Reported by Mirjana Grandov Lacić

Yals Association of Language Schools of Serbia is proud to announce the launch of a new pilot project titled “Refresh English Language Course for Serbian Business People Working with U.S. Companies.” This project marks a new chapter in our long-standing and valued partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade.

Over the past four years, the Embassy has generously sponsored four successful cycles of our English language program for Serbian civil servants, benefiting almost 700 participants in 17 municipalities across the country. Furthermore, their support was instrumental in the success of last year’s annual Yals conference, where 20 teachers residing outside Belgrade and regional countries were awarded scholarships to attend. The scholarship included travel expenses, hotel accommodation and registration fee.

Unlike our previous initiatives, this pilot project is specifically designed for the private sector. It targets professionals working directly with the American and international market, focusing on the linguistic and cultural nuances required for international success. In its initial stage, the project team was assisted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (CCIS) in reaching interested companies and their representatives. This was followed by a careful selection of candidates, allocated in six groups in three major cities in Serbia: Belgrade, Nis and Novi Sad.

The project team has specifically designed the course to enhance professional language skills through specialized lessons on presenting, negotiating, leading meetings, and other business skills, while incorporating a dedicated “American Angle” that explores the specifics of U.S. business culture. The team has compiled teaching materials, including candidate and teacher handbooks, complemented by audio resources and photocopiable worksheets. This pilot program is being delivered from January to June in prestigious locations: ARC (American Resource Centre) in Belgrade and the American Corners in Niš and Novi Sad, providing a modern and inspiring learning environment for all participants.