More Competence in Foreign Languages Needed by Federal Personnel Working Overseas

Concern has been expressed as to whether the foreign language skills of U.S. personnel assigned abroad are less than needed to carry out U.S. interests effectively. Eight principal Federal agencies have positions abroad which require Americans with foreign language skills for programs in educational and cultural exchange, agricultural assistance, military sales, and the general conduct of foreign affairs. Exclusive of Peace Corps volunteers or domestic positions about 16,700 Federal overseas positions require a competency in at least one of over 45 foreign languages. During 1979, Federal agencies spent $30.2 million training 6,235 people in foreign languages. Another $7.4 million was spent training 4,560 Peace Corps volunteers and trainees overseas.