Business professionals can gain a distinct competitive advantage from knowing other languages and understanding the cultures where that language is spoken.
It takes work – consistent, methodical work – over a period of time to function in any target language. Our WORKING Languages™ courses use a unique combination of business-focused teaching materials, instructor-led workshops, interactive technology, conversation hours with native speakers and an immersion component that produce culturally sensitive speakers who function effectively and comfortably in the target language’s workplace.
Languages Available
- Beginning Spanish for MBAs
- Intermediate Spanish for MBAs
- Intermediate Spanish for undergraduates (1 semester only)
- Beginning Mandarin for MBAs
- Beginning Portuguese for MBAs
- Online Working Mandarin for MBAs and professionals
- Online Working Portuguese for MBAs and professionals
Key Features
- Custom designed materials, including special textbooks, business cases, oral presentations and other activities designed with the needs of the professional in mind
- Part A (fall semester) covers Units 1-3, teaching grammar and vocabulary organized around building business relationships, daily work routines and social interactions
- Part B (spring semester) covers Units 4-6, continues grammar and vocabulary instruction organized around meetings and management challenges. The final 1/3 of the semester is entirely devoted to customized student projects
- Limited class size meeting once a week with an instructor, and once a week with a ‘conversation coach’
- Special activities including guest presentations, class dinners, and a “mini-mission” immersion exercise
- Internet-based assignments using either Quia or Canvas platforms
- In-country immersion, held over the spring semester
In-country Immersions
In typical study tours, students often remain in a “bubble,” interacting mostly with each other and communicating in English. In contrast, Working Languages’ optional immersions take students out of their comfort zone and challenge them to forge meaningful connections with the local community while improving their command of the language and level of cross-cultural understanding.