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The Business English Success Training (B.E.S.T.) program

Want to improve your English and advance in your career? The Business English Success Training (B.E.S.T.) program is your ideal destination! Catering to learners of English as a second language, our online program is designed to sharpen your business English communication and comprehension abilities.

Why join the B.E.S.T program?

Expert instructors in English language teaching lead our course modules, adapting to your proficiency level and providing personalized feedback. They facilitate an engaging, nurturing online learning environment where each individual can thrive and grow.

  • Personalized learning: We provide a comprehensive curriculum tailored to your level of English proficiency. This allows us to target your unique learning needs and ensure steady improvement in your business English skills.
  • Expert guidance: Our instructors aren’t just experienced teachers — they’re specialists in teaching English as a second language. This ensures you’re learning from the best.
  • Interactive environment: The B.E.S.T program offers opportunities for interaction with other business professionals. This allows you to practise your skills in real-world settings.
  • Resource access: You have access to a wide range of resources and materials that support your learning journey.
  • Certified achievement: When you complete the course, you receive a Business English Success Training certificate from the University of Ottawa. This stands as a testament to your hard-earned proficiency in business English.
A small group of business people work on a project together at a table

Who is this course for?

The B.E.S.T. program is for people who use English as a second language looking to polish their professional communication skills. This includes:

  • Business professionals: If you’re working or planning to work in business, our course will give you the English language skills you need.
  • Professionals working in global markets: We’ll help you become fluent in English, which is important for doing business in English-speaking markets.
  • Job seekers: If you’re looking for a job or studying in an English-speaking country, this course is a valuable tool, making you more attractive to employers and improving your academic performance.
  • Diplomats and government officials: If you deal with international partners in English, this course will improve your ability to communicate effectively and clearly.

Course description

  • Foundations of Business English 1: Start your journey with the essentials of business vocabulary, terminology, grammar and sentence structure. Dive into business communication, writing, and cultural nuances to lay a solid foundation.
  • Foundations of Business English 2: Extend your foundational knowledge by delving deeper into complex business vocabulary, advanced grammar concepts and sentence construction. Additional focus will be placed on understanding cultural differences and their impact on business interactions.
  • Business English Communication Mastery 1: Boost your business communication proficiency with targeted training in email, phone, presentations and meetings. Delve deeper into business listening, comprehension, etiquette and cultural norms.
  • Business English Communication Mastery 2: Take on more complex situations such as cross-cultural communication, negotiation and conflict resolution. Develop nuanced understandings and skills in non-verbal communication, persuasive speech and digital communication etiquette.
  • Business English Writing and Analysis 1: Enhance your current knowledge with advanced business writing and analytical skills. Learn to effectively craft reports, proposals and resumés, while bolstering your business reading comprehension and analytical prowess.
  • Business English Writing and Analysis 2: This course builds on part 1. It introduces critical skills such as writing for digital platforms, advanced analytical techniques and developing persuasive business arguments. Improve your critical reading skills by analyzing complex business texts.
Four business people working together around a wooden table

Upcoming online courses

CourseSession datesScheduleTuition (per course)Textbook¹
Foundations of Business English 1March 19 to May 9, 2024Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.CA$ 839 CA$ 40 to 80
Foundations of Business English 2May 14 to July 4, 2024Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.CA$ 839 CA$ 40 to 80
Business English Communication Mastery 1July 9 to August 29, 2024Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.CA$ 839 CA$ 40 to 80
Business English Communication Mastery 2September 3 to October 24, 2024Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.CA$ 839 CA$ 40 to 80
Business English Writing Analysis 1October 29 to December 19, 2024Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.CA$ 839 CA$ 40 to 80

¹ Please note that if you participate in multiple sessions of the BEST program, the textbook may be reused (i.e., you may not need to purchase a new textbook for each 8 week session). Note that the textbook may not be refundable.

Admission requirements

To enrol in a course, you must:

  •  Have completed high school.
  •  Demonstrate good English skills, through your score on one of the following:

                   o IELTS: At least 5.5

                   o TOEFL iBT: At least 46

                   o DuoLingo: At least 95

You must submit your language proficiency test scores when you apply. We accept many different tests, so if you’ve taken one not listed here, you can submit those results.

If you haven’t taken an English proficiency test, don’t worry. You can take an online test given by the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute. This test will help us make sure your course is right for you.

a person using a computer

Register now to the B.E.S.T. program

Don’t miss out on this chance to upgrade your English language skills and take the next step in your career. The Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute at the University of Ottawa looks forward to welcoming you into our learning family!
Register now

Contact us

Centre for Language Learning

70 Laurier Avenue East, Room 101
Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada

Tel. : +1-877-868-8292
        +1-613-562-5980

[email protected]

Office Hours

Monday to Friday

September to May
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

June to August
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.