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2 Jul 2009 14:08:43
Companies wanting to grow and develop overseas are being offered the chance to gain business-focused training to help bridge cultures and effectively communicate in Mandarin Chinese or Spanish.
The University of Bedfordshire is encouraging local businesses to take part in the Language Learning in Partnership courses designed to equip delegates with the skills and confidence to seek out potential business, deal with overseas associates and travel abroad.
The heavily subsidised training comes at a time when the UK economy is in need of a boost. Exports to China and Spanish-speaking nations are extremely valuable for the UK with China in particular presenting an abundance of opportunity for businesses looking to expand their markets.
The classes will provide delegates with business language and culture training covering topics from eating out and hotel bookings to travel, meetings and cultural tips.
Participants on the Mandarin Chinese course will also have the opportunity to look at China’s business culture and gain guidance and tips on ‘what not to do’ in order to avoid accidentally offending Chinese hosts or visitors.
Rita Mascia, Business Development Manager at the University’s Knowledge Hub, said: “UK businesses have a very exciting opportunity to develop an international portfolio and take their company to the next level in countries such as China, which is the largest Asian market for UK exports. These courses will provide an important stepping stone to achieving this.”
Language training runs for a total of 27 weeks over three University terms starting in October 2009, ending May 2010. Classes run on Wednesdays between 5pm and 7pm, for minimal disruption to the working day, with an optional one-hour surgery between 4pm and 5pm for reviewing language learnt previously.
The training will take place at the University’s Bedford and Luton campuses, subject to demand. It is envisaged that the Mandarin Chinese course is most likely to be held at the University’s Bedford campus and the Spanish course at the Luton campus.
Due to external funding from the ‘Routes into Languages’ Programme, course fees are subsidised and the cost to businesses is £175 per person for the whole year and includes all learning materials.
Further details can be found at www.beds.ac.uk/knowledgehub/development/languages/llp
Latest news» 2009» July» International opportunities open up for local businesses
