New York, NY - October 18, 2000 - Parlo (www.parlo.com), the leading destination for online language learning and cultural exchange, announced the launch of its newest courses today: Business English and Interactive Instructor-led English. With these courses, non-native English speakers around the world can learn English online, at their own pace, and without ever leaving the home or office.

"In our global economy, we all need to speak more than one language or at least be bi-cultural. Parlo's newest courses are developed to meet the demands of today's international marketplace and a $115 billion language and cultural exchange market," said Varun Bedi, Parlo's co-CEO. "Parlo's students gain an in-depth knowledge of the English language and its culture, from the strength of our curriculum and the flexibility of being able to study online at their convenience, anytime, anywhere," added Bedi.

Through its unique Virtual Immersion method, Parlo's team of educators and technologists combine proven pedagogy and current language acquisition techniques with cutting-edge technology to create a unique and innovative language curriculum that allows users to guide their own study programs. Parlo's Web site currently hosts language courses for individuals, corporations and institutions in English, Spanish and French. The Parlo learning approach also features three online magazines, global music, a Web translator, teachers' materials, and a boutique. Membership and a broad selection of general language courses and learning materials are free to users around the world.

Business English Immersion- Self Study

Parlo has launched a two-level Business English Immersion course tailored to business professionals and students who would like to improve their English proficiency. These courses teach students with intermediate and above levels of English the correct context and vocabulary needed to conduct business in the English language, as well as business etiquette and cultural tips.

Through its real-world curriculum, Parlo's Business English teaches students how to communicate using realistic business situations, idioms, expressions, and contextual definitions. Lesson topics cover current issues such as corporate finance, IPOs, the challenges faced by Internet and other start-up companies, global marketing, and much more. The course includes over 160 activities per level, providing an average of 35 hours of instruction at a low cost of US$69.

Through its real-world curriculum, Parlo's Business English teaches students how to communicate using realistic business situations, idioms, expressions, and contextual definitions. Lesson topics cover current issues such as corporate finance, IPOs, the challenges faced by Internet and other start-up companies, global marketing, and much more. The course includes over 160 activities per level, providing an average of 35 hours of instruction at a low cost of US$69.

"These courses were designed with a busy business professional in mind and Parlo has the material needed to spark their interest and keep their attention," said Anish Rajparia, Parlo's co-CEO. "Through dynamic, real-life lessons based on the new economy, we help students become comfortable interacting in an English business environment whether they are in a meeting, giving a sales pitch or networking," added Rajparia.

Instructor-led Interactive English

Parlo's Interactive Instructor-led English courses cover all aspects of written and spoken English. The courses utilize involving situations to help students with a low to intermediate knowledge of English work towards fluency. Travelers, students and anyone interested in exploring the English language and culture will work closely with an experienced Parlo instructor to actively build their vocabulary, improve their reading comprehension, and write more accurately.

Each course includes over 160 activities and costs only US$59. Its features include audio dialogs, scheduled chat room office hours with an instructor, eight written assignments, fifteen quizzes and a final exam.