What Level of English Do I Need to Join a Professional Development Course?

Is My English Good Enough for an Erasmus+ Course?

This is one of the most common concerns among people preparing for international professional development:

“Is my English good enough to join the course?”

The short answer is: probably yes.

Understanding Academy welcomes teachers, trainers, school leaders, adult educators and other education professionals from different European countries. Participants naturally arrive with different accents, vocabulary, language-learning experiences and levels of confidence.

You do not need to speak perfect English to benefit from an international course. You need enough English to understand the main ideas, communicate with the group and ask for clarification when necessary.

Our Recommended English Level: B1

For most Understanding Academy courses delivered in English, we recommend a minimum level of approximately B1, or intermediate English.

At this level, participants can usually:

• understand the main ideas of course presentations and discussions;
• communicate with other participants during workshops;
• ask questions and request clarification;
• share professional experiences from their school or organisation;
• follow practical demonstrations;
• participate in collaborative activities and group tasks.

B1 does not mean speaking without mistakes. It means being able to communicate about familiar topics, understand essential information and participate in everyday professional interaction.

Some participants understand English well but initially feel nervous about speaking. This is normal. Confidence often develops quickly when people begin using English in a friendly international group.

A Practical English Self-Check

You do not necessarily need a formal language examination to consider whether you are ready. Ask yourself whether you can do most of the following:

If you can do most of these things—even slowly and with occasional mistakes—you will probably be able to participate successfully.

What If My English Is Not Perfect?

Perfect English is not expected. Our courses focus on professional learning, communication and collaboration—not on testing participants’ grammar.

Our trainers use clear international English, specific vocabulary accompanied by simple explanations and provide opportunities to ask questions. Practical activities, demonstrations, visual materials and group work also make it easier to understand course content without relying only on long spoken explanations.

Participants are encouraged to ask for clarification. Useful phrases include:

• “Could you repeat that, please?”
• “Could you explain that in another way?”
• “What does this word mean in this context?”
• “Can you give us an example?”
• “Let me check if I understood correctly.”

These questions support learning for the whole group. Even highly proficient English speakers sometimes need unfamiliar educational terminology to be explained.

Why Learning in English Can Be an Advantage

Participating in an international course offers more than professional development. It creates a natural opportunity to use English for a meaningful purpose.

During the training week, participants can:

• practise English in real professional situations;
• meet education professionals from different countries;
• exchange ideas, experiences and teaching practices;
• learn to understand different accents;
• expand their professional and educational vocabulary;
• develop confidence in international communication.

Many people discover that they communicate more effectively than they expected. When the conversation concerns familiar professional experiences, expressing ideas often becomes easier.

How Can I Prepare My English Before the Course?

A small amount of practical preparation can make the first course day feel much easier.

Prepare a Short Professional Introduction

Practise explaining your role, educational setting, learners and reasons for joining the course. You do not need to memorise a formal speech. A few clear sentences are enough.

Review Vocabulary Connected With the Course

Read the course description and daily programme. Identify unfamiliar words connected with the topic and prepare a short personal vocabulary list.

Listen to Different European Accents

International English does not sound the same everywhere. Listening to speakers from different countries can help you become comfortable with varying accents and speaking styles.

Prepare Useful Clarification Phrases

Knowing how to ask for repetition, examples or additional explanation is more useful than trying to understand every word silently.

Would You Like to Strengthen Your English?

If you prefer to prepare independently, our Basic English for European Projects workbook provides practical language support for teachers, educators and school staff preparing for international courses, European projects and mobility experiences. Its six structured units cover useful vocabulary, accessible grammar and real situations such as introducing yourself, understanding course schedules, following classroom instructions, travelling and communicating with international colleagues.

The 132-page paperback workbook is particularly suitable for participants with basic English knowledge who want to practise at their own pace before travelling. You can view sample pages and purchasing information on the Basic English for European Projects resource page .

Understanding Academy also offers the Intensive English Language Course for Teachers and Educators . It focuses on practical communication, professional confidence and real-life language use in an international environment.

The course may be useful if you want guided language practice before participating in other international projects, training programmes or Erasmus+ mobility activities.

Motivation Matters More Than Perfect English

Language is a tool for learning and connection. It should not become a barrier that prevents motivated educators from joining an international professional development experience.

Curiosity, professional experience, openness and a willingness to communicate are often more important than perfect grammar.

You can explore our complete course catalogue and upcoming course sessions. If you are still unsure whether your English level is suitable, contact Understanding Academy. We will be happy to discuss your situation before you register.