British Closed Nuclear Centres Partnership

Business English Training at De Montfort University

Vladimir Golota, KIPT, Kharkov, Ukraine

Course participants

In a lesson

My scientific area is plasma physics. As is well known, one of elements of any research is exchanging scientific information, presentation of obtained results at conferences and symposia, because there is no Ukrainian science, neither English nor German, etc. Science is always international, and therefore, speaking a foreign language (better several) is an integral part of being a scientist. English is the main language of scientific communication. Moreover, our Institute starts activities for commercialization of R&D results and, since internal investments into science are not yet significant in Ukraine, the main part of the commercialization activity is focused at search for foreign investors, partners and grants. Again, English is the main language here. So, I was very pleased to learn that I could take part in the language course, organized in the framework of CNCP, for training CIS former nuclear weapons scientists in business English. 15 specialists from different research centres of the former Soviet Union were met at Heathrow airport, and welcomed with a sincere hospitality at the office of HTSPE Ltd. Then we were taken to the place of training in Leicester where we were lodged at the hostel named Benjamin Russell Court that became our home for the month of our staying in UK. CNCP course "Business English and Contract Negotiations" was implemented at De Montfort University (DMU). We were greeted warmly by the dean Professor Philip Martin and the course manager David Boydon. Carole Weeks made us acquainted with the University campus and many-sided centre of Leicester. It is an ancient city, yet young in spirit, bustling and energetic, keeping the style and traditions of central counties, with the picturesque river Soar and quiet streets of the city historical part. We were impressed with the ancient Leicester marketplace (700 y.o.) and the beautiful Castle Yard in the heart of old Leicester, with its ancient gate and the church. And finally, we were relaxed and surrounded with a cordial atmosphere of the DMU teacher team during the party, held at "Revolution" bar.

Scientific English versus Business English

Then, the everyday work began. The language training at DMU was beyond all expectations. Most friendly atmosphere, highly qualified teachers and a well designed training programme. At first, a problem for me was a great difference of business English from scientific and technical English I was used to in reading special literature. Speaking this English was even more difficult. Our teachers spent a lot of effort to re-orient our thinking and concentrate our attention on terminology and specificity of business English. Maybe, at the first stage, it would be advisable to speak slower, for better adaptation. The complexity of understanding and the big group did not allow everyone to work equally actively. Nevertheless, the training, undoubtedly, was a success. We were trained in presentation techniques, main elements of business planning and business communication, etc. All this was supported with case studies from today business practice, visits to the innovation centre and research laboratories at De Montfort University. Every day, our English language skills were improving, and we were better understanding rules and ethics of international business. We expanded our comprehension of innovation and introduction of new technologies to the market. The acquired experience allows us an easier contact with foreign partners due to a much better knowledge of English.

An extensive leisure programme and excursions were organized for us. Visiting Oxford impressed us indelibly. Oxford ("cattle ford over Thames") - a mystic interlacement of ancient buildings and modern spirit that influence the world policy. An incredible mixture of science, policy and theology with a huge number of ancient universities and colleges. This city is a museum in the open air, with its picturesque gardens and green meadows in cosy university yards. Famous Oxford bookshops and Christ Church, the interior of which inspired decorations for "Harry Potter" film. Exquisite Magdalena Bridge with a lovely green slope. We walked along the Beaumont and High Street, thoroughfare Carfax Cross-roads, with a cosy shop named "Bukhara". We went to the famous "Eagle and Child" pub, where the Inklings literary group had their meetings, among them Lewis Carroll, author of "Alice in Wonderland", and J. Tolkien, creator of "The Lord of the Rings". The following weekend, we had an excursion to London and Greenwich. London is a wonderful city. Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park - we remember these names from school, from our first English lessons. A breath-taking feeling is bird's eye view of London (big dipper), with Thames, Big-Ben and Westminster Abbey at your feet. We saw expositions of the British Museum and the National Art Gallery. And Soho, ah Soho! Where else one could not find a single straight street, and a place at every 200-300 metres, with 5-6 streets meeting there! We have received new knowledge, acquired new friends, saw many sights and familiarized with the culture of Great Britain.

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