Growing Confidence through Language

For teachers, communicating clearly in another language often means more than getting the grammar right : it’s about feeling confident enough to guide students, collaborate with colleagues abroad, and take part in international projects. Strengthening that confidence was at the heart of this year’s Intermediate English Language Course for Education Staff, held in Athens from 31 October to 6 November 2025.

The course welcomed a dedicated group of Italian teachers : Alfonso, Augusto, Alberto, Maria Chiara, Cristina, Loredana, and Cosetta, all fromIC 2 e 4 Vicenza, Italy. Throughout the week, they worked together to refine their English, share teaching experiences, and explore new ways to express themselves in both professional and everyday contexts.

The week began with practical arrangements and a warm introduction to the course. The first thematic focus was the work environment, giving participants the chance to talk about their professional roles and describe their daily routines. To support this, the morning revisited key grammar structures. Listening tasks, reading activities, and a mix of games, including a lively round of Taboo and a word-finding challenge helped keep the pace dynamic. The day closed with a brief reflection, giving everyone space to look back on what they had practiced and what felt most useful.

Monday opened with a quick review of Friday’s content before shifting into exploring le vocabulaire and grammar, giving the group the tools to express preferences, possibilities, and hypothetical situations. A series of interactive tasks, from charades to a role-play, encouraged spontaneous communication. The day wrapped up with a collective creative-writing exercise and another round of listening practice before the group completed their daily reflection.

On Monday, a quick energizer set a positive tone before participants dove into discussions about future plans and the day blended practical grammar with imagination. A bucket-list activity invited participants to think about long-term goals, while a travel-themed task which helped expand vocabulary around trips and cultural experiences. Before closing the session, everyone expressed how they felt at that point in the course, adding a reflective, personal dimension to the day.

The final day brought together language, identity, and self-expression. Participants started with a listening task before moving into a grammar focus. The morning’s highlight was Share Your Culture, where each teacher prepared and presented aspects of their cultural background. This led naturally into an activity inspired by emotions, encouraging them to articulate feelings in English with growing accuracy.

The remaining days of the week were devoted to discovering Athens from a cultural perspective. Tailored activities and carefully planned excursions allowed the group to experience the city’s character beyond its language classrooms.

They visited key landmarks and enjoyed local neighborhoods that brought the city’s atmosphere to life. These shared experiences created a strong sense of community and added an unforgettable layer to their time in Athens.

By the end of the week, the group had not only strengthened their grammar and vocabulary but had also become more comfortable communicating in real-life situations, from professional exchanges to everyday conversations. They practiced speaking in a supportive environment, collaborated closely, and discovered new ways to express ideas, emotions, and experiences. Most importantly, they left Greece with a renewed sense of confidence and bringing enriched language skills back to their classrooms.

En savoir plus sur ce cours ici.