Survival English

English for travel and everyday communication abroad

Survival English, or “How to feel confident abroad”, is a practical intensive course for anyone who wants to learn the essential English they need for travel, quickly.

The course is right for you if you are going on holiday, preparing for a business trip or planning a move, but do not yet feel confident communicating in English.

It is also useful if you have studied English before and want to refresh essential vocabulary and restore the skills needed to handle everyday situations abroad.

After the course, you will find it easier to:

• Communicate at airports and railway stations

• Read signs and information boards

• Book accommodation

• Find your way around an unfamiliar city

• Order food

• Go shopping

• Ask for medical help

• Complete essential forms and questionnaires.

Survival English is

• 6 practical 60-minute lessons

• Current travel vocabulary

• Practice with real-life situations

• Active speaking practice

• Only the theory you genuinely need

• Knowledge you can put to use abroad straight away.

How the lessons work

Each lesson focuses on one practical topic.

You first explore new words and useful phrases, then put them to use immediately in dialogues, role plays and practical tasks.

The programme includes:

• Topic-based vocabulary

• Accurate pronunciation practice

• Reading practical information

• Written tasks

• Listening comprehension

• Active speaking practice.

The aim is not simply to teach you individual words, but to help you use them confidently in real communication.

Course topics

1. Introductions and travel

You will learn essential phrases for meeting people and communicating on a journey.

You will learn to:

• Buy a plane, train or bus ticket

• Check departure and arrival times

• Find the right platform, gate or terminal

• Ask airport or railway staff for help

• Understand essential signs and announcements.

2. Booking a hotel room

You will learn to book accommodation and handle the main questions that arise at check-in.

You will learn to:

• Book a room

• Check the price and accommodation terms

• Check in at reception

• Ask about breakfast, Wi-Fi or additional services

• Tell hotel staff about a problem.

3. Finding your way around a city

This topic helps you feel more confident in an unfamiliar place.

You will learn to:

• Ask for directions

• Understand directions from local people

• Find out how to reach an address

• Use public transport

• Ask where important places are.

4. At a restaurant or café

You will learn the language needed to order food and speak with restaurant staff.

You will learn to:

• Ask for the menu

• Check what a dish contains

• Place an order

• Explain dietary requirements or allergies

• Ask for the bill

• Pay by card or in cash.

5. Shops and pharmacies

You will learn to shop with confidence and ask a sales assistant for help.

You will learn to:

• Ask for the item you need

• Check the price, size or colour

• Ask to try something on

• Pay for a purchase

• Buy essential items at a pharmacy

• Explain to the pharmacist what you need.

6. At the doctor’s

This topic helps you navigate a situation where you or someone close to you needs medical care while travelling.

You will learn to:

• Describe common symptoms

• Explain how you feel

• Answer a doctor’s questions

• Clarify treatment recommendations

• Ask how to take medication

• Request a prescription or referral.

Who the course is for

Survival English is right for you if:

• You are planning a trip abroad

• Your current English is not yet strong enough for confident communication

• You want to learn the most useful words and phrases quickly

• You have not used English for a long time and want to refresh your knowledge

• You need practical language without complicated theory

• You want to feel calmer and more confident while travelling.

Take Survival English and prepare for a journey where the language barrier no longer stops you communicating, finding your way or handling everyday situations.