Training the next generation of policy experts, and promoting substantive dialogue between policy makers and think tank experts on nonproliferation, disarmament and arms control.

Updated: Mar 16, 2012

English Language and Nonproliferation Program (ELAN)

The English Language and Nonproliferation Program (ELAN) offers a variety of intensive content-based English-as-a-second-language courses focusing on nonproliferation of WMD, export controls, nuclear safety and security, biosafety and biosecurity, writing for scientific publication, and cross-cultural communication.

Signature Course

The Monterey-based signature course is an eight-week immersion session to enhance participants' language skills and expose them to the broader context of nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The three signature courses include:

• English for Nuclear Safety and Security
• ELAN for Export Controls
• English for Biosafety and Biosecurity

The ultimate goal is to facilitate participants' interaction with their professional partners and colleagues from other countries at international meetings and in cooperative projects, and to ensure optimum use of English-language documents and materials.

The course is divided into three modules:

• English for Nonproliferation (general coverage or focused on specific areas)
• English for Professional Purposes
• Listening, Speaking and Culture

Instruction is tailored to match the participants' language levels, interests, and needs, which are established at the beginning of the program. In addition to six hours of intensive daily language study, all ELAN participants are immersed in both formal and informal environments that reinforce speaking and listening skills.

Participants attend CNS staff lectures on nonproliferation issues, speak on an individual basis with experts in their respective fields, and, during the final week of the program, give one formal presentation to CNS staff.

Short Courses

The ELAN program also offers custom-designed in-country short intensive courses on nonproliferation topics such as export controls and biosafety/biosecurity as well as cross-cultural communication in cooperative assistance projects and writing for scientific publication.

Course Goals

The ultimate goals of all ELAN courses are to facilitate participants' interactions with their international colleagues at professional meetings, to ensure optimal use of the English language in cooperative defense and public health projects with their English-speaking counterparts, and to cultivate international nonproliferation norms and codes of conduct among the scientific community.

Since 1998, the ELAN Program has trained more than 65 scientists, export control officials, and professionals in enhancing controls over nuclear, chemical, and biological assets in their respective countries.

For more information, contact Lisa Donohoe, Project Manager, CNS Education Program.