Welcome

Overview

Welcome to the ASL Center. Here is a concise description of the ASL program - focusing on the following key aspects:

The Need

Going through the various steps and hurdles to move from one environment/ country to another is a huge task and undoubtedly quite an accomplishment!  Congratulations on getting that part behind you.  As you begin to settle in your new location and get busy with daily tasks and responsibilities, you realize, of course, that there are a lot of things to learn about your new environment.

You inevitably start picking up tidbits and other information from various sources and situations, at work and elsewhere, and begin to learn and adapt at your own pace. Even those of you who have family members or close friends to help with the transition realize sooner or later that, given the fast-paced lifestyle and time constraints, it is difficult to rely on them for sufficient and consistent support on all the relevant areas.

While your professional skills are likely to be easily transferable (relatively speaking), what presents a challenge and a tremendous opportunity is a good knowledge of the following:

• the cultural / social context,
• the workplace environment and common practices,
• the styles of communication and interpersonal interaction - at work and elsewhere, and as importantly,
• a good overview of the general systems that you need to use on a regular basis - housing, transportation, retail/ shopping, medical, financial (banking), insurance, legal, etc. 

The Solution

The best way to bridge this gap and accelerate your successful adaptation (going from a "getting by" level to an optimal level) is to tap into a comprehensive collection of this vital information. A "Guide" that is:

A dependable reference that would allow you to learn the various ins and outs of the new setting - helping you not only to enhance your productivity and confidence, but also to avoid unnecessary faux-pas/ missteps, miscommunications, delays, annoyances that could set you back!

The aim of this program is to address this important need by compiling and disseminating highly focused and relevant information on the areas & topics highlighted above. A program that would enable you to rapidly review and assimilate this information (rather than in bits and parts over many years) - and use that knowledge to boost your personal effectiveness and impact - at work and in your social circle.

As anyone who has gone through this process or has thought about it knows, it is not simply the matter of mastering English as a second language,  but the necessary and rewarding task of learning about a new lifestyle - thus bringing us to what we like to call "American as a Second Lifestyle" or ASL.

ASL is not about replacing your native lifestyle but rather giving you the additional power to operate effectively in a new environment by developing and applying a sound knowledge of the way things function here - things that may be different - whether small or significant - as well things that are fundamentally similar - reminding us of our common bonds across cultures and nationalities.

The Approach

In keeping with the above described mission of empowering people with quality information, our efforts will focus on:

Track 1:
To begin with, ASL Center will create and offer a body of online articles and presentations distributed through a well designed, regularly updated and always available website. In addition to being a source of information, it will also provide a forum for all participants to share their specific questions & concerns, connect with other participants, and interact with program mentors. There will also be a resources section that will provide recommended links for gaining additional in-depth know-how in any particular area.

Track 2:
Progressing from that, ASL Center will offer live classes and workshops presented in user-friendly formats and convenient schedules.  This will help us reach out to all segments of our target audience - regardless of their internet access or computer proficiency.

Track 3:
Finally, we will set up a volunteer mentoring program that will connect participants with capable & committed mentors. These mentors will provide the participants with ongoing support and guidance over a specified period of time (e.g. 6 months or a year) - on a scheduled or an as needed basis.  ASL Center will develop tools and materials to help both mentors and participants plan and monitor their progress and identify lessons for future participants.

At a Glance

To summarize:

• People who are new to the American environment (cultural/ social/ workplace) can greatly increase their effectiveness and impact by rapidly gaining sound knowledge of their new environment & it's associated customs, practices, systems.
• Rather than a long-drawn, uncertain, learn from your mistakes, reactive approach, the ASL program will offer a much needed option where participants can proactively access, assimilate and apply the full spectrum of relevant information - based on the specific goals, needs and situation they are facing / anticipating.
• High quality, focused information will be presented in the most effective formats and media, starting with a well designed website. Additional features such as discussion groups & networking tools will further enrich the online offerings. Live classes/ workshops and mentoring options will be offered as well.

For details on these offerings, please proceed to the Offerings page.