Accent Reduction: University Training

Since its launch, ARI has provided English pronunciation training to a number of top university business schools around the country. A key component of a business school's national ranking is their 'rate of placement', or how well their MBA graduates land jobs at financial institutions and Fortune 500 companies cross-industries.

The number of international students enrolled in American MBA programs has jumped exponentially in the past ten years. Today, the percentage of international students at Harvard Business School is 64%; it's 75% at Columbia Business School. The University of Michigan-Ross School of Business, a champion of ARI's accent reduction programs, has business school programs in India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Dubai, and Malaysia.

Business schools recognize that in addition to academic achievement, communication skills are critical. Offering English pronunciation courses to MBA students provides competitive advantages for both the academic institution and the prospective new hire.

Courses for Colleges & Universities:

ARI provides courses to international students and faculty either on-site or using our distance learning format.

Our classes:

• Are designed according to the needs and objectives of the department.
• Teach the pronunciation techniques necessary to articulate all components of free flowing speech: vowels, consonants, and patterns of rhythm, stress, and intonation.
• Utilize ARI's proprietary learning materials based on the Ravin Method® of rapid and long term language acquisition.
• Can be attended by small groups of students or faculty, or on an individual basis.

Contact an ARI program manager at pm@lessaccent.com to design a course for your college or university.

Seminars for Colleges & Universities

In these small group workshops, participants learn hands-on techniques to immediately begin speaking with clarity, confidence, and ease.

• Half-day Accent Reduction Classes

  In three and a half hours, participants:

  • Are taught the visual, sensory, and auditory techniques necessary to pronounce English sounds that do not occur in other languages.
  • Become familiar with the patterns of rhythm, stress and intonation specific to American pronunciation.
  • Receive guided practice and individual feedback.
  • Receive a copy of "American Pronunciation: Core Techniques for Success" book, audio CD and DVD.

  Testimonials from Half-day Seminar Participants

  "Must have for international students. Period."
  "The best executive skills workshop that I've attended! This will change the way I speak."

  - Half-Day Seminar participants, University of Michigan, Ross School of Business

• Full-day Accent Reduction Classes

  In seven hours, participants:

  • Learn the pronunciation techniques necessary to articulate all Standard American Pronunciation sounds. Specifically: 15 vowel sounds, 24 consonant sounds, and extensive patterns of rhythm, stress and intonation.
  • Receive intensive practice and coaching using ARI's proprietary materials, customized to each individual participant and their needs.
  • Receive a copy of "American Pronunciation: Core Techniques for Success" book, audio CD and DVD.

  Testimonials from Full-day Seminar Participants

  "The best in the field."
  "The course is just what I need to help me interview effectively."
  "No more 'what?...what did you say?'"

  - Full-Day Seminar participants, Cornell University, Johnson School of Business

Seminars are provided on-site, and scheduled according to the university or department's needs. Speak with an ARI program manager at pm@lessaccent.com to schedule a seminar at your school.