English for Engineers

Episódios

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  E25 What Happens on Day 4? 03.07.2026 20min

  Fly somewhere for 3 days. Get a native speaker. Pay a premium, because expensive must mean good. Three things engineers get sold about learning English — and all three are wrong in a way you can test like a spec sheet. This one's for every engineer who's ever asked me if a 3-day miracle is worth it.Spoiler: I have opinions.The episode in one lineWhy the 3-day English intensive doesn't work — and the three myths engineers keep getting sold (the 3-day cure, the native-speaker trap, the price-tag illusion), plus what actually works instead.What we coverAn engineer emailed me before a huge construction project. Stakeholder meetings, negotiations, contracts — all coming fast, and his English wasn't quite there. He was choosing between a 12-week one-on-one course and a 3-day intensive somewhere quiet, all meals included, €4,500. He picked the three days.He won't be the last. So this episode takes apart the three things engineers get sold when they want to fix their English fast:The 3-day cure — why you can learn about a language in three days, but not the language itself. What memory science says about the spike-then-fade of intensive immersion, and why you end up roughly where you started (minus €4,500).The native-speaker myth — why being born into English doesn't mean you can teach it. Why ~80% of the world's English teachers are non-native, and the phrasal-verb trap that quietly turns a stakeholder email into a safety risk.The price-tag illusion — the price-quality heuristic, why it fails badly for language learning, and the Liebherr-not-a-Rolls-Royce frame for choosing the right tool.Then the boring version that actually works — five practical tips, ending with the one to sit with: forget fluency, aim to be understood.Chapters00:00 — The Illusion of Quick Fixes in Language Learning05:57 — Debunking the Native Speaker Myth12:34 — The Price Tag Fallacy in Language Training16:16 — Practical Tips for Effective Language LearningKey takeawaysYou can learn about a language in three days. You can't learn a language in three days.Language sticks through repetition over time, not one concentrated burst — that's memory science.Native-speaker status doesn't predict teaching quality. Being able to explain why does.Phrasal verbs are great for the coffee kitchen, a liability in technical English ("we'll look into it" → "we will investigate it").Price is almost completely unrelated to language-learning results.Forget fluency. Aim to be understood.Mentioned in this episodeThe Foundation: 1-on-1 coaching built around your work, over 12 weeks. Business + technical English, taught by an engineer.The 25 Minutes: short, focused 1-on-1 conversation sessions for engineers with tight calendars.All courses: www.marcode.org/allcoursesGet the newsletter: www.marcode.org/newsletterConnect with Olivia AugustinOlivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English as a 2nd language and Business English teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of English that gets the job done.LinkedIn - The Blog - Instagram
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  E24 Mentorship and Empathy in Engineering 31.03.2026 33min

  What if the only thing standing between you and being seen as a top engineer… is how confidently you communicate in EnglishThis episode of English for Engineers dives into why that gap exists and how to close it. I’m joined by Noelia Gozalo, an experienced engineer in the automotive and renewable energy industry, to talk about what it really takes to communicate confidently in technical and business environments. From not understanding a single lecture abroad to leading international teams, Noelia shares the raw reality of learning English in the real world, not the classroom version.We unpack why confidence matters more than perfect grammar, how empathy can completely transform communication in cross-functional teams, and what engineers actually need to succeed in international workplaces. If you’ve ever frozen in a meeting, second-guessed your English, or felt like you’re “not good enough” to speak up, this episode will shift your perspective.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:​Why speaking “perfect English” is not the goal in technical communication​How to build confidence speaking in meetings​The role of empathy in international engineering teams​Why engineers often freeze when speaking English (and how to overcome it)​How real-world immersion accelerates your language and career growth The English for Engineers podcast is for engineers and technicians who want to communicate clearly, sound professional, and finally stop translating in their heads. It’s packed with real-world tips, cross-cultural insights, and practical ways to turn technical English and business English into tools you actually enjoy using. COURSES AND RESOURCES:Training Solutions for Tech Teams: for engineering teams ready to lead meetings, explain designs, and stop second-guessing their words. Emails for Engineers Template Pack: real emails you can copy and paste into your next update or request.Fast Track to Fluency: Olivia’s course is designed specifically for non-native English-speaking engineers who need to communicate more quickly and confidently in technical discussions.Click here to find an oversight of all services Olivia offers.Missed the last episode?Catch Ep #023 w/ Rebecca v RamsdonkCONNECT WITH OLIVIA Olivia Augustin is a civil engineer, university guest lecturer, and certified English as a 2nd language and Business English teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of technical English that gets the job done. Work with Olivia: marcode.org/servicesGet the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletterLinkedIn: Olivia AugustinInstagram: @_marcode_CONNECT WITH NOELIALinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelia-gozalo/DM her the word “challenge” to join her upcoming mentoring challenge for engineers
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  E23 Going Dutch (Confidence in Language Learning) - with Rebecca van Raamsdonk 28.07.2025 54min

  Ever feel confident in your field, but not in your language? This episode of English for Engineers dives into how to fix that. I’m joined by Rebecca van Raamsdonk, founder of NABU Academy, to talk about what really works for language learning at the advanced level — especially for ambitious professionals like you. We unpack why confidence often matters more than fluency, how to actually feel at home in a new language, and why grammar is the foundation — but never the whole house. Rebecca shares real-world strategies for breaking past the textbook, simplifying complex grammar, and using podcasts as your secret language weapon. Whether you’re learning Dutch, English, or any other language for work, this episode will change how you think about language, mistakes, and real progress.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How feeling “at home” in a language boosts clarity, confidence, and connection Why confidence > fluency when it comes to high-stakes communication Simple ways to integrate language learning into your daily routine — no flashcards required How to reframe mistakes as growth markers (not failures) Why speaking regularly — even imperfectly — builds real, lasting confidence     The English for Engineers podcast is for engineers and technicians who want to communicate clearly, sound professional, and finally stop translating in their heads. It’s packed with real-world tips, cross-cultural insights, and practical ways to turn Technical and Business English into a tool you actually like using.     RESOURCES AND LINKS Free Coaching Resources (Rebecca): Masterclass: From Insecure to Fluent (B2/C1 Dutch)   Free Learning Resources (Olivia): Olivia’s Freebies for Engineers   Courses + Templates Technical English Group Course: for engineers ready to lead meetings, explain designs, and stop second-guessing their words. Emails for Engineers Template Pack: real emails you can copy and paste into your next update or request. Missed last week’s episode? Catch Ep #022 with Saskia Slotboom, where we explore authentic leadership for technical minds. CONNECT WITH OLIVIA  Olivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English as a 2nd language and Business English teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of technical English that gets the job done.    Work with me: marcode.org/solutions Get the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletter LinkedIn: Olivia Augustin Instagram: @_marcode_ CONNECT WITH REBECCA Founder of Nabu Academy: Dutch for advanced learners (B2–C1).   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-van-raamsdonk/ Company Website: http://www.nabuacademy.nl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nabuacademy/
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  E22 Authentic Leadership for Technical Minds - with Saskia Slotboom 24.06.2025 1h 3min

  In this episode of the English for Engineers podcast, host Olivia Augustin speaks with Saskia Slotboom, a coach and trainer for professionals in STEM fields. They discuss the importance of soft skills, particularly emotional intelligence, in engineering careers.Saskia shares her journey from engineering to coaching, emphasizing the need for engineers to develop interpersonal skills to succeed in their roles. The conversation also touches on cultural differences in communication and the significance of feedback in personal growth. Olivia and Saskia explore the critical role of communication in engineering leadership. They discuss the challenges engineers face in multicultural teams, the importance of building trust, and the need for emotional intelligence in technical fields.The episode emphasizes the transition from technical roles to coaching, the shift from perfectionism to authenticity, and the significance of visibility and self-promotion in engineering careers. They also touch on the complexities of maturity in leadership and the necessity of understanding different communication levels.IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUTThe need for engineers to develop soft skills.How engineers can enhance their emotional awareness through practice.Understanding personal triggers helps in managing responses.Why slowing down to reflect can lead to better communication. The English for Engineers podcast is here to help engineers and technicians from all backgrounds improve their communication skills and provide them with interesting facts so that Technical and Business English becomes their new superpower. RESOURCES AND LINKSFree Coaching Resources (Saskia):https://www.saskiaslotboom.nl/download-reflectie-tool/https://www.saskiaslotboom.nl/download-reflection-tool/ Free Learning Resources (Olivia):Check out these blog articles:The Hidden Risks in Global Engineering TeamsWhy Engineers Need Emotional Intelligence (And Already Have More Than They Think)Soft Skills for Engineers: It Is a Translation, Not a TransformationAnd also check out the Emails for Engineers template package to simplify your project communication with engineer-written, ready-to-use English email templates.Look into the Technical English Group Course for ambitious engineers, learn to communicate clearly with your clients, stakeholders, and subcontractors, and understand the logic behind technical English.CONNECT WITH SASKIA SLOTBOOMA coach and trainer for professionals in STEM fields. In her coaching, she specializes in ‘soft skills’: communication, influencing, public speaking, and (personal) leadership. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saskiaslotboom/Company Website: http://www.saskiaslotboom.nlFree Coaching Resources: https://www.saskiaslotboom.nl/download-reflectie-tool/https://www.saskiaslotboom.nl/download-reflection-tool/CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTINOlivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English as a 2nd language and Business English teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of English that gets the job done.  Work with me: marcode.org/allcoursesGet the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletterLinkedIn: Olivia AugustinInstagram: @_marcode_
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  E21 Spare The Details - with Johan Bel 31.01.2025 34min

  In this episode of English for Engineers, I take a deep dive into project communication with Johan Bel, an experienced technical consultant with a focus on practical solutions and a strong affinity with Systems Engineering & Asset Management. He’s mainly active in industrial automation (hardware & software) and instrumentation throughout the entire life cycle, with almost 20 years of experience collaborating with various (professional) disciplines at all levels of the organization. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR ABOUTCommunication challenges in interdisciplinary teamsThe cultural diversity in the Netherlands and its direct impact on communication.The complexity of Systems Engineering.And why ‘Spare the details’ will be the best advice you’ll ever get. The English for Engineers podcast is here to help engineers and technicians from all backgrounds improve their communication skills and provide them with interesting facts so that Technical and Business English becomes their new superpower. RESOURCES AND LINKSCheck out the Emails for Engineers template package to simplify your project communication with engineer-written, ready-to-use English email templates.Look into the Technical English Group Course for ambitious engineers, learn to communicate clearly with your clients, stakeholders, and subcontractors, and understand the logic behind technical English.Catch up with English for Engineers episode #020 with Cathy Intro to learn about how neurodivergent engineers need a different approach when learning languages.  CONNECT WITH JOHAN BELLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johan-belCompany Website: https://ingenieursgroepnederland.nl/CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTINOlivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English as a second language teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of English that gets the job done.  Work with me: marcode.org/solutionsGet the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletterLinkedIn: Olivia AugustinInstagram: @_marcode_
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  E20 Neurolinguistic Language Coaching and its Advantages for Engineers - with Catherine Intro 13.12.2024 50min

  In this episode of English for Engineers, Catherine Intro and I ​​take a look at Neurolanguage Coaching. Join us as we unpack not only Neurolinguistics but also the quirks of 'Quebeck-English', and how adult engineers learn languages differently.   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN Interesting aspects of Neurolinguistics and how it empowers adult language learners, especially systematic thinkers like engineers about cultural differences in language learning The difference in workplace dynamics: French vs. Canadian     The English for Engineers podcast is here to help engineers and technicians from all backgrounds improve their communication skills and provide them with interesting facts so that Technical and Business English becomes their new superpower.   RESOURCES AND LINKS Check out the Emails for Engineers template package to simplify your project communication with engineer-written, ready-to-use English email templates.   Look into the Technical English Group Course for ambitious engineers, learn to communicate clearly with your clients, stakeholders, and subcontractors, and understand the logic behind technical English.   Catch up with English for Engineers episode #019 to get insights on the North American Eco-Innovation Network provided by Dr. Omar Chavez     CONNECT WITH CATHERINE INTRO Cathy Intro is an entrepreneur and a certified Professional Neurolanguage Coach®. She hosts the podcast My Polyglot Life en français to help upper intermediate and advanced learners study French efficiently and with joy. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-introligator/ Website: https://mypolyglotlife.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathy.intro/ CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTIN Olivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English as a second language teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of English that gets the job done.    Work with me: marcode.org/solutions Get the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletter LinkedIn: Olivia Augustin Instagram: @_marcode_
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  E19: The Eco-Innovation Network: CEC, JPAC, and TLCAN's environmental legacy 23.10.2024 43min

  In this episode of English for Engineers, Dr. Omar Chavéz Alegía and I ​​dive into the Eco-Innovation Network and explore the significant roles of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) and the Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) within the context of the North American Free Trade Agreement (TLCAN/NAFTA). Join us as we unpack how these organizations have shaped environmental policies and promoted sustainability across North America. IN THIS EPISODE, WE WILL Discuss the purpose and impact of the Eco-Innovation Network. Explore the roles of CEC and JPAC in environmental cooperation. Learn about the historical context of TLCAN/NAFTA and its influence on environmental policy. Highlight key eco-innovation initiatives supported by these organizations.     The English for Engineers podcast is here to help engineers and technicians from all backgrounds improve their communication skills and provide them with interesting facts from side industries so that Technical and Business English becomes their new superpower.   RESOURCES AND LINKS Check out the Emails for Engineers template package to simplify your project communication with engineer-written, ready-to-use English email templates. Look into the Technical English Group Course for ambitious engineers, learn to communicate clearly with your clients, stakeholders, and subcontractors, and understand the logic behind technical English. Catch up with English for Engineers episode #016 to learn live lessons from Arnold Schwarzenegger.   Links mentioned in this episode: The Eco-Innovation Network: http://ecoinnovationnetwork.org/ The CEC: http://www.cec.org/ The JPAC: http://www.cec.org/about/joint-public-advisory-committee/ The TMEC (formerly TLCAN): https://www.gob.mx/t-mec     CONNECT WITH DR. CHAVEZ Dr. Omar Chavéz Alegría is the department head of the Facultad de Ingeniería at the Autonomous University of Queretaro, where he fills the roles of a professor and researcher.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-chavez-705004a1/ University website: https://ingenieria.uaq.mx/index.php/oferta-educativa/maestrias/maestria-en-arquitectura/125-curriculums/877-dr-omar-chavez-alegria CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTIN Olivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English as a second language teacher. Her specialty is dissecting the intricate structures of the English language and only putting back the pieces engineers really need to become skilled communicators.   Work with me: marcode.org/solutions Get the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletter LinkedIn: Olivia Augustin Instagram: @_marcode_
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  E18: Linguistics and Engineering in Technical Translation 23.08.2024 31min

   In this episode of English for Engineers, I talk to Alice Miozzo Zana and Pierre-Yves Zana from Tranzana Translations. Alice & Pierre-Yves are an international couple working in the language industry as freelance translators. Alice is an Italian technical and marketing translator, while PY is a French engineer turned technical translator. They work hand in hand to help industrial and tech companies overcome their linguistic challenges.   Join us in this episode as we learn how the fusion of engineering and linguistics enables them to deliver trustworthy translations by effectively bridging the gap between technical accuracy and linguistic fluency. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’ll LEARN What are the advantages of working with small translation offices. How differently Italians and French approach formalities. And how the combination of linguistic expertise and engineering knowledge contributes to the trustworthiness and accuracy of your translations.   The English for Engineers podcast is here to help engineers and technicians from all backgrounds improve their communication skills and provide them with interesting facts from side industries so that Technical and Business English becomes their new superpower.   RESOURCES AND LINKS Check out the Emails for Engineers template package to simplify your project communication with engineer-written, ready-to-use English email templates as well as a PDF guide that will teach you how to structure emails, how to switch between formal and informal language, and how to quickly and reliably check for mistakes before sending.   Catch up with English for Engineers episode #017 to learn about the importance of a global mindset for engineering professionals.   Today's episode was sponsored by Marcode, a coaching business where I help engineers master their Technical English and international business communication so that talking in English will become their new superpower.     CONNECT WITH TRADZANA TRANSLATIONS Alice and Pierre-Yves work hand in hand to help industrial and tech companies overcome their linguistic challenges.   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amiozzo/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/pyzana/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tradzana_translation/ Website: https://www.tradzana.com/en-home CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTIN Olivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English teacher turned corporate trainer. Her specialty is dissecting the intricate structures of the English language and only putting back the pieces engineers really need to become skilled communicators.   Work with me: marcode.org/solutions Get the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletter LinkedIn: Olivia Augustin Instagram: @_marcode_    
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  E17: Developing a Global Mindset for Engineering Professionals 02.08.2024 51min

  In this episode of English for Engineers, I talk to Kate Dahl, a career consultant for internationals in Denmark who helps them integrate into the Danish labour market.   Join us in this episode as we discuss what it means to have a global mindset and how engineering professionals can develop such a mindset.   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’ll LEARN What it means to have an international mindset and Why that is essential for engineering professionals. How engineers can develop such an attitude, and If English language proficiency does play a role in said mindset.     The English for Engineers podcast is here to help engineers and technicians from all backgrounds improve their communication skills and provide them with interesting facts from side industries so that Technical and Business English becomes their new superpower.   RESOURCES AND LINKS Check out the Emails for Engineers template package to simplify your project communication with engineer-written, ready-to-use English email templates, as well as a PDF guide that will teach you how to structure emails, how to switch between formal and informal language, and how to quickly and reliably check for mistakes before sending. The Culture Map by Erin Meyer: I mention this book during the episode and regularly refer to it during my lessons. It is an absolute 'must read' for everyone doing business internationally or living abroad.   Catch up with English for Engineers episode #016 to learn live lessons from Arnold Schwarzenegger.   Today's episode was sponsored by Marcode, a coaching business where I help engineers master their Technical English and international business communication so that talking in English will become their new superpower.     CONNECT WITH KATE DAHL Kate Dahl’s agency, Career Denmark, empowers expats to land their dream jobs in Denmark. She offers career guidance and workshops on the Danish labour market. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/careerconsultant4internationals Website: www.careerdenmark.dk CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTIN Olivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English teacher turned corporate trainer. Her specialty is dissecting the intricate structures of the English language and only putting back the pieces engineers really need to become skilled communicators.   Work with me: marcode.org/solutions Get the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletter LinkedIn: Olivia Augustin Instagram: @_marcode_  
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  E16: Three Lessons from Arnold Schwarzenegger 18.10.2023 3min

  In this Episode, Olivia talks about 3 life lessons engineers who learn English as a second (or third) language, can learn from the Austrian oak, Arnold Schwarzenegger. As an expat, Arnold was always mocked for his thick Austrian accent, mocked for his appearance, and his ambitions. In this episode, you'll learn: that he was not afraid to ask for help. And he was willing to learn off anyone. Even took advice from a ballet teacher to improve his performance on stage. Tip: Ask your colleagues and friends to help you learn English. that he knew about the power of a positive environment. As bodybuilder, actor, and politician he brought people together: to train together, to be inspired by each other. Tip: Connect with fellow engineers who are on international projects or who are expats as well. that he ignored the naysayers. Have you ever had one of those teachers tell you that you have no language talent whatsoever? Ignore them. As an engineer, you're wired to be good at English.   The English for Engineers podcast is here to help engineers and technicians from all backgrounds to improve their communication skills so Technical and Business English becomes their new superpower. RESOURCES AND LINKS: 1. Read more about why engineers are good at learning English here: https://www.marcode.org/blog/052 2. Check out the Emails for Engineers template package to help you streamline your email writing efforts (with more than 30 English email templates and priceless bonuses that will teach you how to structure emails, how to switch between formal and informal language, and how to quickly and reliably check for mistakes before sending).   Today's episode was sponsored by Marcode, a coaching business where I help engineers master their Technical English and international business communication so that talking in English will become their new superpower.     Olivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English teacher turned corporate trainer. Her specialty is dissecting the intricate structures of the English language and only putting back the pieces engineers really need to become skilled communicators.   Work with me: marcode.org/solutions Get the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletter LinkedIn: Olivia Augustin Instagram: @_marcode_  
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  E15: Technical Translators - The Unsung Heroes of Engineering 13.07.2023 38min

  In this episode of English for Engineers, I am chatting with Anthoinette Međjedović-van Winkoop, CEO of Helena Technical Translations (together with business partner Mathijs Mekes) and Chelsea Janssen, who is a  junior translator at Helena Technical Translations.   Join us in this episode as we discuss what’s going on behind the scenes of high-quality technical translations. Anthoinette and Chelsea walk us through the process, from initial contact to scrutinizing reviews and finally delivering optimal results.   "Translation is that which transforms everything so that nothing changes."   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’ll LEARN: What steps are involved in a professional translation process. Why context is everything. In which ways engineers can support translators. And what an ISO certification has to do with the 4-eye principle.   The English for Engineers podcast is here to help engineers and technicians from all backgrounds to improve their communication skills and provide them with interesting facts from side industries so Technical and Business English becomes their new superpower.   RESOURCES AND LINKS: Check out the Emails for Engineers template package to help you streamline your email writing efforts (with more than 30 English email templates and priceless bonuses that will teach you how to structure emails, how to switch between formal and informal language, and how to quickly and reliably check for mistakes before sending).   Catch up with English for Engineers episode #014 to learn why there’s no such thing as “proper English” and how to use the STAR method to answer behavioral questions.     Today's episode was sponsored by Marcode, a coaching business where I help engineers master their Technical English and international business communication so that talking in English will become their new superpower.   CONNECT WITH HELENA TECHNICAL TRANSLATION Helena Technical Translations is known as a customer-oriented technical translation agency. Large international enterprises and SMEs have relied on their highly qualified and experienced translators since 1991. All their translators are genuine native speakers, linguists, and specialize in one or more fields. They are ISO-17100 certified, which solidifies their quality guarantee.    Facebook: Helena Technical Translations BV Instagram: @helena_technical_translations Linkedin: Helena Technical Translations BV Website: https://www.helena.nl/ If you have a potential translation project, you can e-mail them directly via info@helena.nl or management@helena.nl     CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTIN Olivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English teacher turned corporate trainer. Her specialty is dissecting the intricate structures of the English language and only putting back the pieces engineers really need to become skilled communicators. Work with me: marcode.org/solutions Get the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletter LinkedIn: Olivia Augustin Instagram: @_marcode_  
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  E14: Authentically Aussie: Cracking the Code for Engineers in the Land Down Under! 22.05.2023 29min

  In this episode of English for Engineers, I am chatting with Natalie Peart, owner of Jobspeak Academy, who’s teaching you English for job search and workplace. Her mission? To help international students, refugees, and migrants in Australia to have the Australian career of their dreams. Join us in this episode as we unveil the secrets to authentic communication in the Australian workplace specifically tailored for engineers. From IELTS test insights to job market entry strategies, we'll debunk myths, explore vulnerability, and equip you with essential tools like the STAR method. Get ready to embrace your Aussie adventure and discover why "Just do it" holds the key to your success!   IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’ll LEARN: Who should take an IELTS test and why you probably won't need one. If there's such a thing as "proper English," and why vulnerability is necessary. How engineers have to tweak their resume to enter the Australian job market. How to use the STAR method to answer behavioral questions. Why "Just do it" is the best advice you'll ever get.   The English for Engineers podcast is here to help engineers and technicians from all backgrounds to improve their communication skills so Technical and Business English becomes their new superpower.   RESOURCES AND LINKS: Check out the Emails for Engineers template package to help you streamline your email writing efforts (with more than 30 English email templates and priceless bonuses that will teach you how to structure emails, how to switch between formal and informal language, and how to quickly and reliably check for mistakes before sending).   Catch up with English for Engineers episode #013 to learn about 8 tips for writing English wor emails as a non-native writer   Today's episode was sponsored by Marcode, a coaching business where I help engineers master their Technical English and international business communication so that talking in English will become their new superpower.   CONNECT WITH NATALIE PEART Natalie Peart is the founder of Job Speak Academy, a business that helps international professionals rebuild their career confidence and thrive in the Aussie workplace. Linkedin: Natalie Peart Instagram: @jobspeakacademy Website: jobspeakacademy.com   CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTIN Olivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English teacher turned corporate trainer, her specialty is dissecting the intricate structures of the English language and only putting back the pieces engineers really need to become skilled communicators. Work with me: marcode.org/solutions Get the newsletter: marcode.org/newsletter LinkedIn: Olivia Augustin Instagram: @_marcode_    
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  Writing Work Emails in English (Without the Panic) 06.05.2023 19min

  Meetings? Fine. Technical skills? No problem. It's the blank email, alone in your office, that sends most non-native engineers over the edge.In this episode, Olivia shares eight practical tips for writing work emails in English — from studying how native speakers actually structure their messages, to knowing when a well-placed "please" does more work than perfect grammar, to finally building your own reusable templates instead of starting from zero every time. She also tells the real story behind Emails for Engineers: two client requests, twelve years apart, that showed her how many engineers were quietly stuck on the exact same problem.Want the full system behind these tips? Read How to Write Business Emails Faster (As an Engineer). Ready to stop starting from a blank page? Check out the Emails for Engineers template package.CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTINOlivia is a civil engineer and certified English as a second language teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of English that gets the job done.Work with me | Get the newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram
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  All Your Ducks in a Row: Language Barriers & Home Buying Abroad 14.04.2023 33min

  Buying a home is stressful enough in your own language. Now imagine doing it in your second, third, or fourth — while also trying to figure out what your realtor means when she tells you to get "all your ducks in a row."In this episode, I sit down with my friend Candice Lee, a realtor and relocation specialist who's helped executives and specialists from companies like BMW, Google, Richemont, and PwC move to a new country — and communicate through the whole process. We talk about why language anxiety hits even the most senior, most capable people, why idioms can actually build trust with international clients instead of confusing them, and what really happens during a home inspection (short answer: sometimes there's a buried car involved).IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:Why even highly experienced professionals get anxious speaking a foreign language — and how to make them feel comfortable anywayHow asking "do you have this saying in your country?" turns idioms into connection instead of confusionWhy tone (not grammar) is what actually reads as rude across culturesWhat a home inspection covers — and doesn't — plus why you might want a sewer line or oil tank "surface sweep" before buyingWhat "getting your ducks in a row" really means when you're buying property as an international buyerRESOURCES AND LINKS:Check out the Emails for Engineers template package to streamline your email writing — 30+ templates, formal/informal switching, and a built-in mistake-check process.For more on the language side of this conversation, read International Team Communication: What Non-Native English Speakers Need to Know on the blog.CONNECT WITH CANDICE LEECandice is an experienced realtor and relocation specialist who works with corporate clients relocating internationally, helping them feel comfortable through the entire process.LinkedIn: Candice Lee | Website: Property Connections CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTINOlivia is a civil engineer and certified English as a second language teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of English that gets the job done.LinkedIn: Olivia D. Augustin | Get the Newsletter: marcode.org/newsletter | Website: marcode.org
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  E11: 5 Strategies to Improve Your Technical English 21.03.2023 10min

   In this episode of English for Engineers, Olivia is talking about 5 strategies to improve your technical English. As a professional, you already know how important it is to communicate clearly with your co-workers, and that’s why Olivia put together 5 tips for helping you master technical English with an engineering focus.    In this episode you'll learn: About mastering cultural differences How to focus on key vocabulary Why watching TV is a good thing How to leverage resources to solidify your skills The English for Engineers podcast is here to help engineers and technicians from all backgrounds to improve their communication skills so Technical + Business English becomes their new superpower.   RESOURCES AND LINKS: Top 15 TV shows to improve your Technical English: https://interestingengineering.com/culture/15-best-tv-shows-for-engineers Check out the Emails for Engineers template package to help you simplify your project communication (with more 30+ English work email templates and priceless bonuses that will teach you how to structure emails, how to switch between formal and informal language, and how to quickly and reliably check for mistakes before sending).   Catch up with English for Engineers episode #010 to learn about ethical communication and why clear is always kind.   Today's episode was sponsored by Marcode, a coaching business where Olivia helps engineers master their Business English, Technical English, and conversational skills so that talking in English will become their new superpower.    CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTIN Olivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English teacher turned corporate trainer, her speciality is dissecting the intricate structures of the English language and only putting back the pieces engineers really need to become skilled communicators. LinkedIn: Olivia Augustin Instagram: @_marcode_ Podcast: English for Engineers Website: marcode.org
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  Clear is Kind - A Crossover Episode with Aimee Arsenault 20.02.2023 39min

  This episode is a crossover you didn't know you needed. Olivia sits down with Aimee Arsenault, founder of Transmit Safety, to talk about the skill that keeps engineers and safety pros out of trouble: being clear without losing the relationship. From holding your ethical line when a project manager pushes back, to the real difference between "engineering language" and "safety language" — this is a masterclass in saying no with confidence, and why clarity is a form of kindness. CONNECT WITH AIMEE ARSENAULTAimee Arsenault is a CRSP and CHSC. She is the founder of Transmit Safety, a business that helps you simplify and streamline health & safety management systems.LinkedIn: Aimee ArsenaultInstagram: @transmit.safetyTwitter: @transmitsafetyWebsite: transmitsafety.com CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTINOlivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English as a second language teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of English that gets the job done. ⁠⁠⁠Work with me⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Get the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram
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  Vienna Waits for You: Reinventing an Engineering Career 08.07.2022 36min

  Andrea Zimmerl trained as a plastics engineer in Vienna in the 1990s. Then she became a communication coach, then a life coach, and then — after adopting a reactive rescue dog who barked, lunged, and destroyed half the apartment — a dog trainer.Turns out she wasn't really training the dog. She was training the human on the other end of the leash. In this episode, Olivia catches up with a fellow Viennese engineer about reading body language on international video calls, why forgetting someone's title is a real insult in Austria, running a Women in STEM program, and building a career out of every single thing you're curious about instead of picking just one. Also covered: the line from a coach friend that Andrea can't stop repeating — your soul of genius is not doing the laundry, it's doing engineering.CONNECT WITH ANDREA ZIMMERLAndrea Zimmerl is a Vienna-trained plastics engineer turned communication trainer, career and life coach, and dog trainer, now working internationally with clients across Europe and Asia.Instagram (and her very good rescue dog Happy): happy_simple_dogCONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTINOlivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English as a second language teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of English that gets the job done. Work with me | Get the newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram 
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  Junk the Jargon — Why Engineering Jargon Isn't as Clear as You Think 02.06.2022 29min

  Becky Paroz has spent 30 years in the Australian construction industry, and she's decoded more badly-translated technical documents than she can count. In this episode, Becky and Olivia talk about why engineering jargon works less like technical precision and more like a members-only badge — and why that becomes a real problem the moment your team includes anyone who didn't grow up inside your specific slice of the industry. They get into what a translated manual sounds like when a "tech person" writes it versus a "language person," why "no worries" can quietly derail a conversation, and Becky's two-part trick for building instant trust with colleagues from another culture: learn their stress word, and learn one word they actually love. Years of quality assurance work taught Becky that plain, clear communication isn't a soft skill — it's a safety issue.CONNECT WITH BECKY PAROZBecky Paroz has spent 30 years in the Australian construction industry as an engineer, project manager, and director across three companies. She's also a professional mentor to the next generation of industry leaders and was named Fearless Educator of the Year in 2019. Becky runs Queen B Project Systems, a Brisbane-based consultancy. Company: Queen B Project SystemsCONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTINOlivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English as a second language teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of English that gets the job done. ⁠⁠Work with me⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Get the newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram
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  007: License to Talk 22.04.2022 20min

  An engineer once asked Olivia if her fancy podcast microphone was for singing. It's not — it's for you.In this solo episode, Olivia shares the real reason she started English for Engineers in the first place, then walks through five practical ways to master technical English on the job:reading cultural differences correctly, focusing your vocabulary on what you actually need, asking for help without the shame spiral, watching English-language shows that are actually useful (Star Trek counts), and using the resources you already have access to.For more on cultural differences at work, check out Lost in Translation, Olivia's two-part conversation with Ama Zbarcea about US and UK communication styles: marcode.org/lost-in-translation. Want the full list of the 15 best TV shows for engineers Olivia mentions? Find it at marcode.org/best-tv-shows-for-engineers.And if you want these five tips as a quick-reference cheat sheet, grab the free PDF right here.CONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTINOlivia Augustin is a civil engineer and certified English teacher turned corporate trainer. Her specialty is dissecting the intricate structures of the English language and putting back only the pieces engineers actually need to become skilled communicators.⁠⁠Work with me⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Get the newsletter⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram
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  Why Logic Alone Can't Hold Your Team Together 08.04.2022 29min

  Catherine Stagg-Macey has spent the last ten years coaching international tech teams through exactly the kind of friction that comes from mixing cultures, personalities, and one too many assumptions about what "that's interesting" actually means.In this episode, she and Olivia get into why logic alone can't hold a team together, why a South African can get told off for being "too direct" in England and then find the Americans even more direct (just nicer about it), and the string exercise Catherine uses to show teams the tension nobody can see. They also cover why empathy is a skill you build rather than a personality trait, what a rotating finger can teach you about perspective, and the question Catherine leaves every client with: do you want to be right, or do you want a relationship?CONNECT WITH CATHERINE STAGG-MACEY — executive and team coach, founder of Conversations at the Edge. Website: conversationsattheedge.co.uk · LinkedIn: Catherine Stagg-MaceyCONNECT WITH OLIVIA AUGUSTIN — civil engineer and certified English as a second language teacher. With her one-on-one lessons and group courses, she teaches non-native English-speaking engineers the kind of English that gets the job done.⁠Work with me⁠ | ⁠Get the newsletter⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠Instagram