programmes in both face to face and online learning formats, this will give students meaningful choices and increase their access opportunities. Areas covered include Academic Skill Development, English Interpretation and Presentation, International Etiquette, Communication, Business and Culture.
- Students with English proficiency level CEFR B2 level and above can still take professional academic English course modules to develop their English comprehension and communication skills in their academic fields.
Course Overview
- Classes primarily focus on developing students’ EAP and ESAP study skills with particular focus on the speaking and writing skills required for their successful participation in their faculty EMI programs.
- Students are invited to join these courses throughout their studies at CHU.
- Classes will use reputable and recognized source materials such as those used at universities in English speaking countries as well as using bespoke materials developed by internationally qualified lecturers.
- Course programs are based on research and student needs.
- The EWP and CLIL elements of this programme can help students achieve success in the global workplace in the future.
- Student numbers will be restricted to a maximum of 30 students per class so that lecturers can create interactive and group-based learning environments more effectively and easily.
- EAP and ESAP lecturers will be trained in house by College of Tourism lecturers who have successfully completed their CERT PT. This training will be supported by Trinity College London and other important external consultants.
| EAP | ESAP | EWP and CLIL |
|---|---|---|
| Developing Academic Speaking Skills | Speaking and Listening for Tour Guide purposes | Language of News and Current Affairs |
| Developing Academic Listening Skills | Speaking and Listening for Hotelier and Hospitality Purposes | Promoting Intercultural Understanding |
| Developing Academic Reading Skills | Business English 1 | Understanding Globalization |
| Developing Academic Writing Skills 1 | Business English 2 | Understanding Cultures |
| Developing Academic Writing Skills 2 | ||
| An Integrated Approach Toward Developing Academic Skills |
Speaking and writing consultations
- Students whose English language proficiency levels are less than B2 are given the opportunity to attend one-on-one speaking and writing support sessions provided by qualified lecturers in both face to face and online consultations.
- While students whose proficiency levels fall below B2 are prioritized, students with English language proficiency levels above B2 can also join on request.
English freetalk
- Our qualified lecturers and external consultants meet with students on a weekly basis throughout their studies to facilitate the development of their English speaking and listening skills in a supportive and stress-free environment.
- The topics of the freetalk sessions can be decided by the students themselves after they have completed a needs analysis,which will allow them to specify the areas of support that they need, and the areas that they are interested in, and would like to talk about.
- Lecturers will also provide a range of topics that can be selected by students that have been chosen to support the development of understanding of content areas covered on their faculty EMI programs.
- English freetalk sessions are delivered online.
Presentation skills, workshops and competitions
- Students are invited to participate in presentation skills workshops where they will work in teams to generate a presentation on a topic related to their studies.
- These presentation skills workshops are taught in an interactive and team-based manner that helps students to create high standard presentations utilising both peer and lecturer support.
- Students are encouraged to present their presentations in front of an audience of peers, alumni, university visitors and lecturers.
- Between two and four competitions are held per year. These competitions can be held online and in a face-to-face environment.
EMI study skills workshops
- Model EMI classes in a range of topics are delivered by international recognized and accredited CERT PT qualified EMI lecturers from the College of Tourism as well as from our network of external experts.
- During these workshops the students learn the transferable skills that they need to perform successfully in their faculty EMI environments preparing them for success in the future.
- These workshops can be delivered face to face and online
Study center
- The self study center is open on campus
- The center provides access to publications, online resources, books, individual and team-based study spaces where CHU students and lecturers can develop their English language and EMI skills both individually and in a team-based, interactive environment.