Erasmus+ Advanced English Skills for Higher Education Professionals

Overview

This course is designed for higher education professionals in various roles, including auxiliary staff, administrative staff, early-career lecturers, and researchers. The program focuses on developing functional language necessary for effective communication with multiple stakeholders in an academic setting.

Course Details

• Duration: 1 week
• Timetable: 20 lessons per week
• Fees: €525.00
• Key Start Dates 2025: 11th May, 6th July, 22nd September
• Delivery: In person at Dorset College
• Minimum Level of English: B1 on the CEFR (Intermediate)

Course Objectives

• To navigate communicative situations in the workplace confidently and effectively
• To identify the purpose, structure, tone, and perspective of an oral or written text
• To manage conflicts in a professional setting while accounting for the different needs and perspectives of multiple stakeholders

Learning Outcomes

This course provides a professional development opportunity for participants, aiming to enhance their transversal skills, particularly intercultural and language competences, critical thinking, and media literacy.

Course Structure

Day 1: Functional Language in the Workplace

• Identifying communicative situations in the workplace
• Comparing and contrasting interactional and transactional communicative purposes
• Matching communicative situations with the appropriate language functions
• Language aspects considered: Classifying language functions, expressing degrees of (dis)agreement or (dis)satisfaction

Day 2: A Structured Approach to Communicative Success

• Determining a text’s purpose and structure
• Inferring intent and profiling the target audience
• Evaluating communicative success and formal accuracy
• Language aspects considered: Signposting and sequencing, organizing events by time frames

Day 3: Stance and Perspective

• Recognizing the difference between fact and opinion to assess how evidence is presented to support an argument
• Exploring academic tone and stylistic nuances
• Demonstrating cultural awareness while considering both the national culture and the company culture
• Language aspects considered: Using persuasive and emphasizing communicative strategies

Day 4: Adapting Language in Context

• Effective note-taking during meetings and based on reading texts from one’s specialized field of knowledge
• Expanding notes into a written text or an oral presentation
• Paraphrasing a text to emphasize different elements
• Language aspects considered: Reported speech

Day 5: Conflict Management Workshop

• This final-day workshop will provide participants with a holistic and practical toolkit to effectively manage conflict in the workplace
• Identifying diverging stakes and/or perspectives to reach a compromise by setting new goals that facilitate the transition from the comfort zone to the growth zone
• Dramatising real-life scenarios of conflict in a higher education setting in pairs and developing a strategy to respond appropriately both orally and in writing
• Individual feedback focusing on style, register, and overall communicative effectiveness

Assessment and Awards

• STT Invitation
• Certificate of Completion
• Europass
• Work Plan (On Request)

What is Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth, and sport in Europe for the period. It plays a significant role in promoting European mobility, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of education and training in Europe.

Eligible Countries for Erasmus+ Funding

All EU Member States are eligible to participate fully in the Erasmus+ Programme. Additionally, the following third countries are associated with the programme:

• Members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) which are members of the European Economic Area (EEA): Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
• Acceding countries, candidate countries, and potential candidates: Republic of North Macedonia, Republic of Türkiye, and Republic of Serbia

How Can Dorset College Help You with Your Application?

After receiving your application, you will be contacted shortly thereafter by the Dorset College team. You will also receive the programme details and all information you need for the mobility agreement as well as your stay in Dublin.

How Much is an Erasmus+ Grant?

Erasmus+ grants provide a contribution to your costs for travel, subsistence, and training, and the amount will vary depending on:

• The receiving country (the country to which you are travelling)
• The level of demand from staff from your country who intend to train abroad
• The distance between your country and the receiving country
• The availability of other financial sources in your country or region

Please ask your Erasmus+ coordinator in your organisation, institute, or school for information about the grant provided in your region.

It covers the differences between interactional and transactional communication and introduces appropriate language functions for various scenarios. It explores academic tone and stylistic nuances, including cultural awareness in diverse settings. It also explores paraphrasing techniques to emphasize different elements in a text.

• Conflict Management Workshop: This workshop equips participants with practical skills to manage conflicts in the workplace.
It involves role-playing real-life scenarios and developing strategies for effective communication, both oral and written.

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Structure:

• The course consists of 5 full days of instruction, with each day offering a specific module.
• Each day includes a mix of interactive lectures, workshops, and individual exercises.
• Participants receive all necessary materials, including handouts and presentations.

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Course Schedule:

• Day 1: Functional Language in the Workplace (9:00 - 12:15)
• Day 2: A Structured Approach to Communicative Success (9:00 - 12:15)
• Day 3: Stance and Perspective (9:00 - 12:15)
• Day 4: Adapting Language in Context (9:00 - 12:15)
• Day 5: Conflict Management Workshop (9:00 - 12:15)

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Individual Modules:

• Functional Language in the Workplace: This module aims to equip participants with the necessary language skills to effectively navigate communication situations in the workplace.
• A Structured Approach to Communicative Success: This module helps participants understand how to analyze texts effectively and improve their writing and speaking skills.
• Stance and Perspective: This module develops participants' critical thinking skills and enables them to present arguments in a clear and persuasive way.
• Conflict Management Workshop: This module provides participants with the tools and strategies to manage conflicts constructively and professionally.

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Assessment:

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Assessment & Awards:

• STT Invitation: Participants receive an invitation to attend the Short-Term Training program.
• Certificate of Completion: Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive a certificate.
• Europass: Participants can obtain a Europass Mobility document, which records their learning experience.
• Work Plan (On Request): Participants can request a personalized work plan based on their specific needs and objectives.

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Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The course utilizes a variety of interactive teaching methods, including lectures, workshops, discussions, role-playing exercises, and individual feedback sessions.
• Faculty: The program is delivered by a team of experienced and qualified native English language or business teachers.

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Careers:

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Career Opportunities:

The program prepares participants for a range of career opportunities in higher education institutions, including:

• Lecturers
• Researchers
• Administrative staff
• Academic advisors
• Student support officers

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Other:

• Cultural program: Participants have the opportunity to explore Dublin and experience Irish culture through a variety of social activities.
• Accommodation: Participants can choose from various accommodation options, including student apartments, host families, or booking their own accommodation.
• Free Tour: A free walking tour of Dublin is included in the program package.

Dorset College Dublin

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Overview:

Dorset College Dublin is an independent higher education institution located in Dublin City Centre. It focuses on career and personal development, offering courses designed to provide a solid foundation in chosen fields of study. The college is housed in beautifully restored Georgian buildings, equipped with modern classroom technology and spacious study environments.

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Services Offered:

Dorset College Dublin offers a range of services to students, including:

Academic Calendars:

Provides information on important dates and deadlines.

Career Development & Employability:

Offers support and resources to help students prepare for their careers.

Library:

Provides access to a collection of books and resources.

Moodle:

An online learning platform for accessing course materials and interacting with instructors.

Pay Online:

Allows students to pay fees online.

Request A Letter:

Enables students to request official letters from the college.

Student Experience:

Provides information and resources on student life and activities.

Student Portfolios:

Allows students to showcase their work and achievements.

Study Room Booking:

Enables students to book study rooms for individual or group work.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Focus on Career Development:

Courses are designed to equip students with in-demand skills and knowledge relevant to their chosen fields.

Industry Collaboration:

Programs are developed in collaboration with industry and professional bodies, ensuring practical relevance.

Modern Facilities:

The college boasts modern classroom technology and spacious study environments in restored Georgian buildings.

Experienced Lecturers:

Dorset College Dublin has a student-to-lecturer ratio of 21:1, providing personalized attention and support.

International Student Support:

The college offers support services and resources specifically for international students.

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Academic Programs:

Dorset College Dublin offers a variety of academic programs, including:

Bachelor (Honours) In International Business Degree

Bachelor of Business Degree Level 7

BSc In Computer Science Degree Level 7

Professional Academy Evening Courses

English Language School English Courses

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Other:

Dorset College Dublin is accredited by a number of organizations, including:

• Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
• ACELS
• CIPD
• Education Ireland
• HEA
• Springboard+

The college also has a strong commitment to learner protection and provides a range of policies and resources to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.