The Foreign Service Journal, July-August 2005

As the weeks went by, my classmates and I realized there was to be no book, no gram- mar, no verb lists, no categoriz- ing of verb types, no vocabu- lary lists, no curriculum, no review sessions. I craved focus, structure and order, and was not alone in my frustra- tion. Several of my classmates were experienced and gifted language learners — one spoke five languages, another had sailed through Russian with flying colors. We all realized we had a problem. One by one we went to speak to the then-dean of language studies, and one by one we were coolly dismissed: every student had a dif- ferent learning style, so maybe this one didn’t suit us, but there was no problem with the program. When we arrived at post (having received the requi- site 2/2s, 3/3s or better, but still not comfortable in the language), we found that gen- erations of Hebrew-learners had suffered similarly; com- plaints had been lodged, but no one had made a dent in cor- recting what ailed the program. Then Under Secretary for Management Grant Green vis- ited Embassy Tel Aviv; his interest in our story prompted several of us to organize a peti- tion. Assisted by our admin counselor, and backed up by a cable from our ambassador, our complaint finally reached the right people. It took this bombshell, along with AFSA’s 2002 recognition of the effort with the Harriman Award for constructive dissent by a junior officer, to produce change. I spoke to some recent graduates of the current Hebrew training, who describe a program transformed. They spoke of coordinated textbooks, a reader, a cur- F O C U S J U LY- A U G U S T 2 0 0 5 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 35 The students report arriving at post comfortable in the language and, as a result, able to function more effectively at their jobs. The Embassy Plan Overseas Insurance Personal Auto & Contents Coverage Experience that helps you avoid the pitfalls of a highly complex business. Repeat business that results from providing what’s best for the customer not the agent nor the insurance company. Since 1969, Harry M. Jannette International has provided dependable coverage with U.S. carriers with a financial rating of A+ or higher to thousands of Foreign Service Personnel worldwide. Thus you gain the broadest U.S. terms and conditions and flexible value limits often not available from other insurance carriers. MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED: SEE OUR WEBSITE APPLICATIONS Harry M. Jannette International, L.L.C. 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 585 Dallas, Texas 75251-1334 Toll Free (800) 256-5141 (972) 783-4915 Fax (972) 783-0545 E-mail: hmjintl@jannetteintl.com www.jannetteintl.com • WORLDWIDE COVERAGE Fire, theft, comprehensive and collision protection are available at foreign posts. • U.S. AUTO LIABILITY Available for short term on home leave, change of assignment, and new auto purchase prior to foreign departure. This coverage must be issued in combination with an “Embassy Plan” policy. • FOREIGN LIABILITY Contact your post for compliance with local laws, Excess liability limits are available over local liability coverage. • PERSONAL COVERAGE Household goods and transit, valuable articles, personal liability, life insurance . • EMPLOYEE ASSOCIATION INSURANCE Employee association insurance Including directors and officers. Your Reliable Choice