Foreign Language Training (National Foreign Affairs Training Center)

The Directorate of Language Studies (LS) provides language and culture training to U.S. government employees with job-related needs. It addresses all aspects of language training, from classroom instruction and distance learning, to learning consultation services and testing.

Student Orientation
Are you new to LS or returning and need a refresher? The orientation page contains information on what to expect when you arrive on campus.

Employment and Fellowship Opportunities
For information about the different types of positions and job opportunities in LS, please visit the Foreign Language Training Employment Opportunities page.

Organizational Overview

The Directorate of Language Studies is divided into instructional and functional divisions.

Instructional Divisions

The following five instructional divisions provide training in 60 languages:

• East Asia & Pacific
• European & African
• Near East, Central, & South Asian
• Romance
• Slavic & Eurasian

Each instructional division includes a team to support students in meeting their language training goals. Members of that team include:

• Division Chief (DC): Oversees all language sections within the division and implements program and division goals. Directly supervises the Language Training Supervisors.
• Deputy Division Chief (D/DC): Oversees the operational aspects of the division. Directly supervises Training Specialists and serves as Government Technical Monitor (GTM) for Program Assistants.
• Language Training Supervisors (LTS): Language professionals who oversee training specialists, instructors, and students. The LTS is the immediate supervisor for students enrolled in the language school.
• Training Specialists (TS): Non-supervisory staff who support the division with student development, managing language training programs, and implementing program goals. They specialize in one or more of curriculum development, instructional coaching, educational technology, and testing.
• Language and Culture Instructors (LCI): Native or near-native speakers who provide classroom instruction and out-of-classroom support.

Functional Divisions

In addition to the five language divisions, three functional divisions support the mission of LS.

• Administration (AD) is responsible for the central operational needs of LS, such as managing contracts, budget, hiring priorities and travel.
• Foreign Service Programs (FSP) supports language training at overseas posts through the Distance Language Learning and Post Language Programs. FSP also offers the In-Language Practicum for members for the Foreign Service who engage with the media.
• Language Testing and Assessment (LTA) administers the language proficiency testing program, providing test administration oversight, testing records maintenance, and quality control.

NFATC’s Experience with Language Learning

The following language learning timelines indicate the time usually expected for a student to reach an integrated score of 3 (Speaking + Listening) on the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale, though the actual time can vary based on several factors, including the language learner’s natural ability, prior language-learning experience, and time spent in the classroom. A typical week is 23 hours per week in class and 17 hours of self-study. 

Category I Languages: 24-30 weeks (552-690 class hours)

Languages close to English.

Category II Languages: Approximately 36 weeks (828 class hours)

Category III Languages: Approximately 44 weeks (1,012 class hours)

“Hard languages” – Languages with significant linguistic and/or cultural differences from English. This list is not exhaustive.

Category IV Languages: 88 weeks (2200 class hours)

“Super-hard languages” – Languages which are exceptionally difficult for native English speakers.