Training in Spanish, French, Japanese and Chinese will be available from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Enterprise Centre as the London borough prepares to host the Equestrian and a number of Paralympic events in 2012.

The course material will be articulated around the 2012 Games through carefully selected topics which address typical queries that visitors may have - transport and directions, food and drink, health and safety, and sports including the history of the Games and London 2012.

The short courses, which have received the Inspire Mark, suit intermediate to advanced linguists - people with old O’levels, rusty GCSEs or even quite recently taken A levels – anyone who is enthusiastic about languages and wants to boost their skills with a view to assisting international visitors.

Classes will include cultural awareness pointers, which aim to provide the learner with in depth understanding of the visitors’ background, cultural habits and potential expectations.

Gisela Lafico from the University said: “This project is especially thought to improve and promote cultural awareness, understanding and respect by improving communication between volunteers, local residents and visitors.

“Language training allows individuals to become more open-minded and it facilitates the formation of friendships. As with sports, learning a language involves determination and persistency in order to achieve results and the courage to come out of the comfort zone.

“Even though these are short courses, we look to inspire individuals to take further education and training opportunities in order to develop their skills and increase their employability.”

In 2010, the French and Spanish courses will take place on 9 to 10 October and 27 to 28 November. The Chinese and Japanese sessions will take place on 23 to 24 October and 11 to 12 December. Further dates may be added in 2011.

Anyone who would like to find out more information about the courses and/or would like to book a place can contact either Gisela on g.lafico@gre.ac.uk and 0208 331 8986 or Cecile Laval on c.laval@greenwich.ac.uk and 0208 331 9049.