General Lab Information

Who We Serve 

Brookhaven Lab staff, guests, visiting students, and families.

Focus 

Improve English skills, public speaking, and cultural understanding.

Class Levels

Beginner, intermediate, and advanced.

Additional Support

Help with speech writing, resume reviews, and interview prep.

Eligibility

Free for Lab employees, spouses/partners, and children (14+).

Class Options

In person at Recreation Hall (Building 317) and online.

Members of the Brookhaven Lab community share how the ESOL program helped improve their skills

Open Office Hours

Schedule an appointment via email or reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Register for a class

Class Schedule

Monday

Beginner - Intermediate
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

English Assessment
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

1-on-1 Assistance
3 - 4 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

Professional Development Skills
5 - 6:30 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

Tuesday

Everyday English
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

1-on-1 Assistance
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

Intermediate - Advanced
2 - 4 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

Wednesday

Beginner - Intermediate
10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

English Assessment
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

1-on-1 Assistance
3 - 4 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

Professional Development Skills
5 - 6:30 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

Thursday

Everyday English
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

1-on-1 Assistance
12:30 - 2 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

Intermediate - Advanced
2 - 4 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

Friday

Life Skills & Current Events
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

Intermediate - Advanced
2 - 3 p.m.
Bldg. 317 Rec Hall

Course Descriptions

Beginner – Intermediate Class

Focus

Build skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and numbers.

Context

Emphasis on community awareness, holidays, seasonal events, and daily life.

Key Skills
  • Vocabulary building
  • Writing and reading strategies
  • Intonation, stress patterns, and conversation techniques
  • Basic grammar and idiomatic expressions

Intermediate – Advanced Class

Focus

Strengthen communication skills in English and deepen cultural understanding.

Content
  • American customs, idioms, work-related phrases, and slang
  • Public speaking, interview techniques, and professional development
Class Activities
  • Role-playing, listening exercises, and group discussions
  • Writing practice: sentences, paragraphs, letters, and essays
Key Skills
  • Advanced vocabulary from diverse contexts
  • Note-taking, main idea comprehension, and tone recognition
  • Non-verbal communication and exam preparation strategies

Giving a Talk and Practice Presentations

Focus

Basics of public speaking and effective communication.

Key Techniques
  • Speech organization, non-verbal cues, and eye contact
  • Voice projection and managing speaker anxiety
  • Using visual aids to enhance presentations
Goal

Equip students with foundational skills for successful public speaking.

Life Skills and Current Events - Local, National, and International

Focus

Explore U.S. and global holidays, traditions, and social trends.

Topics Covered
  • Local, national, and international news and events
  • Cultural trends, music, science, technology, and the environment
Approach

Discuss and analyze historical and current figures, terms, and events.