Can You Say Global?

The question isn't a rhetorical one. As companies go global, employing international workers who can speak English becomes critical.

GlobalEnglish, a company that teaches business English, has found the demand for English instruction to be more important than ever as companies consider relocating or reallocating parts of their operations to countries with more affordable workforces in order to deal with the economic decline.

GlobalEnglish, which serves more than 500 Global 2000 companies in over 140 countries, tells TMT that a challenge for these international companies is making sure employees are able to communicate with each other and with customers.

A lot of firms offer in-house English instruction, but GlobalEnglish takes a different approach. The company provides online learning with access to live virtual teachers, with a focus on allowing people to learn at their own pace. Programs are aimed at improving business productivity for everyone from front-line employees to executives.

What's more, GlobalEnglish continues to take advantage of technology to enhance its offerings.

In January the company released the GlobalEnglish Mobile Learning Network, a video and audio component for MP3 players and other mobile devices. It is now available to all existing and new clients.

In the third quarter of 2009 the company expects to release GlobalEnglish BusinessLounge, a social networking feature designed to promote additional interaction and language skills development. The product will be available to select clients in the first and second quarters of 2009.

More information about GlobalEnglish, including a video about GlobalEnglish Mobile Learning Network, is available at the company's website.