WORKING Languages™ programs help students and working professionals learn languages and business cultures so they can conduct business internationally or manage diverse organizations.
These programs use a unique combination of interactive technology,distance learning, instructor-led workshops, conversation hours and an immersion to a country where the target language is spoken to create culturally sensitive language speakers who can function comfortably and effectively in the target language's workplace.
Format
- 28 weeks
- Limited class size
- Business-related content, including special textbooks, business cases, oral presentations and other activities designed with the needs of the professional in mind
- Instructor-led workshops held one evening per week
- Internet instruction — Flexible scheduling to facilitate studying at student's convenience
- Review of students' progress in independent work and preview of upcoming lessons
- Weekly conversation hours with bilingual conversation coaches
- In-country immersion
In-country Immersions
Kenan-Flagler MBA students taking a Working Language course are required to participate in an in-country immersion. Participation can be waived under certain circumstances, such as planned participation in an international exchange program or the Global Business Project course.
Working Language immersions feature
- Homestays
- Language tutoring personalized for each student's needs
- Company visits
- Cultural excursions and activities, such as cooking or dance classes, rainforest tours and karaoke night
- Community service project
The "Mission (Im)possible," a specially constructed team activity promoting communication and cross-cultural understanding
What Participants Say
"Watching the people…listening to them talk, eating with them… I don't feel you can learn a language by just sitting in the classroom… Interacting with the people is where the true learning takes place."
"I definitely learned more in the immersion than in the classroom! Experiencing how native Spanish speakers engage each other is key to understanding cultural differences and similarities."
"I feel like I leaned [things]… that will help me in the future to be less judgmental and more open to new experiences, different cultures and different customs."
"I will definitely visit Costa Rica again (in the next 5 years) because of this trip, and saw many business opportunities in Heredia in particular."
"The best Spanish class you will ever take…A full range of experiences that expose you to the language and culture. I wish I could go back with you!"