How I work
Each course starts with a short placement test and needs analysis. It is important that the objectives are realistic.
There are many books and methods available to learn English. The selection of the most suitable course materials will depend on your job, level of English, personal learning style, needs and objectives. It is often possible to incorporate some of your own materials into a course.
Group courses only comprise students from the same company with similar learning needs, levels of English and objectives.
In order to guarantee more personal attention, I recommend groups up to a maximum of 12 students. (20 in exam preparation classes).
Group courses involve a great deal of cooperative learning and conversation practice. An essential element in this is the ‘fun factor’. Learning a new language should be fun and when you are having fun you will relax and enjoy the classes. This will often lead to increased motivation to learn and ultimately a more successful experience.
Please check out the different options below and don’t hesitate to call if you have further questions.
Cambridge Exam Preparation courses and workshops
Secondary School Students
For secondary school students preparing to sit First (B2), Advanced (C1) or Proficiency (C2) exams. These courses are specifically exam preparation courses and aim to familiarise the students with the different parts of the exam they are taking. The courses usually take place at school (or via zoom) and are for groups of 6-20 students. Typically lessons last 90 minutes and take place once a fortnight throughout the school year. Most courses comprise 15-20 lessons.
[ From 5 hours: €600,- excl. book and exam fee ]
All Teachers
For secondary school or tertiary level teachers (HBO) preparing to sit Advanced (C1) or Proficiency (C2) exams. These courses are specifically exam preparation courses and aim to familiarise the teachers with the different parts of the exam they are taking. Many of these teachers will go on to teach their subjects in TTO schools or are studying to become English teachers. These courses usually take place at the school or college (or via zoom) and are for groups of 4-12 teachers. Typically lessons last 90 minutes and take place weekly/fortnightly throughout the school year. Most courses comprise 15-20 lessons.
[ from 5 hours: €500,- excl. book and exam fee ]
English Teachers
For English teachers preparing students to sit Cambridge exams (typically B1-C2). These workshops take place at the school or college and are usually interactive full day sessions (6 contact hours). The focus is generally on specific parts of the exam, for example on the writing test at 2 levels such as B2 and C1 or on the speaking and listening test at the same level. This is determined in advance together with the coordinator at the school or college.
[ Full day workshop: from €720,- including materials ]
English for Specific Purposes
Teaching in English
The way we teach is so often coloured by our own learning styles and cultural backgrounds. Our experiences with and attitudes to new technology in the classroom have now of course also become more relevant than ever. How do we incorporate all of these factors into teaching in the international classroom, in a language that is not our own, nor that of the students? These hybrid courses (C1/C2) aim to improve the language skills, fluency and confidence of the non-native lecturers and teachers, who teach their subject in English. They also aim to increase the flexibility demanded of the teacher in the international classroom.
Typically, these courses are for 4-10 participants and take place at the college or university (or via zoom) on a weekly basis. Classes are often 2-3 hours over a period of 10-12 weeks.
[ From 5 hours: €600,- includes most materials. ]
Working in English
Those preparing to (or working in) an international environment may benefit from an English course more specific to their needs, such as English for HR staff, English for support staff or English for Business Communication. These practical courses (B1-C2) aim to improve the participants general level of English and also to practise more job-specific language such as telephoning, giving information, problem solving, interviewing, presenting etc. The content of each course is tailor-made to suit the needs of the participants. The participants in a group would normally be at the same CEFR level.
Typically, these courses are for 4-10 participants and take place at the participants workplace on a weekly basis. Classes are generally 2 hours over a period of 10-12 weeks. Materials used in these courses often include documents provided by the participants.
[ From 5 hours: €600,- excl. course book ]
English for Academic Writing
Those studying or preparing to study at college or university are often required to write in English. These students may benefit from an English for Academic Writing course. Typically, these courses are for 4-10 participants and take place at the college or university. Classes are generally 2-3 hours over a period of 10-12 weeks. This schedule can also be more intensive if required.
[ From 20 hours: €2400,- excl. course books ]
English for Dutch Primary School teachers
Many Dutch primary schools are now introducing English lessons earlier that group 7; some as early as group 1. These teachers may benefit from an English Skills (Eigenvaardigheid) course. These practical courses are for school teams or individual teachers and take place at the school. The content depends on the individual needs of the teachers but in general these courses offer a balance between improving the language skills, fluency and confidence of the teachers and offering them tools and practical tips for the primary school classroom.
Typically, these courses comprise 10 lessons of 1.5 – 2 hours spread over several weeks.
[ From 5 hours: €600,- includes most materials ]
Business English Communication Skills
Those working (or preparing to work) in an English-speaking environment may benefit from an English course more specific to their needs, such as English for presentations, international meetings, job applications, interviewing etc. The content of each course is tailor-made to suit the needs of the participants. The participants in a group would normally be at the same CEFR level.
Typically, these courses are for 4-10 participants and take place at the participants workplace on a weekly basis. These interactive classes are generally 2 hours over a period of 10-12 weeks. Materials used may include documents provided by the participants.
[ From 5 hours: €600,- includes most materials ]
Testimonials
In the first half of 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, I followed the course Teaching in English C1 supervised by Helena. Thanks to her personal and flexible approach (online teaching!) and sense of humour, my classmates and I had an amazing time and a pleasant break from work commitments. In addition to improving my language skills, Helena offered a lot of presentation tips&tricks, which I think back to in every preparation.
The Language & Training Centre (LTC) of Erasmus University Rotterdam has been working with Helena for several years. We have hired her for Business communication skills courses, General English courses, courses for specific groups of employees or students of Erasmus University Rotterdam and for individual coaching sessions. Helena combines a lot of experience and professional knowledge with great flexibility and creativity. She is a great teacher. Students and staff are very happy with her as a teacher and give high scores in evaluations. For the LTC Helena is a lovely person to work with.
As a professional personal trainer and language coach, Helena did a wonderful job with helping me to improve my English language skills. She also translated my book The Change Maker®️ from Dutch into English with a high level of accuracy. Besides that, we shared experience concerning how to guide individuals through a severe change process, both personally and professionally.