Self-Study

The Language and Communications Training Unit (LCTU) of the Capacity Development and Operational Training Service (CDOTS) is designing a series of short, online self-study courses for language and communications skills development.

These courses offer several learning options. Based on their levels, participants will develop a taste for a new language, build stronger communications skills in UN contexts or find answers to grammar questions.

Some self-study courses will benefit advanced or fluent speakers as well. For instance, the series “Using Gender-inclusive Language” and “Learning More about Diversity” fosters awareness on how we use language and provides techniques to communicate respectfully and inclusively.

The self-study courses are at different levels, from UN I Basic to UN III Advanced or UN IV Expert. They are offered globally to Secretariat staff and LCTU eligible participants who can complete them independently at their own pace and at a convenient time.

Personnel not eligible to take the Language and Communications Training Unit courses are welcome to explore the activities, events and resources offered and to participate in upcoming opportunities to celebrate multilingualism.

Two-step registration process for Self-Study Courses

Self-Study Course Methodology and Structure

All self-study courses are available to learners without prerequisites. However, participants can complete a language placement test to determine the appropriate UN level.

All self-study courses are short, online and include the two main components:

  • Self-paced learning components for individual learning
    The learning components focus on linguistic, pragmatic or communication-related topics using the target language and integrating text, audio, video and visuals to create an informative learning sequence.
  • Motivational components, such as badges, reminders and a course completion certificate
    Even if courses are short, participants are expected to plan their learning time and engagement carefully to ensure each course is completed.

Courses usually include interactive quizzes and tests. The content is organized in sections or modules, following a logical learning sequence: introduction, examples and practice. The average duration of a course is four hours.

Depending on the course, a certificate can be downloaded after 75-100% completion of activities and assignments.

Two-step Registration Process for Self-study Courses

  1. Participants must register for the self-study courses of their choice via inspira.un.org (UN Secretariat staff) or elearning.un.org (LCTU eligible external participants) to obtain an enrolment key.
  2. Participants will use this enrolment key to enrol directly in the learning platform CDOTS Campus to access all learning materials and activities.

The video above shows detailed instructions on the two-step registration process.