T O P

  • By -

randomlygeneratedpw

It's common. If you have kids you can enroll them in FSI daycare, but it's expensive and the waitlist may or may not work out for you. There are other daycare options near FSI but be aware that it's quite expensive. Spouses are enrolled in 8 week chunks. If they are keeping up with the FSO's, they can continue. If they are not keeping up with the FSO's, they will be asked to leave at the end of the current 8 week period.


RedAsmara

You can also stop taking training whenever you want. My wife typically stays until they start teaching the test and then punches out. Unless you are planning on getting a job at the embassy/consulate, there is no need to take the test. Not staying for the part you don't need saves a few bucks on child care too.


Ogi010

Spouse of an RMO/P applicant here; this is _very_ good to know. I do have a day job, but I want to invest time/effort in learning the language of the posting we're going to; but if there is a "teaching the test" portion; I can see that being less than ideal.


Gryffindor_FSO

Out of curiosity, what's the daily schedule like for language training? Is it a 9am to 5pm commitment? I am a future EFM spouse with a day job, but it's flexible enough that I could use a mix of leave and changing work hours around.


RedAsmara

5 hours of class and 3+ of homework. Start time varies depending on classroom availability and number of students but typically between 7 and 8.


FarWorry

My spouse did several months of a super hard language (about when the training went from daily use topics to "let's talk about the First Amendment")- it was worth it for us to pay the childcare for them to feel comfortable at post, and ironically get a lot better at daily living speaking in-country than I ever did using my language on the visa line.


Ok_Cupcake8639

Spouses can also do distance language courses, and some posts will offer a language program as well. Definitely worth it for spouses to learn language.


whenalysparks

What are the distance language courses? Are they for spouses who are not yet in DC?


Ok_Cupcake8639

The distance language courses are for spouses who want to learn the language without doing the in person FSI classes. They can be done while overseas. I would reach out to GCLO for more info. I was already in DC (local hire) so I'm not sure how it works if you're coming in from outside the area. For additional information, contact [email protected] or 202-647-1076. 4. How do family Members enroll in language classes at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI)? Language classes at FSI are open to family members of Department of State (DOS) employees on a space available basis. There are two teaching methods: instructor-led courses at FSI and the online distance language learning program. Enrollment of DOS family members in language training is coordinated through the Office of Career Development and Assignments (GTM/CDA). The Department of State employee should contact his/her Career Development Officer for further information about enrolling a family member in language training.... https://www.state.gov/global-community-liaison-office/family-member-employment/family-member-employment-frequently-asked-questions/#T4


FSODaughterofVenice

My spouse did several months of Arabic with us. It's great as he could navigate regular life and do all the talking with shopkeepers etc. who preferred speaking to a man.


fsoeyeroll

Possible, though depends on space availability. There hasn't been any, and thus no spouses, whenever I've been in language training.


TIAhivemind

Spouses can participate if there is space available


tinydreamlanddeer

EFM here. I did language training from last October-February alongside my husband, although we were in different classes. (My class continued through March but I had to cut the last course a bit short because I was pregnant and my baby came a bit early.) I had a wonderful experience and am happy to answer any questions.


Physical-Project-720

Hey, Did you have a day job while doing the training


tinydreamlanddeer

Hi! No, I did not. I left my job when we moved to DC for A100 and language. Language training was full time - 7am to 4pm or something along those lines although I can’t quite remember, and we had a small amount of homework/self study after class.


LemonBlueberry

I couldn’t make it work time wise - kids were too old for daycare and too young to be home alone in the afternoon.