Are you looking for live online Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) classes? Interactive College of Technology offers live online English classes during the day and evening to fit into your busy schedule. Our instructors have worked with many non-native English speakers and will start teaching you at your current fluency level. They then build upon that foundation with interactive skill-focused courses. Upon graduation of the VESL program, you will be ready to read, speak, write, and understand English to help enter the workforce.
Why Study VESL?
As a native speaker, it can be easy to convey your thoughts to other people that speak the same native language. However, while working in a business role in an environment that operates in English, you will need to master the English language to properly communicate with coworkers and customers.
Is Learning English Difficult?
Well, difficulty is subjective and usually depends on your native language. Many of the words in Spanish have a similar spelling and the same meaning in English. However, not all languages transfer as easily. The good news is that English is not the hardest language to learn. There are many similarities to speaking, reading, and writing English that will help you learn English.
How Can I Learn Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL)?
To begin learning English, Interactive College of Technology offers a live online VESL program. Our Vocational English as a Second Language programs combine teaching, lab, class discussion, and group activities to help comprehend English for non-native speakers. Each method helps with both he English language skills as well as cultural transference.
What is Taught in a VESL Program?
The VESL program at Interactive College of Technology focuses on seven occupational steps to full English comprehension. They include:
Vocabulary
During the VESL program, you will learn the fundamental words that help you communicate in English. You start by learning basic words that help in conversation. Then you learn action phrases and how they are conjugated. You go, we go, he goes, she goes, I went, you are going, etc. Then you will start forming sentences with vocabulary words that lead to a full conversation, reading, and writing.
Listening
It is important to listen for contextual cues, word connections, and word significance. Out of context, a word may mean many things but in context a word has a unique meaning. Knowing the difference between a dog’s bark and tree bark is important. Are you going to park your car or take your kids to play in the park? Active listening is an important part of proper communication.
Speaking
During the Vocational English as a Second Language program, you will learn proper speaking skills. This is important because speaking allows you to communicate and express your thoughts and feelings. You will start by learning informal speech, and get a lot of practice talking with classmates that can help reinforce speaking
During your job roles, you may be called upon to give a formal speech or talk within a meeting. Proper speaking skills will enable coworkers to follow your thought process and understand the deeper meaning of your words.
Reading
The next step after conversational English is learning how to read. From reading a menu in a restaurant to reading a novel, each level takes a unique learning process. You will become familiar with stop words, adverbs, pronouns, roots, suffixes, and prefixes. Additional learning will focus on word context in the English language.
Writing
The next step in the learning Vocational English as a Second Language is writing. Writing skills help you form coherent sentences that tell a story or explain a sequence of events. You will write many documents in your business role. From emails and letters to memos and other business correspondence, writing skills are important to succeed in business and life.
Pronunciation
One of the more difficult aspects of learn English is practicing pronunciation. Words have multiple meanings, especially in different languages, and they may also be pronounced in different ways. A classic example of this focuses on the words tomato and potato. Another example is the British pronunciation of aluminum versus the American pronunciation. Neither is right or wrong, it just depends on the nationality of the English speaker. Just as it is important for you to understand English speakers. It’s integral to daily life that others understand you.
Grammar
The final lesson in a VESL program is proper grammar. Grammar is the structure and system of a language. Proper grammar can even be difficult for native English speakers. Plus, consideration must be given to the type of writing you are performing or your conversations. Either way, proper grammar is important to establish trust. Knowing that you took the time to use the right grammar signals that you are competent with the language.
What are the Benefits of Learning English in a VESL program?
There are many benefits to learning English in a VESL program. From fully immersing yourself in the language to studying along side classmates that are starting from a completely different perspective and native language. Everyone in the VESL program works together to master the English language and help one another succeed.
Immersion
There is nothing better than taking a class from an English-speaking instructor, ready to mentor you through the process of learning English. During classes, you are immersed in the language and enjoy classes from the comfort of your home. And since they are live, you can get feedback from instructors about your word choices, pronunciation, and grammar.
A Variety of Native Languages
Not everyone in the class comes from the same starting point. You might be sharing Zoom alongside Spanish, Korean, or Chinese native speakers that are all learning English. Some conjugations, pronunciations, and irregular plural words will be unique in each language. In the process of the VESL program, you learn what others are struggling with and can help them, as they help you learn English.
Final Thoughts
In addition to the Vocational English as a Second Language curriculum, you will also enjoy career services. We will help you create a personal email account, write a resume that catches the eye of employers, and find jobs that fit your passion and knowledge. Interactive College of Technology will help you every step of the way to a job you want and hopefully a better life.
Want to Learn More?
Our Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL) training program is designed for student success. ICT offers live online instruction English classes that fit into your busy schedule, so you can support your family with an education made for you.
Let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.
