The CATESOL Journal

In today’s current climate of international business expansion, traditional language institutes frequently have the opportunity to serve a growing language-learner population: nonnative English speakers working in local international companies. In this paper, we examine a university-based English language program’s experience in providing business English courses for one company, from initially assessing its need for English language training to evaluating the courses after completion. The courses were a success overall, meeting the primary expressed needs of a group of the company’s English language learners. However, designing the courses also presented a series of challenges. Through the process, we achieved success in teaching and also learned a great deal about providing workplace English language training, including working within the parameters of individual corporate situations and designing courses for specific business English needs.