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 Business News | May 2005 
Putting Focus On English A Big Boost For Business Students
 Rhona Statland De López - The Herald Mexico
| | Lupita Ramirez is a certified teacher with a degree in Modern Languages from BUAP (University of Puebla). She teaches private English and Spanish lessons to people of all ages around the Banderas Bay area. Contact her at Lupita@BanderasNews.com |
Bilingual schools are only a small percentage of Mexico’s education system. While it sometimes seems that every school wants to offer English to their students, some impart just the most rudimentary foundation of the language. When students only have the most basic knowledge of English, they can find themselves at a disadvantage in advanced studies. It is difficult for them to attend universities here which use English textbooks and give some of their courses in English.
Escuela Bancaria y Comercial (EBC) is a business school located in the heart of Mexico City. Many of its students come from schools which did not stress English. In fact, although it seems a given nowadays that English is a must for businessmen around the world, the majority of EBC students don’t have the mastery of the language necessary to transact business on a global stage.
“Our students have the reputation of being well prepared and hardworking, but after graduation, they cannot move up in their jobs because of the level of English they have,” says Ivan Guerra, General Coordinator of Languages at EBC.
Noting that this is a concern at many Mexican universities, Guerra is working to change the mentality of students who view studying English as a burden instead of an opportunity. He cites various EBC graduates who only realize their mistake once they’ve entered the business world. “They come back to me and say, ‘I should have studied more English because now I need it to be promoted in my job.’ ”
Although EBC introduced English classes some 15 years ago, they were extra-curricular courses. The school soon made them mandatory for students who do not score at least a 530 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Students must take a total of eight courses in English. The first two are Basic English where students learn everyday language for beginners. Courses Three and Four are an introduction to Business English. Courses Five and Six employ simulations of business situations from interviewing for a job to learning about cultural differences between business practices in the United States and Mexico. The final two courses bring students to an intermediate level of English used in the business world.
There are a host of activities nowadays in Mexico which require near fluent English. Business presentations, telephone calls abroad, and negotiating deals are just some of them. EBC is planning to make English a requisite and fundamental part of the curriculum by 2007.
“We’re focusing on developing a program where English is going to be integrated into the syllabus,” says Guerra. Not only will students be learning English as part of the requirements for graduation but EBC also intends to offer workshops in public speaking, business writing and other areas to complement their coursework. In addition, several subjects are planned to be offered in English.
English is a must in careers such as Hotel Administration and Tourism. Yet, many students have not had much exposure to the language outside of the classroom. “Our students can’t afford to spend summers in the United States” to practice their English as many bilingual students do, notes Guerra. “A number have economic problems and parents who have lost their jobs.”
As a result, EBC is trying to bring opportunities to learn about English-speaking cultures to the students. Last November, for example, the school sponsored Anglophone Culture Week where ambassadors and speakers from Britain, Canada, the United States and other countries gave students an idea of the rich cultural offerings to be enjoyed in English. With a student population which doesn’t fully understand the importance of knowing English until they get out in the business world, EBC is encouraging an interest in the language while they are still in school.
Students were introduced to movies, books, magazines and newspapers in English. They heard a talk by Dr. Kay Davis, English Language Officer at the U.S. Embassy and visited a Book Fair featuring literature in English. They tried culinary fare from the various countries and learned about various English proficiency examinations they could take such as the TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication).
EBC is currently offering preparatory workshops in the TOEIC and TOEFL. In July, it will sponsor a Certificate in Teaching English to Business People. The 30-hour course given during one week’s time leads to the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations Board Foundation Certificate for Teachers of Business English.
With activities like Anglophone Week and earning various English proficiency certificates, EBC is awakening the interest in the language that will serve their students well. When English is incorporated into the curriculum in 2007, EBC will have students not only known for their hard work and excellent preparation but hopefully, for their fluent English as well.
rhonav@gmail.com |
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