Standford University offers program for older professionals

 
Pre-reading questions:

  1. What would you like to be in the future?
  2. At what age do people retire in your country?

 
HP Inc.’s 62-year-old Senior Vice President for laser-jet business unit, Pradeep Jotwani, was ready to end his 28-year career but he’s not ready to retire just yet. Later on, he heard about Stanford University’s Distinguished Careers Institute which is designed for retiring professionals and executives. He enrolled in the program, hoping to explore more in life.

Jotwani studied renewable energy, climate change, social venture management, and art history. He may have taught entrepreneurs in India, Myanmar, and Tanzania but he still likes being back in school as a student and he encourages people of his age to study. Stanford’s Distinguished Careers Institute program costs $65,000 per enrollee and encourages the enrollee’s partner to join for $30,000.
 
Vocabulary:
retire – to move back from one’s position or occupation
aim – to direct toward a certain public
enroll – to register formally
entrepreneur – a person who organizes and manages a business
encourage – attempt to persuade
 
Comprehension Questions:

  1. Who is Pradeep Jotwani?
  2. What does Stanford offer for retiring professionals and employees?
  3. What are the courses that Jotwani took?
  4. Why is Jotwani encouraging people like him to study?
  5. How much will it cost to enroll a student’s partner?

 
Express Your Opinion:

  1. What are your plans for the future?
  2. If you will be given a chance to explore something new, what would you like to explore?
  3. What was the most valuable lesson you received at school?
  4. Are there programs for retirees in your country? What do they do?
  5. Would you be interested in taking Stanford’s Distinguished Careers Institute in the future? Please explain your answer.