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International / Schools / Fiona van Gelder

Fiona van Gelder, M.A.
Lecturer English for communication professionals

'We have students from all over the world.'   

Teaching at the International Communication major is a real challenge, but a rewarding one. I teach English for communication professionals, which is taught throughout the bachelor programme. As a communication professional working internationally you should of course be fluent in English, both in your speaking and writing. In this course students improve these skills by writing and reading different types of texts and by doing professional presentations.

Why is this a challenge? Well, we have students from all over the world. They have all learned English somehow, but all in a different way, and as a teacher it is a real challenge to teach such a mixed group. However, this diversity makes International Communication so special of course. I myself was raised with two different cultures and languages (English and Dutch), so to me this intercultural environment really feels like home.

I also see that the students create their own international culture, so despite all the cultural differences International Communication students also have many things in common. For example, International Communication students tend to be very motivated and eager to learn. So for me as a teacher it's very rewarding.