English Language and Culture

We live in an increasingly international community in which many people with whom we come into contact, do not have the same first language. An ability to communicate effectively in an international language has consequently become essential for success on a professional, but also personal, level. English is an obvious choice of language for such communication and an excellent command of this language can enhance your professional chances. With six courses in total, including a choice from three electives, our English Language and Culture exchange programme gives you a solid foundation.

In general, three types of people tend to follow the English Language and Culture programme:

• You love English and want to immerse yourself in the culture and language during your exchange period;
• You need English for your future studies or work and you want to take this opportunity to improve your language skills;
• You want proof of your English language abilities to include on your CV.

This exchange programme is interesting for any student who could have international contacts during their future career and understands that English proficiency is important in any context. On top of that, the courses are a valuable addition to your general professional competencies.

The programme caters for students with a variety of language levels, from B2 to C1; the course assignments have been designed to ensure that everyone who starts will be challenged to improve their English language skills. Your level of English is the starting point for the programme. Before you start taking classes, you will be assessed, and together with your teachers you decide what you want and need to work on in order to achieve the language level you are aiming for. Your teachers are native speakers or have spent a longer period of time in an English-speaking country.

Would you like to know more about this programme or do you have a specific question? Please contact the programme coordinator, Fatima Kajouj.

This programme takes place over one semester (two periods) when taken full-time. It is offered twice per year, starting either in Spetember or February.

* The British Culture course gives you the opportunity to visit Britain for a week (not financed by HU).
** For the last 5 credits, you may choose one of the elective courses which best suits your ambitions and development, but note that there are limited spaces available on each course.

During this programme you will develop both your English language skills and your understanding of British and American culture. There are two courses specifically targeting the development of your productive language skills, namely Speaking Skills and Writing Skills. Both these courses are spread over the duration of the semester to allow you as much time for development as possible. These courses start by improving your confidence, fluency and flexibility. You will practice using the language in conversations and semi-formal writing assignments and progress to formal assignments, which also increase in complexity and sophistication as you learn more. The skills courses will cover a variety of topics within your field of interest, experience, and expertise, but will also challenge you to tackle less familiar, abstract topics and current events. You will receive feedback throughout the courses to identify areas for improvement and guide your development. Whilst actively working on writing and speaking you will also hone your reading and listening skills.

Alongside the language skills courses students also take Grammar and Basics, a course in the first period, which is aimed at supporting students to become better speakers and writers by teaching them spelling, grammar and pronunciation. It also provides a space to work in a targeted manner on the feedback you received during your speaking and writing classes. By taking a diagnostic test at the beginning of the block students can identify areas that need work and personalise their learning process by attending relevant learning pods. The course is finalised with a summative test which allows students to exhibit their mastery of English grammar.

There are also two culture courses. These are CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) courses where you will improve your English while learning about British and American culture. This also means that you are more prepared to communicate in an international context because you are more familiar with other cultures that you are likely to encounter. In the first period, students will learn about American history, politics and people. In period two, students focus on contemporary British culture by conducting research on a key aspect of British culture. Moreover, this course gives students the opportunity to visit Britain for a week to research their chosen aspect of British culture (please note that this will not be financed by the Hogeschool Utrecht but by the students themselves).

For the final 5 ECTS students can choose a course that best suits their ambitions and development. We offer Business English, Short Stories and Cambridge Exam Training. If you choose Business English, you will develop the language skills you need to work in a professional, English-language environment. The Short Stories course will teach you to analyse the use of literary devices such as conflict, symbolism and irony in a range of short stories. Finally, during Cambridge Exam Training you will learn what is expected on and how to complete the various parts of the Cambridge English exams. Note, this is an exam training course; should you wish to take the official Cambridge exam you will need to pay for this yourself at an external institute. Also note, there are limited places available per elective module.

In our Course Guide you can find all relevant information about the programme in one practical document. Download it here for your convenience.

English at B2 level. There are no additional entry requirements.

English CEFR level B2.

Please note: You may be asked to take a language assessment test before the start of the programme. If your English language skills are below the required level, you may not be able to enter the course, as you need to be able to actively participate in (parts of) the programme. In all cases, the programme manager makes the final decision.