In this article, we’ll explore the best Business English courses available online and cover the benefits of taking a Business English course.
Read on to find out which course is most likely to help you reach your career goals.
Are you looking to advance your career in today’s global business environment? Do you want to communicate more effectively in English with international clients, excel in meetings, or write professional emails in English with confidence? If so, improving your Business English skills is essential.
Fortunately, many online Business English courses are available to help you enhance your English proficiency. These courses cater to various learning styles and offer flexible study, making it easier for busy professionals to learn.
Let’s take a look at some of the best options for learning Business English online.
11 Best Online Business English Courses
There’s no doubt that if you’re a non-native English speaker, mastering Business English can help boost your career prospects. It can help you communicate effectively in an English speaking office environment, enhance your English vocabulary, learn terminology used in business, and improve your overall English language skills.
Here are some of the best online Business English courses to help you succeed.
Udemy Business English Courses
Udemy offers a wide variety of Business English courses on their platform. Two of their most popular Business English courses also happen to be some of the best-rated online, with each course boasting 50,000+ students and average reviews over 4.5/5. This is a pretty good average with that many students!
Here are the best Business English courses to look out for on Udemy:
Business English: Easy English for Meetings
Udemy offers a course specifically designed for English used in business meetings. It helps you prepare for and conduct meetings with confidence. The course covers essential vocabulary, phrases, and cultural tips that are crucial for successful meetings, and includes a variety of interactive exercises and role-playing activities.
These activities help you practice and apply the skills you’ve learned. You’ll also receive practical tips on how to manage different types of meetings, from formal presentations to informal discussions.
- Key Features:
- Interactive exercises
- Role-playing activities
- Practical meeting tips
- Suitable For: All levels
- Duration: 2 hours of on-demand video
Business English Course for ESL Students
This is a comprehensive course designed specifically for ESL (English as a Second Language) students. It focuses on practical Business English skills needed in various professional contexts.
You’ll learn essential Business English vocabulary along with how to use English during meetings, phone calls, presentations, emails, letters, and other situations at work.
- Key Features:
- Vocabulary building
- Email writing techniques
- Job interview preparation
- Suitable For: Intermediate to advanced ESL students
- Duration: 6 hours of on-demand video
Coursera Business English Courses
Coursera is another website that offers a range of Business English courses. Two of the best, boasting a combined 500,000+ enrolments are as follows:
English for Business and Entrepreneurship
Coursera provides this course in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania. It is designed to help learners understand business concepts and develop language skills for entrepreneurship.
As per Coursera, “You will explore business English through authentic readings and video lectures, while learning about business vocabulary, concepts, and issues.”
The course covers various aspects of business planning, financing, marketing, and managing a business.
- Key Features:
- Real-world business scenarios
- Interactive exercises
- Video lectures from industry experts
- Suitable For: Intermediate to advanced learners interested in entrepreneurship
- Duration: 5 weeks (5-6 hours per week)
Business English Communication Skills
This is a comprehensive course from the University of Washington. It focuses on essential communication skills in professional settings. The course covers key areas such as writing emails, giving presentations, and networking effectively.
One of the highlights of this course is its practical assignments. These assignments allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world scenarios. You’ll receive feedback from instructors and peers, which helps you refine your skills.
Additionally, the course includes video lectures, quizzes, and peer-reviewed assignments. This diverse range of learning tools ensures you fully grasp each topic. By the end of the course, you’ll be more confident in your business communication abilities.
- Key Features:
- Practical assignments
- Video lectures
- Quizzes and peer-reviewed assignments
- Suitable For: Intermediate to advanced learners
- Duration: 3-6 months
edX – English for Business Networking
edX provides a specialized course from the University of Washington that focuses on business networking skills. Networking is crucial in the business world, and this course aims to enhance your ability to connect with others professionally.
The course covers various topics, including introducing yourself, making small talk, and building professional relationships. Interactive exercises and role-playing scenarios help you practice these skills in a controlled environment.
One of the course’s strengths is its focus on the various nuances of networking, including the use of LinkedIn. Understanding these nuances can be vital when working in international settings. The course also includes video lectures and quizzes to reinforce learning.
- Key Features:
- Interactive exercises
- Role-playing scenarios
- Cultural nuances in networking
- Suitable For: Intermediate learners
- Duration: 7 months (3-5 hours per week)
FutureLearn – English for the Workplace
FutureLearn, in collaboration with the British Council, offers a course tailored to improving your English skills for professional environments.
This course covers a range of workplace scenarios, helping you communicate more effectively in various business contexts. This includes English skills that will help you when you are looking for a job, which is a great feature of this course.
- Key Features:
- Focus on workplace communication
- Real-world scenarios
- Interactive exercises
- Suitable For: Beginners to intermediate learners
- Duration: 4 weeks (2 hours per week)
LinkedIn Learning – Business English for Non-Native Speakers
LinkedIn Learning offers a comprehensive course designed specifically for non-native speakers. It covers key areas such as writing, speaking, and understanding business English.
The course uses real-life scenarios to help you practice your skills. You’ll learn how to write professional emails, participate in meetings, and give presentations. Expert-led tutorials provide insights and tips on how to improve your language proficiency.
The course also includes exercises and quizzes to test your understanding. These activities help reinforce what you’ve learned and ensure you can apply it in real-world situations. By the end of the course, you’ll be better equipped to communicate clearly and professionally and receive a certificate of completion!
- Key Features:
- Real-life scenarios
- Expert-led tutorials
- Exercises and quizzes
- Suitable For: Intermediate learners
- Duration: 4 hours of on-demand video
EF English Live – Online Business English Course
EF English Live provides a dynamic and interactive course. It includes live classes with native speakers and self-study lessons. This combination allows you to learn at your own pace while also benefiting from real-time interaction with instructors.
The course covers various business topics, including writing emails, making phone calls, and participating in meetings. You’ll improve your language skills through practical exercises and personalized feedback from instructors.
One of the course’s strengths is its flexibility. You can schedule classes at times that suit you, making it ideal for busy professionals. The course also includes a range of learning materials, such as videos, quizzes, and interactive activities.
- Key Features:
- Live classes with native speakers
- Self-study lessons
- Flexible scheduling
- Suitable For: All levels
- Duration: Ongoing monthly subscription
Preply’s “Business English Lessons with Tutors”
Preply connects you with professional tutors for personalized lessons. This one-on-one approach allows you to focus on your specific needs and goals. Tutors provide tailored feedback and flexible scheduling to accommodate your busy lifestyle.
You’ll practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a business context. Tutors use real-life scenarios to help you apply what you’ve learned. This practical approach ensures you gain confidence in your business communication skills.
Preply offers a wide range of tutors, allowing you to choose one that fits your learning style and preferences. This personalized approach makes it one of the most effective ways to learn Business English.
- Key Features:
- Personalized lessons
- Tailored feedback
- Flexible scheduling
- Suitable For: All levels
- Price: Varies by tutor ($10-$60 per hour)
- Duration: Flexible, based on your schedule
Babbel for Business
Babbel offers a mobile-friendly course designed for busy professionals, which you can follow through their app. It covers essential business vocabulary and phrases through engaging, interactive exercises. The course adapts to your learning pace and style, making it highly flexible.
You’ll practice listening, speaking, reading, and writing in various business scenarios. The course includes a range of exercises, such as fill-in-the-blank activities, matching exercises, and conversational practice.
One of the course’s strengths is its emphasis on practical usage. You’ll learn phrases and vocabulary that you can immediately apply in your professional life. The course also includes regular reviews to reinforce your learning and ensure long-term retention.
- Key Features:
- Mobile-friendly
- Interactive exercises
- Adaptive learning
- Suitable For: Beginners to intermediate learners
- Duration: Self-paced
Rosetta Stone Advanced English for Business
Rosetta Stone provides an immersive language learning experience with its Business English course. The course focuses on practical vocabulary and phrases needed in business settings. You’ll practice speaking, listening, and writing through real-world scenarios.
The course uses interactive activities to reinforce learning. These activities include role-playing exercises, pronunciation practice, and conversation simulations. You’ll receive instant feedback to help you improve your skills.
One of the unique features of Rosetta Stone is its speech recognition technology. This technology helps you improve your pronunciation and speaking fluency. The course also includes a mobile app, allowing you to learn on the go.
- Key Features:
- Interactive activities
- Speech recognition technology
- Mobile app access
- Suitable For: Intermediate to advanced learners
- Duration: Self-paced
What’s the Best Business English Course For You?
Choosing the best Business English course depends on your specific needs, goals, and learning preferences. Here are some key considerations to help you decide which course is the best fit for you:
- Skill Focus:
- If you need to improve your overall communication skills in professional settings, Coursera’s “Business English Communication Skills” is comprehensive and well-structured.
- For enhancing your networking abilities, edX’s “English for Business Networking” is ideal.
- If your primary goal is to excel in business meetings, Udemy’s “Business English: Easy English for Meetings” offers practical and targeted training.
- For those who need to make impactful presentations, FutureLearn’s “Business English: Making Presentations” focuses on creating and delivering effective presentations.
- Learning Style:
- If you prefer interactive assignments and peer feedback, Coursera and FutureLearn provide these features.
- For a more self-paced approach, Babbel and Rosetta Stone offer flexible, mobile-friendly courses that adapt to your learning speed.
- If you thrive in a one-on-one learning environment, Preply’s personalized tutoring could be the best choice for tailored lessons and flexible scheduling.
- Level of Proficiency:
- LinkedIn Learning’s “Business English for Non-Native Speakers” is designed specifically for non-native speakers, covering all key areas of business communication.
- EF English Live offers live classes with native speakers, which can be beneficial for learners at any level looking for interactive and personalized instruction.
- Price and Budget:
- Consider your budget when choosing a course. Free options with certificate fees include Coursera and edX, while Udemy and Babbel offer affordable one-off payments or monthly subscriptions respectively.
- For more extensive live instruction, EF English Live charges $129 per month, and Preply varies by tutor rates, usually between $10-$60 per hour.
- Time Commitment:
- Assess the time you can dedicate to learning. Courses like LinkedIn Learning and Udemy offer shorter, on-demand video lessons, while Coursera and FutureLearn require a more substantial weekly time commitment.
- Babbel and Rosetta Stone provide flexible, self-paced options that can fit into a busy schedule.
Benefits of Taking a Business English Course
Taking a Business English course offers numerous benefits for your career and personal development. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Improved Communication Skills
A Business English course helps you improve your communication skills in professional settings. You’ll learn how to write clear and concise emails, give effective presentations, and participate in meetings confidently. These skills are essential for success in any business environment.
2. Increased Career Opportunities
Proficiency in Business English can open up new career opportunities. Many companies require employees to communicate effectively in English, especially in international settings. By improving your language skills, you’ll enhance your employability and increase your chances of career advancement.
3. Better Networking
Networking is a crucial aspect of business success. A Business English course helps you develop the skills needed to build professional relationships. You’ll learn how to introduce yourself, make small talk, and engage in meaningful conversations with colleagues and clients.
4. Enhanced Professionalism
Good communication skills are a key component of professionalism. A Business English course teaches you how to communicate clearly and professionally in various business contexts. This enhances your professional image and helps you build trust with colleagues and clients.
5. Greater Confidence
Improving your Business English skills can boost your confidence in professional settings. You’ll feel more comfortable participating in meetings, giving presentations, and networking with others. This increased confidence can have a positive impact on your overall job performance.
6. Cultural Awareness
Many Business English courses include a focus on cultural nuances in communication. Understanding these nuances can be vital when working in international settings. You’ll learn how to navigate different cultural expectations and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds.
7. Personal Growth
Learning a new language and improving your communication skills can also contribute to personal growth. You’ll develop a greater understanding of different cultures and perspectives. This can enrich your personal and professional life, making you a more well-rounded individual.
Conclusion
In today’s globalized business environment, proficiency in Business English is more crucial than ever. Whether you’re communicating with international clients, participating in global meetings, or crafting professional emails, strong Business English skills can significantly enhance your career prospects.
Taking a Business English course is therefore a strategic investment in your career and personal development. Proficiency in Business English enhances your communication skills, allowing you to write clear emails, give persuasive presentations, and participate confidently in meetings. These skills are important in the global business environment, where effective communication can open doors to new career opportunities and facilitate professional networking.
Consequently, choosing the right Business English course can significantly impact your career and personal development and I hope that this list has helped.
Whether you prefer a self-paced course, live classes, or personalized tutoring, there’s an option that fits your needs. With the right course, you’ll improve your Business English skills, boost your career prospects, and achieve greater success in the professional world.
James has been helping people teach English abroad for over twelve years. He’s traveled to over 30 countries, lived in 3, and taught English in Chile and online.
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