Career English

Practice and improve your English in a work environment and gain valuable business skills in the process! With CISL’s Career English Program, students attend six weeks of CISL English courses to perfect their English skills, then experience 6-8 weeks with an American company that matches the student’s background and work experience.* Working closely with Americans in a business setting allows students the opportunity to improve their English skills in a real work environment, form relationships with colleagues, and gain an understanding of American business practices.

- Architecture

- Advertising

- The Arts Banking/Financial

- Services

- Event Planning

- Information Technology/Computers

- Marketing

- Nonprofit Organizations

- Public Relations

- Travel and Tourism

The Career English Program consists of:

- 6+ weeks of ANY English class followed by 6-8 weeks practicing English in a company

* The primary goal of the Career English Program is to improve the student’s English skills in the work setting. Placement in specific companies or fields is not guaranteed.

Students complete a minimum of 6 weeks of any CISL course before being placed in American company for 6 to 8 weeks. Career English students focus solely on their host company after 6 weeks of CISL classes have been completed.

The program includes:

- A minimum of 6 weeks of any CISL English course*

- 6 to 8 weeks at an American company (after 6 weeks of CISL classes are completed)*

- Resume and cover letter building workshops and interview preparation

- Supervision by the CISL Career English Coordinator

- CISL Career English Program certificate (upon program completion)

*An “early placement” option is available for students eager to spend more time with their host company. For early placement, students must work with the Career English Coordinator prior to their arrival. Contact the Career English Coordinator for more information.

To qualify for the Career English Program, students must:

- Be 18 years of age or older

- Have an English proficiency level of at least B1

- Enroll in a minimum of 6 weeks CISL courses (specific course is the student’s choice)

- Provide course tuition + Career English Fee

- Possess at least one year of experience or education in the desired field

- Commit to the hours required by their host company Program Details

Students select and enroll in a CISL English program that best fits their language needs. For the first 6 weeks, students attend courses (Monday-Friday, 9 am to 12:40 pm) and build the speaking, writing, and communication skills necessary to prepare them for a professional work setting.

During this time, students communicate frequently with the CISL Career English Coordinator and also attend interviews in order to secure placement in an American business.

Students spend 20 to 40 hours per week at their host company, where they learn business practices and business etiquette while employing English skills learned in the CISL classroom. Throughout their time at the company, students remain in contact with the CISL Career English Coordinator. Once the program is completed, the Career English Coordinator provides the student with an official CISL letter of recommendation.

At the beginning it was a little bit hard for me, because everything was completly [sic] new . . . However, now I am more confident with the company and I am very lucky with the staff, they are very nice and they treat me very good! This week I have been working with excel doing timetables about the people who came to Startup week. I have learned how to use mail champ [MailChimp], an email platform that it’s very useful in a lot of companies.

Ines, MEXICO Career English

When I first got to CISL I couldn’t speak as well as my classmates, but learning fifteen new words a week and taking weekly tests helped me improve my vocabulary a lot. I completed my Career English Volunteership at a law firm where I could be involved in the real day-to-day routine of the law firm. I worked with a legal assistant directly and he explained a lot to me. I was terrified at first to speak and answer the phone when I was alone, but as I continued answering the phone I got better and better! I filed and read a lot of court documents. I know that I still make mistakes, but now I’m more confident and can think in English faster. They were willing to give me advice about my English so I could continue to improve throughout my Career English Volunteership.

Lulia, RUSSIA Career English

In my opinion, this program is so significant to learn about American working system and also improving second language. Moreover, you are able to decide which position you want to work on in future. I definitely recommend CISL’s career English.

Zeynep, Cutri Corporation Career English