A solid education

On the next six pages, we present extracts with key phrases and expressions you can use to talk about academic and professional education.

3. Local schools

Paul: What are his academic strengths?

Julia: He’s very good at languages. We speak Spanish at home with the kids. My son also loves art and music. What’s the local secondary school like?

Paul: I hear the local school has a very good reputation for the arts and humanities. I don’t know whether Spanish is even on the curriculum at my son’s school.

5. High costs

Julia: The university tuition fees are high in the UK. In most countries on the continent, higher education is still free.

Paul: I know, but you can get a student loan. You can apply for university grants and bursaries. And then there’s always the bank of mum and dad!

6. Before the interview

Paul: Brian, you say that Milan Chew is your preferred candidate for the position. Why’s that? What do you know about her background or academic credentials? Brian: She’s a perfect fit. She graduated from Cambridge University and she also…

Paul: Sorry to interrupt. Remind me again, Brian. Where did you study?

Brian: Cambridge — but that’s not the reason I’m recommending her! She has the relevant qualifications in training and coaching. She did a trial online session with some of our students last week. I was impressed.