New!
Business and Academic English for Non-native Speakers
Are you struggling to effectively articulate yourself in English? Are you concerned that your expertise and personality aren't shining through? Perhaps you've experimented with AI tools only to find they often produce unnatural-sounding content.
At Common Link, we understand the challenges of speaking a second language, especially in a professional or academic environment. Having worked with many people just like you, we're confident we can help you find your authentic voice in English!
GROUP COURSES: BUSINESS OR ACADEMIC ENGLISH
1. BUSINESS ENGLISH
Do you have a group of employees who would like to improve their English skills?
As your dedicated training partner, we review each participant's language level, needs and goals and design a customized program for the group.
Group courses give participants tools to develop their fluency and self-confidence, so they feel more like themselves when using English at work.
Topics may include:
-
Targeted training to improve speaking, writing, grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, self-confidence
-
Participating in meetings (in-person and online)
-
Finding the right words faster
-
Avoiding Dunglish
-
Speaking more naturally, e.g., using nuance and humor
-
Building stronger relationships
-
Feedback on content and delivery of presentations, emails, etc.
-
New! Using AI (e.g., ChatGPT and Copilot) to enhance writing and build overall English skills
-
Understanding limitations of AI and how to avoid mistakes
2. ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION
Does your university offer English-taught programs to students who are non-native speakers?
Do the students need support in improving their academic writing and/or presentation skills?
As your training partner, we can provide English instruction as a standalone course or as part of another course. For example, within Academic Skills, students attend two or more English writing tutorials and receive personalized writing feedback on an assignment.
Topics may include:
-
Characteristics of Academic Writing
-
Academic English vs. Business English
-
Improving cohesion, tone, style, transitions, hedging and more
-
Avoiding common mistakes
-
Presentation Skills
-
New! Workshop: Using AI Ethically and Responsibly - Do's and Don'ts
EXECUTIVE ONE-ON-ONE BUSINESS ENGLISH TRAINING
Perhaps you'd prefer more individualized training to help you boost your Business English proficiency.
If so, you'll like our flexible
Strippenkaart voucher for one-on-one training. It's based entirely on your needs, goals and schedule.
One week we may use 90 minutes and focus on an important presentation you have coming up. You'll have a chance to practice and improve your language and delivery.
The next week we may use 60 minutes and focus on building industry vocabulary or improving key grammar skills.
Topics may include:
-
Targeted training to improve speaking, writing, grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, self-confidence
-
Participating in meetings (in-person and online)
-
Finding the right words faster
-
Avoiding Dunglish
-
Speaking more naturally, e.g., using nuance and humor
-
Building stronger relationships
-
Feedback on content and delivery of presentations, emails, etc.
-
New! Using AI (e.g., ChatGPT and Copilot) to enhance writing and build overall English skills
-
Understanding limitations of AI and how to avoid mistakes
BUSINESS COMMUNICATION CONSULTING SERVICES
Would you like your company's English communication to be more accurate, professional and natural sounding?
Then you'll want to check out our flexible Strippenkaart voucher for English consulting services .
Just as with the Training Strippenkaart, you have the freedom to use hours as you need them. Whether it's 30 minutes one week and 90 minutes another week, we adapt to your schedule and requirements.
Additionally, these hours are shareable within your team, ensuring that everyone can benefit from our support whenever needed.
Here's a glimpse of what we can assist you with:
-
Creating and editing various texts such as pitches, proposals, reports, website content, ad copy, LinkedIn profiles, CVs, and emails.
-
Translation and editing services to refine and eliminate "Dunglish," making your content sound more native.
-
Generating English text "from scratch" tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
ABOUT ME
Originally from the US, I have a diverse background in sales and marketing across several industries (e.g., advertising, insurance, and IT market research) both in the US and the Netherlands.
In 2003, I founded Common Link, a venture that enabled me to combine my business experience with my passion for cross-cultural awareness and English language learning.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of Dutch professionals as an English trainer and business communication consultant.
Additionally, I’ve taught academic writing to thousands of international students, leading a team that provides personalized writing feedback to over 200 students per year.
An exciting advancement in my approach is the hands-on integration of AI technology in my courses and workshops. We cover the do's and don'ts of using AI in language development (e.g., prompt writing, conversing with AI, errors and limitations, responsibility and ethics).
My mission is straightforward: empower non-native speakers to find their true voice and feel confident expressing themselves in English!!
-- Kathy Czako
WOULD YOU LIKE TO...?
WRITE BETTER AND FASTER EMAILS
MAKE MORE EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS
IMPROVE LISTENING
AND UNDERSTANDING
IMPROVE GRAMMAR
AND AVOID "DUNGLISH"
IMPROVE PRONUNCIATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
Contact
Following a few series of training courses with Kathy has taken my (business) English to the next level. I've always thought my English was good enough, but Kathy's training helped me realize and fill in some key gaps.
-- R.S., IT Management
Being a native English speaker and having lived in the Netherlands for a long time, Kathy is very knowledgeable about the typical pitfalls of her Dutch clients. She is completely dedicated, and, in a very kind and positive way, persistent in helping improve her students’ English to a high level of proficiency.
-- N.K., Learning and Development Management
The English@Work classes boost your confidence speaking English in a working environment. Cathy is a skilled English teacher always looking for better ways to improve your English.
-- J.M., Docent, Conflict and Crisis Management
More recommendations available via LinkedIn.