Our Programme

The English Language Programme (ELP) at the United Nations is offered to promote linguistic balance within the Secretariat by improving the English language skills of its staff and the staff of missions to the United Nations.

The ELP at Headquarters offers three terms a year: winter, spring and fall. Each term lasts twelve weeks with an additional week for scheduled written and oral examinations.

The ELP offers regular core English courses (levels one through eight), which are designed to improve general English language proficiency, as well as communication courses and special courses to meet both the work-related needs and cultural interests of members of the United Nations community. 

Communication courses are aimed at developing specific professionally oriented skills involving language, such as Principles of Report Writing at the UN, Writing Letters and Memoranda, Summary and Précis Writing and Presentation Skills.

The ELP’s specialized courses include Discourse Strategies, English through Media and Learning English through learning about the United Nations. For those ELP participants wanting to take the English Proficiency Examination (following completion of the ELP’s eight levels), a Language Proficiency Examination preparation course is offered.

To foster a greater sense of community among participants and promote knowledge of the local culture, outside activities such as attending plays, participating in a Book Club, and a Literary Walking Tour of downtown Manhattan are available at participants’ request (also see the Culture Section of this website).

The ELP is a place to develop language skills, develop knowledge of the local culture, make friends, and also experience being part of the great diversity of the United Nations community.

©United Nations, 2006.