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future language training?
User: kennon
Date: 1/23/2012 1:26 pm
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Hello,
I am curious about opportunities for language training that are available to SEOs. If I am not mistaken, generalists receive fulltime FSI language classes prior to being shipped out to a new country. In addition, once on tour, they receive an optional stipend which can be used for private tutoring. Do SEOs receive these benefits as well?

Thanks!
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Re: future language training?
P51
User: P51
Date: 1/23/2012 10:49 pm
Views: 982
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Like all Specialists, formal language training is "available" but rarely granted. It is not considered a job requirement, as 99% of your daily work will be conducted in English. There are no stipends available at post for private language tutoring, but most posts have a Post Language Program open to all embassy employees for free.
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Re: future language training?
PAB_SME
User: PAB_SME
Date: 1/24/2012 8:36 am
Views: 937
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I am afraid that the above posting is not accurate in regard to the following: "Like all specialists, formal language training is "available" but rarely granted." In fact, many specialists do receive some language training. True, when 99% of the work is conducted in English, language training may not be granted. However, there are many specialists who do receive language training due to the needs of the assigned post.
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Re: future language training?
P51
User: P51
Date: 1/24/2012 8:52 am
Views: 1440
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I would disagree with PAB_SME, as a disproportionally small percentage of the Specialists at both my and my constituent posts were allowed language training before their permanent change of station. However, like many aspects of the Foreign Service, the situation depends on multiple factors, and certain specialties are granted language training for frequently than others.

I can say with certainty that as an SEO your opportunities for language training will be few and far in between.
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Re: future language training?
User: Visitor
Date: 1/24/2012 9:53 am
Views: 934
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Ooooo. Two green check mark employees, two conflicting answers. So who's right? Do you guys know who each other is and/or work in the same office? Duke it out!
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Re: future language training?
P51
User: P51
Date: 1/24/2012 11:20 am
Views: 945
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I over-generalized my first response in this thread. It is true that many specialists do receive language training. It is also true that many specialists serve in language-designated positions.

That being said, proportionally you are less likely to get language training as a specialist than as a generalist. This is especially true in DS and as an SEO there is only one language designated post (that I can think of) that requires language training in the position description. That requirement has been waived several times. If you want formal language training as a specialist it will take patience and probably a bit of luck to achieve your goal.
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Re: future language training?
User: visitor
Date: 2/18/2012 8:46 am
Views: 715
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I understand that SEOs do not need language training like other positions would.

But does a pre-existing language skill influence a SEOs assignments? Specifically Mandarin. I am a SEO candidate and speak Mandarin.
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