Portuguese program
OIL AND GAS
Preparing Exxon Teams for Global Operations in Mozambique
Discover how 24 Exxon professionals across different countries and time zones developed practical Portuguese fluency for an international energy project, replacing translation dependency with direct, autonomous communication.
24
Employees Trained
60
1
2x
Online Sessions / Week
2
Time Zones
Cross-Border Expansion & Multi-Continent Operational Friction
Exxon needed Portuguese language training to prepare employees for an upcoming energy project in Mozambique. Prior to training, limited Portuguese skills created operational friction across three core areas:
- Intermediary Reliance & Delays: Heavy dependence on translators or English-speaking colleagues slowed daily communication and increased misunderstanding risks during contractor and project meetings.
- Global Schedule Constraints: Participants were split between Houston and Mozambique, requiring flexible training adapted to international travel and multiple time zones.
- Relocation & Local Engagement: The need to facilitate smooth transitions for relocating staff while building strong working relationships with local teams and communities.
Online, Conversation-Based Training Tailored for Global Logistics
CCLS Houston designed a customized online Portuguese language training program specifically aligned with Exxon’s operational needs and the specific requirements of its project in Mozambique.
The program architecture focused on three strategic pillars:
1
Diagnostic Placement Testing
Participants completed initial placement tests to assess starting proficiency and group employees effectively, tailoring instruction to their specific corporate roles and project responsibilities.
2
Conversation-Based & Industry Curriculum
Utilizing CCLS Houston’s proprietary conversation-based methodology, the course prioritized practical speaking and listening skills, meeting management, project discussions, industry-related vocabulary, and cultural awareness from the very first class.
3
Global Multi-Time-Zone Scheduling
A Program Structured Around the Team’s Needs
1 group cohort, 24 staff members
Energy professionals trained across Houston, TX and Mozambique, Africa.
60 total instruction hours
Customized Business Portuguese
Continuous progress tracking
Evaluated through placement testing, practical conversation exercises, and instructor observations.
OBSERVED PROGRESS AND PROGRAM CONTINUATION
Communicative Autonomy & Continued Program Expansion
Employee development was monitored through periodic assessments, speaking activities, and instructor feedback. The program achieved two core operational milestones
- Direct Fluency & Reduced Translation Reliance: Participants gained noticeable confidence communicating directly in Portuguese during project interactions, expanding their professional vocabulary and eliminating dependence on translators or English.
- Confirmed Program Expansion: Based on the success of the initial 60-hour course, Exxon expanded the training with additional Portuguese instruction to support ongoing operations in Mozambique.
What Made This Program Different
Despite operating across different countries and time zones, employees in Houston and Mozambique remained engaged in live, conversation-based classes—gaining the practical fluency and confidence needed to lead workplace interactions directly in Portuguese.
Prepare Your International Teams to Operate and Lead Across Borders
