Become a confident English speaker this summer

Nicole Ivarsson-Keng is a university lecturer in English at Aalto University with a background in English language education with innovation-driven communication. She has worked with diverse international learners who want to use English not just correctly, but confidently. This summer, she is teaching the summer course English for Innovation and Impact at Aalto University Summer School. 

‘I have a strong interest in how language, creativity, and workplace skills come together in real-world contexts. What really motivates me is helping people find their voice, especially in professional, multicultural, and future-focused environments’, says Nicole. 

Could you describe the course and who it is designed for?

English for Innovation and Impact is an interactive, project-based summer course that combines English language development with strategic communication, creativity, and leadership skills. 

It’s designed for students and early-career professionals who want to use English more confidently in academic, professional, and global contexts. 

Rather than focusing only on language accuracy, the course treats English as a tool for influence and impact, helping students communicate ideas clearly, collaborate effectively, and lead discussions in multicultural environments.

What types of real-world business or professional situations will students practice English for during the course? 

Students will practice English in situations that are connected to real professional life. These situations include pitching, leading and participating in team discussions, presenting projects, giving and receiving feedback, and communicating across cultures. 

Students will also work on sustainability- and innovation-focused projects, conduct interviews, and take part in various learning activities (both inside and outside the classroom), so they’re constantly applying English in authentic and meaningful contexts rather than artificial classroom scenarios. 

How does the course help students build confidence when using English in professional or international settings? 

I think confidence is built through practice, reflection, and a supportive learning environment. This course includes specific confidence-building tasks such as public speaking, voice and posture training, and strategies for managing speaking anxiety. 

Students will receive continuous formative feedback from both peers and the instructor, which helps them recognize their own progress and refine their communication style. Since the course is highly interactive and collaborative, students will gradually become more comfortable expressing themselves, taking leadership roles, and speaking spontaneously in English. 

What practical communication skills do you think students will find most valuable after completing the course? 

The most valuable skills are clarity, presence, and adaptability. They will learn how to structure messages, engage with their audience, and communicate effectively, whether in presentations, teamwork, or intercultural settings. 

They will also develop strong collaboration and facilitation skills, which are essential in modern workplaces, as well as the ability to reflect on their own communication styles and continue improving independently. 

What do you hope that the students will have learned at the end of the course? 

I hope students will leave the course with a stronger sense of confidence in their ability to communicate efficiently. Beyond improved fluency, I want them to feel comfortable using English to share ideas, lead conversations, and collaborate across cultures. 

Ideally, they will also have a greater understanding of their own communication strengths and weaknesses, and concrete strategies that they can use in future academic or professional settings. 

The application period for the summer course English for Innovation and Impact is open from 30 January to 31 May 2026.