Guide to Learning Business English for Engineers

Online English
Last update: 7 January 2024

Whether you are a practicing engineer or a university engineering student, learning English and using this language effectively is one of the keys that will open the doors to success and new job opportunities in your career.


Sometimes, amidst the demands of school or work, people can't find the time to improve their English, and when they do, they often try to enhance their language skills ineffectively and inefficiently.


So, how can the process of improving your English be made easier and more effective?


Let's explore effective methods you can integrate into your life, focusing on engineering, and examine which platforms in the industry offer effective and high-quality English education.


Table of Contents:


  1. The Importance of Knowing English in Engineering. 
  2. Methods for Learning English.
  3. Best Online English Learning Platforms for Engineers
  4.  Conclusion and Recommendations

1. The Importance of Knowing English in Engineering


The importance of knowing English in Engineering

Engineers are among the professions with access to international job markets and opportunities. An engineer graduating from a university in one country can find employment opportunities in another. When working abroad, they can expand their networks by meeting various scientists, technologists, and experts from their field or different areas. English serves as the common language facilitating all these interactions.


The field of engineering is international. Project reports, technical documentation, and collaboration requirements are often conducted in English. Proficiency in English enables more effective communication on projects and allows for the easier evaluation of international job opportunities. Moreover, in the global business world, employers often view English proficiency as an advantage.


In summary, whether you aim for an academic career in universities or positions in local or global companies, English language proficiency is essential. In today's highly competitive, globalized world, you need high-caliber and effective communication skills to compete with your peers and demonstrate your professional excellence.


The importance of English is not limited to students starting their engineering studies; it is also crucial for those already in engineering careers and those who aspire to be engineers in the future.


So, how can you become more proficient in the English language and improve yourself using effective methods? We have gathered some important and effective tips for you. Let's take a look together:


2. Methods for Learning English


We previously mentioned the importance of improving English language skills for engineers preparing for language proficiency tests, such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System). These tests assess your ability to understand, communicate, and comprehend English in an academic or professional environment. Here are some effective learning methods for engineers preparing for these language tests or seeking to enhance their language skills:


Identify Your Weaknesses: First, evaluate your English language skills and start by identifying the areas that need improvement. Are your reading, writing, listening, or speaking skills weaker? This self-assessment will help you focus your efforts on the areas that require attention.


Engage in Extensive Reading: Reading is an excellent way to expand your vocabulary and improve your comprehension skills. You can practice by reading books, articles, technical materials, and online content related to engineering.


Practice Listening and Speaking: Listening and speaking skills are fundamental for English proficiency. Engage in activities that expose you to different accents, speeds, and topics. You can practice these skills through online platforms that offer English speaking and listening exercises. You can find the best platforms for this by visiting our website here.


Enhance Your Writing Skills: Writing is an essential component of language tests. Improve your writing skills by practicing various types of writing tasks, such as essays, reports, or summaries related to engineering topics. Pay attention to sentence structures, grammar, vocabulary, and coherence in your writing.


Develop Grammar and Vocabulary: Reinforce English grammar rules and expand your vocabulary. Focus on common grammar structures, verb tenses, prepositions, and sentence construction. Learn new words, idioms, and technical terms relevant to engineering. Utilize resources like flashcards, word lists, or online tools to enhance your vocabulary.


Create a Study Plan and Practice Regularly: Establish a study plan that outlines daily or weekly language practice activities. Allocate dedicated time slots for reading, listening, speaking, and writing exercises. Consistency is crucial, so develop a habit of regularly practicing English.


Seek Professional Guidance: While implementing the tips mentioned above, consider working with platforms and brands that can guide you and provide resources to support your efforts. To identify the most accurate and high-quality online English learning platform, let's compare them.


3. Best Online English Learning Platforms for Engineers


Below, you can find a comparison of six platforms to help you understand their features, costs, advantages, and disadvantages, assisting you in choosing the best online English learning platform to enhance your business English skills.


1. Flalingo


Flalingo offers professionals and doctors who want to learn English the opportunity to do so confidently with their interview-selected professional instructors and rich resources. They stand at the top of the list because of their meticulous use of Oxford University Press's Business Result materials for Business English and their careful handling of teacher interviews. They also strive to answer your questions with effective communication throughout the entire purchase process.


Pros of Flalingo:


  • A commitment-free trial lesson for 4$.
  • Professional lessons supported by Oxford University Press content and 24/7 accessible materials.
  • A 24/7 solution-oriented customer communication center.
  • Flalingo's Smart Teacher algorithm for the best teacher matching.
  • One-on-one online live English lessons with entirely professional instructors.
  • Modular structure designed for learning English from scratch or for speaking practice only.

Cons of Flalingo:


  • Contacting customer service without obtaining GDPR permission.

2. EF English Live 


EF English Live is one of the most ambitious online English learning platforms in the industry. They offer a unique Business English education with personalized training packages for various industries. Users, whose levels are determined by the free Linguaskill English Level Assessment Test, can actively learn English with interactive tools, pronunciation practice, and instant correction, among many other services.


Pros of EF English Live:


  • Virtual demo tours for platform introduction before purchase at EF English Lİve.
  • A library of Business English materials with rich content.
  • Live English lessons every half hour on EF English Live.

Cons of EF English Live:


  • Storing credit card information and renewing subscriptions without notice.
  • Only a 14-day grace period for fee refunds despite the upfront collection of a one-year payment.
  • Customer service that is difficult to reach after sales.
  • Inability to have lessons with the same teacher and inability to choose a teacher.

3. Cambly


Cambly is one of the most popular English learning platforms, and it takes a slightly different approach to Business English with various course packages. The platform offers packages prepared based on typical situations in the business world. These lessons cover topics such as job interviews, complaints, phone conversations, meetings, and sales. In this regard, unlike its competitors, it focuses not on positions but on actions in the business world, leaving the choice to you.


Pros of Cambly:


  • Access to Cambly's English teaching content outside of lessons.
  • Video lessons with one-on-one online instructors.
  • In addition to 15 and 30-minute lesson options, the ability to take lessons 2, 3, or 5 days a week.

Cons of Cambly:


  • Despite having numerous teachers in the Cambly system, there is no option to regularly take lessons from a preferred teacher.
  • Storing credit card information and renewing subscriptions without notice, and difficulties in obtaining refunds.
  • Non-professional teachers who do not have teaching as their primary profession.
  • Business English packages may not be fully comprehensive in terms of content coverage.

4. Preply


Preply is one of the platforms that offers an opportunity for doctors to learn Business English. The platform's specialized training service for Business English and its users in the workforce is quite successful. Furthermore, the fact that these courses are personalized according to positions such as management and human resources is another plus. With specially selected teachers and extensive resources, it helps you succeed in the business world while improving your English skills.


Pros of Preply:


  • Purchase packages of 6, 12, 20, or 40 lessons from the selected teacher.
  • Different training packages tailored to your job position.
  • One-on-one online lessons with video from private teachers.

Cons of Preply:


  • Renewal of subscriptions without notification by saving credit card information.
  • No lesson tracking system specific to Preply.
  • After purchasing a package, you cannot switch to another teacher if you are not satisfied.

5. LiveXP


While LiveXP is a well-known and preferred platform for online English learning, it does not offer a lot of diversity or personalized lesson packages for Business English. Considering that not all of their teachers are professionals, there is a question mark about how focused the service you will receive will be on Business English.


Pros of LiveXP:


  • Compatible with desktop, iOS, Android, and Mac computers through the Livexp system.
  • Flexible scheduling options.
  • One-on-one online lessons with video from private teachers.

Cons of LiveXP:


  • Renewal of subscriptions without notification by saving credit card information.
  • No lesson tracking system.
  • Non-professionals teaching who do not have teaching as their professional occupation.

4. Conclusion and Recommendations


Learning and using English effectively is crucial for advancing your engineering career. With online resources, you can adopt a flexible approach to enhance your language skills. Choose a learning method and platform that suits you best. Focus on regular practice.


Using English effectively in your engineering career not only improves your communication skills but also opens the door to international job opportunities. Therefore, dedicated efforts in the process of learning English can bring significant rewards in the long term.


Remember that everyone learns at different speeds, so be patient and consistently strive to achieve your goals. Your ability to use English effectively will set you apart in your engineering career and provide you with new opportunities. We wish you success on this journey.

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