27
Nov
2009
English for Catering
Catering and Hospitality
Catering is the service of providing food for events. It can be on-premise where food is prepared, cooked and served at the same venue, or off-service where food is prepared and cooked at one venue then transported to another to be served. Typically, catering involves professionals preparing food to be served to a group of people for a pre-arranged time and fee. Traditionally considered a service employed by only the wealthy, today catering is widely used for events such as weddings and engagements, birthdays, corporate meetings, conventions and so on. It can consist of multiple course meals or simply refreshments.
A caterer’s reputation often depends on their ability to manage food safety issues, as well as the quality of food and service provided. Issues of keeping food warm or cool are usually dealt with using insulated coolers or refrigerated vehicles and portable warming units. Other considerations include the menu, the style of serving, styling of portions and garnishes, room arrangements and traffic flow. Some catering companies have evolved into complete event planners, including arrangements such as decorations, table settings, lighting, entertainment, etc.
English for Catering
For those wanting to live and study in an English speaking country such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or South Africa, English colleges offer a range of courses. From general English courses that cover the basics and all the essentials, to specialised advanced courses such as the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English, there is a wide range available.
A course that specialises in learning the English language for the purpose of working in the hospitality or catering industries can also be very useful. Whether you want to pursue a career in these industries, or simply find work while studying or backpacking, such a specialised course can help you gain employment. As well as honing your skills in various aspects such as reading, speaking, writing and listening, a course in English for catering and hospitality would introduce students to industry terminology.
2
Nov
2009
English Language Courses
General English
General English courses are designed to give students an overall understanding and ability in reading, writing, speaking and listening in English. It can be for those who have a general interest in the language, or for those who need it to travel, study or work. General English language courses will usually cover aspects of English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and common expressions. Students will learn how to construct a sentence properly, using different verb tenses and pronouns in different situations.
Course structures will vary across language colleges, but a typical course may include approximately 20 hours of classes, 2 hours of conversation and 5 hours of independent learning a week. Then there are social activities to complement the in-class study, whether sports, cultural activities or touring the city.
Business English
Business English courses are probably more suitable for students who are learning English in order to get a job that requires the English language. Rather than learning vocabulary and phrases related to sports, travel, cooking, tourism etc, Business English is tailored specifically for the work place. It focuses on language use in real-life situations in areas such as marketing, financial services, sales, accounting and general office work. Apart from covering English grammar, these courses also demonstrate how to use business terminology used to place an order, make an enquiry or write a cover letter when applying for a job. It can also cover themes such as business relationships, meetings, company cultures, travel, using the phone, writing letters/emails/reports.
For example, Business English courses familiarise students with phrases such as “Let’s do lunch” (let’s meet up to eat lunch), “Bring something to the table” (have something to offer), “Have it done by the end of Friday” (must be finished at the end of the business day on Friday). One important aspect of business English is having a good grasp on expressions of time, as this is often a crucial aspect of business.