The Foreign Service Journal, April 2012

16 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / A P R I L 2 0 1 2 for the two-month FAST course. In this way, EFMs could enjoy sustained contact with the language while still having enough time to work part-time or see to family responsibilities. For that matter, if there is a seat available at FSI and an eager USAID spouse or partner wishes to fill it, why charge USAID at all? Is it really better to leave it empty? Catching Up USAID should be commended for its general support of Foreign Service families. The current USAID EFM language training policy is well-inten- tioned and reflects a step in the right direction. The policy ensures that fam- ily members can develop the basic lan- guage skills needed to engage socially with host communities abroad. Still, the policy does not help pre- pare them to succeed professionally at post. Also, when compared to how State supports its EFMs with language training, USAID’s budget appears to leave us a step behind. But USAID can catch up — and AFSA is already helping. Late last year, AFSA included EFM language training in a package of parity issues it presented to USAID. While it has not yet announced any decisions on these issues, the agency is reviewing its op- tions. To help spur discussion, here are three ways forward for USAID and others to consider. 1. State, USAID, AFSA and others could work together to rewrite 13 FAM 110 to expand FSI’s mandate to all appropriate Foreign Service per- sonnel and their Eligible Family Mem- bers. State should then ensure FSI receives the necessary resources to im- plement the new policy. 2. USAID could give EFMs the op- tion to matriculate in basic language courses at FSI, rather than only be el- igible for FAST courses. 3. USAID could give EFMs the op- tion for long-term, part-time training at a local private language school at a cost equivalent to that of a FAST course. Brendan M. Wheeler, a USAID FSO since 2008, is currently in language training in advance of his assignment in Dakar. He previously served in Ad- dis Ababa. S P E A K I N G O U T