The Foreign Service Institute’s (FSI) School of Language Studies (SLS) is the premier institution for language and culture training for U.S. government employees who require these skills for their professional duties. SLS offers comprehensive language training solutions, encompassing everything from intensive classroom instruction and flexible distance learning options to personalized learning consultation services and rigorous proficiency testing.
Are you new to SLS or returning for further language development? Our dedicated orientation page provides essential information to prepare you for your arrival and studies on campus.
For those interested in joining our team, the Foreign Language Training Employment Opportunities page details various positions and career paths within SLS.
FSI students engaged in language practice in a classroom setting.
Organizational Structure of the School of Language Studies
The School of Language Studies is expertly structured into instructional and functional divisions, ensuring a holistic approach to language education and support.
Instructional Divisions
Five specialized instructional divisions deliver training in an impressive array of up to 60 languages, catering to diverse global needs:
- East Asia & Pacific
- European & African
- Near East, Central, & South Asian
- Romance
- Slavic & Eurasian
Each division is supported by a dedicated team committed to student success in language acquisition. This team includes:
- Division Director (DVD): Leads all language sections within the division, setting strategic direction and overseeing program implementation. Manages the Language Training Supervisors directly.
- Deputy Division Director (D/DVD): Manages the daily operations of the division, supervising Training Specialists and acting as the Government Technical Monitor (GTM) for Program Assistants.
- Language Training Supervisors (LTS): Experienced language professionals who guide training specialists, instructors, and students. The LTS serves as the primary supervisor for students enrolled in language programs.
- Training Specialists (TS): Support staff focused on student development, program management, and achieving program objectives. They bring expertise in areas such as curriculum design, instructional coaching, educational technology, and assessment.
- Language and Culture Instructors (LCI): Native or near-native speakers who deliver classroom instruction and provide valuable cultural insights and support beyond the classroom.
Functional Divisions
Complementing the instructional divisions, three functional divisions play a crucial role in supporting the overall mission of SLS:
- Administration (ADMIN): Manages the central operational functions of SLS, including contract management, budget oversight, recruitment priorities, and travel logistics.
- Foreign Service Programs (FSP): Extends language training to overseas posts through Distance Language Learning and Post Language Programs. FSP also facilitates the In-Language Practicum for Foreign Service members interacting with international media.
- Language Testing and Assessment (LTA): Oversees the language proficiency testing program, ensuring rigorous test administration, maintaining testing records, and upholding quality control standards.
Language Learning Expectations at FSI
The following timelines represent the typical time investment required for a student to achieve an integrated score of 3 (Speaking + Listening) on the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale. Individual learning progress can vary based on factors such as natural aptitude, prior language learning experience, and dedication to study. A standard week involves 23 hours of classroom instruction and 17 hours of self-study.
Category I Languages: 24-30 weeks (552-690 class hours) – Languages closely related to English.
| Danish (24 weeks) | Dutch (24 weeks) | French (30 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Italian (24 weeks) | Norwegian (24 weeks) | Portuguese (24 weeks) |
| Romanian (24 weeks) | Spanish (30 weeks) | Swedish (24 weeks) |
Category II Languages: Approximately 36 weeks (828 class hours)
| German | Haitian Creole | Indonesian |
|---|---|---|
| Malay | Swahili |
Category III Languages: Approximately 44 weeks (1,012 class hours) – “Hard languages” with significant linguistic and/or cultural differences from English. This list is not exhaustive.
| Albanian | Amharic | Armenian |
|---|---|---|
| Azerbaijani | Bengali | Bulgarian |
| Burmese | Czech | Dari |
| Estonian | Farsi | Finnish |
| Georgian | Greek | Hebrew |
| Hindi | Hungarian | Kazakh |
| Khmer | Kurdish | Kyrgyz |
| Lao | Latvian | Lithuanian |
| Macedonian | Mongolian | Nepali |
| Polish | Russian | Serbo-Croatian |
| Slovak | Slovenian | Tajik |
| Thai | Turkish | Turkmen |
| Ukrainian | Urdu | Uzbek |
| Vietnamese |
Category IV Languages: 88 weeks (2200 class hours) – “Super-hard languages” exceptionally challenging for native English speakers.
| Arabic | Chinese – Cantonese | Chinese – Mandarin |
|---|---|---|
| Japanese | Korean |
The Foreign Service Institute’s School of Language Studies stands as a vital resource for developing the language proficiency of U.S. government personnel, equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in international roles and contribute effectively to global diplomacy.
