Between January 19 and 23, Zoltán Lénárt, a GYMRI instructor, participated in a five-day language course at Charles University in Prague as part of the Erasmus+ non-educational teacher mobility program. Report on the trip.
The Erasmus+ mobility program organized by the Language Institute of Charles University, entitled PRACTICAL ENGLISH FOR OFFICE STAFF – WINTER IN THE HEART OF EUROPE, is not among the cheapest programs, but there is a reason for that. The preliminary program available on the website shows that the morning classes focus on developing skills mainly used in office work (telephoning, writing emails, negotiating, preparing and giving presentations), while the afternoons are filled with guided city tours and other joint cultural programs. This means that the registration fee covers city tours, museum tickets, tour guides, and even a welcome lunch.
We had already experienced during a previous trip with Szudki Osayma that Czech hosts are very friendly, extremely precise, and make the most of the available time. We received the exact schedule in advance. The classes were held in two groups of 13, and then we joined together for the afternoon's more informal programs. They tried to place one group at B1 level and the other at B2 level, but on the first day they allowed us to switch. They even made sure that the coffee breaks started a little late, so there was never any commotion around the trays of delicious Czech pastries, and the coffee never ran out.
The lessons usually began with a short discussion about the previous day's events, followed by important expressions for that day and tasks and role-playing games based on them. The topics of the lessons were also related to each other. For example, the day after learning the rules of oral presentations, everyone was able to give their own presentation. On this occasion, I did not miss the opportunity to present and promote Bárczi's two Blended Intensive Programs, which will take place in the summer of 2026.
In a nutshell, the program is really useful for colleagues working in administrative and teaching support roles. Almost all of the participants were from this field, but I also really enjoyed participating as a lecturer. Outside of the official programs, we talked a lot about the beauty and difficulties of university life, and of course about the cultural, natural, and historical characteristics of the participating countries.
I would like to thank our university and the staff of the host institution for the opportunity, the support, and the excellent organization! There are still places available in May and September. But be warned, they fill up quickly!
Details of the language course are available here: ERASMUS+ Staff Week - Practical English for Office Staff - Charles University - ÚJOP UK - Institute for Language and Preparatory Studies