English & Dutch
In-company and business English courses
Our courses The BSN Language Centre understands the needs and challenges facing companies and organisations. We are committed to teaching professionally with the highest standards of excellence. Our vast experience with language teaching and organisation of courses both on and off site make us a well-qualified and reliable partner for your language training needs. We have been providing language training to adults for over 20 years and run over 200 courses a year. We focus on two languages, English and Dutch, to ensure expert training and quality for our learners. We are one of only three centres in the Benelux with University of Cambridge CELTA Teacher Training Accreditation.
In-company language courses The BSN Language Centre offers tailor-made language courses for companies located in and around The Hague area. The courses are set up to meet the exact needs of the employees at your company or organisation. The planning of the courses is flexible to meet the busy schedules of your employees. The course content is chosen to develop the language skills most needed to achieve success in the work place. Our teachers aim to incorporate real life business matters into the lessons. The skills learned in the classroom are immediately adaptable to the work setting and can focus on English for specific purposes or topics. In addition, workshops highlighting special skills such as giving presentations, writing reports, composing emails or practising telephone skills round out our portfolio.
Setting up in-company language courses Testing procedure We begin our contact with prospective students in the form of intake appointments consisting of level testing and needs analysis. Approximately, one hour should be set aside for each appointment. Our placement tests are made up of 3 parts. ď Ž Written language skill test focusing on grammar and vocabulary ď Ž Composing a written text ď Ž Oral consultation with one of our teachers to determine the spoken level of language proficiency and determine any discrepancies between written and oral language skills. The teacher will then discuss language needs with the prospective student to best determine the most appropriate course of study giving careful consideration as to which students would best fit together to form a cohesive learning group with similar abilities and skills.
Our courses Group allocation
Course materials
Once testing has been completed and the results have been analysed, the employees will be divided up into groups according to their language level, abilities and needs.
The BSN Language Centre does not limit itself to using a particular series of books or publishing company for its courses. We use a wide variety of course materials to best suit the needs of the student. We choose the books which best meet the student’s level and will most contribute to the student’s language learning potential. In special cases, we will develop our own materials if the specific needs are not covered in available course books. We work with a specialist supplier in Cambridge who can provide us with all the books and materials available for English language learning.
Course design The course is tailor-made to meet the language learner’s needs. A study plan and course materials are chosen according to the particular level with the goal of improving the employee’s ability to do his/ her job with newly acquired language skills. The course will be designed to address the particular needs of the student combining general language instruction in grammar, vocabulary enhancement, and specific reading, writing, speaking or listening skills depending on the needs of the student’s job and his/her language weaknesses. Although, a course plan is set up prior to the first lesson, we pride ourselves on our flexibility to alter lessons should new wishes or topics arise as the course progresses. The course content remains flexible, developing from session to session to best meet the day to day language challenges facing the participants. Special topics such as giving presentations, writing emails, writing reports, telephoning, negotiating or conducting meetings can either be incorporated into the course or can be offered as additional workshops.
Dates and times Once the groups have been established, we ask for a selection of days and times which would best suit the employees for their language training. The availability of suitable teachers is determined to match the groups’ individual training needs and schedule.
The first class The lessons begin on the chosen date and location. During the first class, the teacher will speak to the students about their language needs, strengths and weaknesses to fine tune the lesson plan to match not just the individual learners but the group as a whole.
Business English language courses We offer Business English Language courses here on site, intermediate to advanced levels. These courses cover general language skills with the focus on business vocabulary and business topics. Our Business courses take place in the evenings. The course focuses on communication to best help you succeed when working together with colleagues and clients. For information on level testing and registration for these course please look under ‘registration’ on the website.
Reimbursement of costs If your employer is covering the costs, a letter of permission on company stationery is required. This should show the K.v.K. number, a contact person and the correct invoice address. If you do not have the letter with you, you will be asked to pay for the course yourself to reserve your place. You can then claim it back from your employer at your convenience.
For further information contact Tel: +31 (0)70 315 4080 Email: languages@britishschool.nl or visit www.bsnlanguagecentre.nl