What is Business English?
First of all, let's clear up a common misunderstanding about the Business English Program (BEP). It is not a different language from General English. In my experience, learners of BEP ask questions like, "can you say that at work?", or "is this a business term?" There is a common false belief that BEP is somehow a different language from normal English. This is not true. English is English, but the things that we say, hear, read, and write in professional situations are different from out-of-work situations, such as when we communicate with our family and friends. In Business English, we focus on the vocabulary and skills that you need to use English at work; to understand and express yourself in professional situations rather than at home, university or when travelling. |
So, can you give us some examples of topics covered in Business English?
Well, there is quite a range because people work in so many different roles in so many industries. Some industries, like medicine or the military, are so specific that very specialised English courses exist just for them. Business English is more general than that, and covers a range of skills-based topics that can be applied to many, many industries and roles. Examples of topics covered in the ACE Business English Program (BEP) include networking, handling meetings, writing clear and effective emails, discussing objectives, writing reports and reviews, applying for jobs, discussing problems and solutions, describing visual data, and talking about numbers and financial information; among others.
What's happening with the Business English Program right now?
Actually, this is really a very exciting time for the BEP. We have made a big change and are now using brand new course materials which are fresh on the market from Oxford University Press, a leading publisher in BE materials. The new text books are called "International Express" and were just published in 2014 so they are very up to date. Not only are they 'hot off the press', but we also understand that they are a good choice for Khmer learners because they are less focused on the Western world than many other books and they focus strongly on language production and skills development. In other words, they are a good resource for helping learners to do and say the things that they need at work.
Does all the teaching follow the course book?
No. We feel that this would be a mistake because different learner groups have different needs. Some classes need more time and more practice to consolidate what they are learning, while others prefer to move quickly and cover a wider range of skills. There is plenty of room in the BEP at all levels for the teachers to bring in extra materials which suit the particular class. The teachers are highly experienced and have access to a well-equipped staff library, as well as a range of resources that are found online. This enables them to follow the core curriculum which covers a good range of core skills, and at the same time they can respond to the needs of the specific group of learners.
How can I find out more about the Business English Program?
You can find out more about BEP by either visiting the ACE website or speaking with our Customer Service Officers at the reception of any ACE campus in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap.