4 October 2023
Intercultural communication hub
Learning a language opens the door to enriching opportunities and experiences, both professional and personal. Thanks to a well-designed programme, ICN students can take charge of their learning and become future global citizens!
Teaching approach
In-person language classes
All students at ICN have the opportunity to take in-person classes and learn either one or two foreign languages. English is mandatory for all students, and six other languages are offered in the second year (Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, French as a foreign language).
These classes are tailored to your main programme, allowing you to acquire the necessary communication skills to work in an increasingly global job market. Our approach to language learning is based on action. Teaching incorporates group projects and uses a wide range of digital and multimedia tools to consolidate knowledge.
Our teachers
The ICN language department is made up of around 40 staff, all of whom hold a Master’s degree and are qualified language teachers. Our teaching staff come from a range of countries including Peru, Australia, China and Germany. Along with their expertise and modern approach to teaching, they also share their love for their country and culture.
E-learning
GlobalExam
All ICN students have access to the GlobalExam platform, which helps you prepare for language tests and improve proficiency in your chosen language (English, French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, German). Students are free to access the platform and practise their language skills whenever they want. All teaching materials are designed by a team of professionals (language teachers, authors and linguistic experts).
We organise a presentation at the beginning of the year to help you get the most out of the platform, and hold regular Q&A sessions.
Busuu ou 7Speaking
If in-person classes aren’t available for your chosen language, ICN will provide you with a subscription to the Busuu or 7speaking platform.
Cross-cutting classes - a transdisciplinary approach
PGE
StratSimMarketing
StratSimMarketing is a comprehensive marketing strategy simulation, based on the automobile industry, which demonstrates the impact marketing decisions can have on the rest of a business. Students produce a wide variety of both written work and presentations (shareholder letters, SWOT analysis, marketing analysis, presentations, reports, etc.) which helps them improve their level of business English. English-speaking teachers are on-hand throughout the simulation to offer support, provide vocabulary, and correct any mistakes.
In-person classes by specialisation
For the Grande Ecole Programme and the first year of Master's programmes, students need to develop language skills relevant to their field of study. To develop your vocabulary, a range of audio and written materials are provided during classes. Practical exercises and role-play activities also allow you to put the vocabulary you’ve learned into practice, boosting your employability.
Bachelor
In-person classes - Humanities
The humanities allow you to deepen your awareness and understanding of yourself and others, an essential skill for developing healthy and successful relationships with your classmates and/or future colleagues. The aim of these classes is to develop soft skills that will help you cope with difficult professional and personal situations, and to deal with complex moral issues while improving your English.
Business Game
Serious games lasting three days are designed to boost your English while demonstrating the importance of the language in an international and professional context. Students work in small groups and make strategic decisions to solve problems in various fields, such as marketing, finance, human resources and trade. The game emphasises teamwork and all students have to participate to lead their team to victory and take home 1st prize!
Language certification
Sitting a proficiency exam allows you to highlight your language skills on your CV and demonstrate what you’ve learned in the 1st or 2nd year. Demonstrating proficiency in more than one language helps you stand out in the job market. What’s more, all students must sit an official English proficiency exam to pass their degree.
- Bachelor's
TOEIC 700
TOEFL 70 - PGE
TOEIC 750
TOEFL 78
What language(s) can you choose?
English
Out of a global population of 7.5 billion, 1.5 billion or 20% of people speak English. Being able to speak English opens the door to career opportunities at international companies in France and abroad. English is the main language used in a variety of areas such as aviation, computing, diplomacy and science.
French
Along with English, French is the only language spoken on all five continents. France has a large network of cultural institutions across the globe and is associated with an extremely rich culture in the world of fashion, gastronomy, the arts, architecture and literature. French is also one of the two official languages of the UN, UNESCO, NATO and many other international organisations. If you’re looking at a career in international institutions, you need to be able to speak French.
Spanish
Did you know that Spanish is the most spoken language after Mandarin Chinese? Spanish is the official language in 20 countries, opening the door to opportunities in Spain and Latin America. Proficiency in Spanish also means you can appreciate acclaimed films, TV series and books!
German
Germany has been called the "land of poets and thinkers”, but it is also a country of inventors and innovators. Germans have received Nobel prizes for science, medicine, chemistry and literature more than 100 times, not counting the neighbouring German-speaking countries of Austria and Switzerland. When it comes to manufacturing, German businesses are world leaders, and being able to speak German gives you the opportunity to join a dynamic, prestigious sector. If you’d rather be part of a start-up than a large company, remember that Berlin is fast becoming an entrepreneurial hub!
Italian
If you want a career in the culinary arts, interior design, fashion, graphic design, real-estate or industries like shipbuilding or machine building, then you need to learn Italian! Not to mention that Italian is also the language of love!
Russian
Russian is the most widely spoken language in Europe, spoken not only in Russia, but in a number of Eastern European countries like Ukraine, Armenia and Lithuania. Did you know that Russia is the largest country in the world, ahead of Canada, and that it has 11 time zones? Russia also plays a pivotal role in geopolitics and being able to speak Russian opens the door to an international career working on strategically important issues. Since it’s considered such a difficult language to learn, being able to speak Russian will help you stand out in the job market and demonstrate that you’re capable of taking on a challenge. Finally, it’s a beautiful language, and you’ll be able to discover the Russian classics first hand!
Chinese
Mandarin Chinese is a difficult language to learn, but well worth the effort, because China is a major player on the world stage, including economics, geopolitics and culture. Learning the language will open up professional and personal opportunities. More than 1.2 billion people speak Mandarin Chinese, and the vast majority don’t speak English. Mandarin Chinese is also becoming the language of innovation on the internet.
