Online Licenses Programme

The Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) of the Capacity Development and Operational Training Service (CDOTS) manages the Online Language Learning Licenses Programme, designed for learning managers and language training focal points at Secretariat entities worldwide. They can capitalize on existing provider contracts and start offering language training.

The licenses are intended for Secretariat staff members residing in duty stations and Offices Away from Headquarters, where language classes are not offered. The licenses give access to online language courses in Arabic, Chinese, English, French or Spanish from beginner to advanced levels and are valid for periods of six months (French and Spanish) and 12 months (Arabic, Chinese, English).

We ensure to procure the highest quality provider of online language courses for each language. We also negotiate advantageous fees and beneficial packages that may include tutoring or live sessions.

The partner providers of licenses for online language learning courses are specialized in each language. They have been carefully selected for course range completeness, second language acquisition methodology, and interactive and engaging multimedia materials.

We conduct a “wave” or distribution of licenses twice a year, around April-May and November. Our main tasks involve managing the direct distribution of the licenses and monitoring their use in collaboration with local counterparts.

Testimonials

The English [course] was very useful, very interactive and the way of teaching is creative, I am the kind of person who doesn’t like the virtual learning but this one was very good… The English was joyful with an interactive tool of learning, videos, listening, speaking, reading, vocabulary as well as the interactive classes” Dania, 2018

I managed my time to create space for me to learn the Arabic online course last one year, as I was very keen to take the session one by one. During the busy working life, my mind was refreshed when taking the Arabic sessions and making the progress. I did enjoy learning it. In a non-family duty field mission, I took the Arabic language sessions especially during the weekends and in the R&R, as I could not go back home at every R&R cycle” Michiko, 2020

Individual staff members in Secretariat entities can contact their managers to express interest in participating in the Online Language Learning Licenses Programme.

Learning managers and training focal points who would like to know more can contact us at dos-cdots-lctu@un.org

A world map featuring blue dots indicating various locations across different regions.

Overview of license distribution between 2017 and 2020, by country

Online Licenses Programme in a Nutshell

  • Programme launched in 2017 to enhance language learning opportunities globally
  • Distribution “waves” of licenses twice a year, around May and November
  • Average of 700 licenses sponsored per year since 2017
  • Support to Secretariat entities sponsoring licenses, such as the Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Global Service Centre Brindisi (UNGSC), the Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
  • Programme participants located in more than 129 countries