Meet Helen Eames, tutor of English Language & Culture

Ahead of our 2025 Undergraduate Summer School in June, we spoke to Helen about her experience developing our new module English Language & Cultureand why London is the best place to develop your English language skills.

Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your role at King's?

I have been teaching English for 23 years, having started my teaching career in South Korea. My current role at King's is Pre-sessional and Short Courses Coordinator on King's Foundations, where I prepare students for study at King's on undergraduate or postgraduate programmes, and teach on a variety of bespoke and short courses. I have lived and worked in 4 different countries, including managing a backpacker hostel in Dublin, Ireland. I love London and I love working with international students to help them to make the most of their time here.

Tell us a little bit about your Summer School module, English Language & Culture, and why students should study it?

This module gives the students a chance to improve their English language and communication confidence, while learning about different fascinating aspects of UK culture. Students will have the opportunity to practise their English in real-life situations while living in London and will visit some important historic locations in the city as part of the course.

Students should come to study this module with us if they want to improve their vocabulary and communication skills, while exploring what London has to offer. London is a great city to be a student in as there is so much to see, do and eat!

How does teaching on a Summer School programme differ from your work on undergraduate degrees?

Teaching on shorter courses is a great experience for me as it is a real change from teaching students for an academic year. Without exams or formal assessments, the students are able to concentrate on learning without the extra stress of assessment.

What unique opportunities does London offer to students studying English Language & Culture?

What makes London unique is that is it an international city, while still being definitely British. As such, it is a welcoming place where you have the chance to learn about the whole world.

We won't just be undertaking academic studies in a classroom, what we learn on campus will come to life as you explore the city. It is a great place to come and improve your English language skills as you will be able to practise those skills immediately. Learning will be practical as you will be using the language every day. London offers world famous sites to visit, free museums and art galleries, a history spanning nearly 2000 years, quirky markets, luxurious department stores and the chance to start communicating in English immediately.

What inspired you to specialise in teaching English language?

I have been teaching English for 23 years and I still enjoy watching my students' confidence in their English language abilities grow. Speaking another language allows you to meet more people and learn more about the world, especially English as it is spoken by so many people.

Working with international people has also encouraged me to learn more about the culture that I grew up in. International visitors will often notice aspects of the culture that British people have never thought about and I love the questions that make me stop, think and notice new things every day.

How do you incorporate aspects of UK culture into your language teaching?

I like to use examples from the world around us in my classes to lift the language off the page and really bring it to life with my students. This may involve a trip to a location in London where we can put into practice what we have been learning in the classroom or researching and presenting on different aspects of UK culture.

And finally, what is your favourite spot in London that students should try to visit when they come to King's this summer?

There are so many great places to visit in London, and one of the best spots is actually in King's. If you go to the 8th floor of Bush House South Wing, you will get one of the best views of London for free out on the terrace.

English Language & Culture runs in both Session One (30 June - 11 July 2025) and Session Two (14 - 25 July 2025).

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