What is English for Work & Careers?

These classes start at level 1 with a career exploration class, which is great for people who are undecided about what career they want to pursue in the United States and it's also good for improving their skills at their current job.

We also have classes that focus on specific jobs like bookkeeping, information technology, transportation, healthcare, real estate, and childcare. These classes have two parts - an English support class and job training.

If you are taking these classes, you’re also getting access to a Career Navigator who will work with you one-on-one to find out your next steps to be successful in your career. They also help with things like resume writing and interviewing.

Requirements:

• You must be at the correct English level.

• You cannot be a J-1 or F-1 student.

• You should be ready and able to work.

Costs:

• The English classes are $50.

• Training costs are different for each program.

• Most of them have some sort of financial aid that you can apply for. We also work with the Columbia Workforce Center, which may pay for your classes if you are eligible. We can help you with this process. The sooner you register for these classes, the more likely it is that you can get financial help.

This is for people who were professionals in their home countries and now are looking for a job. There are two parts to this program - the Advanced American Job Search and Career Connections for International Professionals.

In the American Job Search class, you learn how to set career goals, start work on your resume, and hear from guest speakers. In Career Connections, you have many supports to help you find the right job for you. For example, you get a mentor in the field you are interested in that you meet with at least twice. You also get practice interviews with actual Human Resources professionals. You meet with counselors from the Career Center to work on finding a job. Plus you have a fabulous instructor and access to our Transitions Specialist who works really hard to help you get the connections you need to get the job you want.

We also offer Introduction to the American Job Search for lower level learners.

Requirements:

• You must be an advanced English learner.

• You cannot be an F-1 or J-1 Visa holder.

• You must have professional experience or training in your home country.

• You must be ready and able to work.

• You must complete an application and interview for Career Connections for International Professionals.

Costs:

• $20 for American Job Search classes.

• $50 for Career Connections for International Professionals.

Professional English courses are open to all students, including F-1 and J-1. These are great classes that help you build your written and oral communication skills while learning about American business culture. Some of these courses have Zoom meetings while others you can do on your own whenever you have time.

If you take three or more Professional English courses in 18 months, you can earn a Professional English Certificate. The professional english courses have varying prices - from $275 to $350. If you take more than one class (including just a regular English class), you can apply for financial aid.

One-on-one tutoring is also available at $70/hour.

This program enables bilingual individuals to receive a program certificate in interpreting. Healthcare Interpreters receive over 100 hours of training to be able to facilitate understanding and communication between doctors, nurses, therapists, and more and patients with limited English proficiency.

Requirements:

• Fully bilingual in English and another language.

• Must be able to complete all three courses.

Cost:

• $1200 for all three classes.

• Eligible for a scholarship.