Finding the words to express an idea, keeping a conversation going and feeling comfortable speaking English: these were practical achievements highlighted by participants after joining our English courses for teachers in Dublin, Ireland, from 24–28 August 2026.
These bespoke Erasmus+ English courses in Dublin were developed at the school’s specific request, with separate beginners’ and intermediate programmes focused on helping teachers improve their spoken English. Across the week, they practised communicating through role-plays, discussions, listening exercises and collaborative tasks, developing skills they could use in their personal and professional travels.
“I particularly enjoyed the speaking activities and the opportunity to practise English in a relaxed and friendly environment. I found the course engaging, useful and very helpful for improving my confidence.”
Building on a school’s Erasmus+ journey
What made this training special was that participants came from a school who had already chosen HESL for teacher training last year, when their educators joined us for a CLIL course and a beginner English language course.
Building on our previous experience with the school, we developed these bespoke programmes around the new group’s needs. The beginners’ and intermediate courses provided different starting points while sharing a common aim: helping teachers use English with greater confidence in everyday situations.
For us, long-term cooperation is one of the most rewarding parts of Erasmus+. Working with schools over time allows us to build on previous experiences and continue supporting their teachers’ professional development as their needs and priorities evolve.
Beginner English: building everyday communication skills
Our beginner programme combined essential vocabulary and basic grammar around common daily situations taken from the CEFR A1-A2 level, with opportunities to listen, speak and practise pronunciation. Daily routines, common actions and short dialogues gave participants a practical context for using the language.
Pair and group activities created space to practise, while work on intonation and stress supported clearer speaking.
“I improved my grammar and my vocabulary, I improved also my speaking”
Intermediate English: improving speaking confidence and fluency
For intermediate participants, our training programme placed a strong emphasis on keeping conversations going when the right word did not immediately come to mind. Teachers practised describing what they meant, rephrasing, asking for clarification and gaining thinking time during a conversation. These practical English communication skills gave them strategies to manage gaps in vocabulary and maintain the flow of a discussion.
“Another important thing I’ve learned is how to gain thinking time while speaking and to deal with real life problems while I’m abroad.”
Our role-play activities explored travel situations, asking for help, making complaints and giving clear instructions. Discussions and debate activities offered further opportunities to express opinions, ask questions and respond spontaneously.
Plan an English language course for your teachers
Originally developed at the school’s request, our English Language courses on speaking with confidence are now part of our standard course offer for others to join.
From the feedback we received and the progress we observed during the week, the course specifically helped participants broader their vocabulary, improve speaking and listening, and increase confidence in communicating.
If you are looking for English courses for teachers with an emphasis on speaking and listening, explore the programmes now available in Dublin and London (from 2027):
Would you or your colleagues benefit from focused speaking practice?
Get in touch with us to find out about upcoming dates, or complete our course registration form to sign up for a course in Dublin (or London in 2027). We can also discuss a bespoke programme shaped around your group’s level, learning needs and Erasmus+ mobility objectives.