US embassy cable - 04THEHAGUE2734

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002734 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE PASS FSI/SLS/CTT/ICOSSICH 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AFSI, AMGT, KFLO, NL 
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR FSI DIRECT FUNDING INITIATIVE 
CONSIDERATION 
 
REF: 204142 
 
1.  Summary:  Post welcomes the Direct Funding Initiative 
(DFI) for embassy language programs and appreciates the 
opportunity to compete for funding.  We have a vigorous and 
growing language program focused particularly on our 
specialists, EFMs and MSGs.  Our DFI request for FY2005 will 
support this mature program with modern, popular, 
location-flexible learning materials especially suited to 
beginners.  To further support these beginners, post also 
requests DFI funding for our tried and proven Out and About 
program of enjoyable and practical classroom sessions and 
immersion field trips. End Summary. 
 
2.  Post has a robust and active language program serving 
State officers and specialists and their EFMs as well as 
post's MSG and other agencies.   Two professional language 
instructor contractors offer classes to students of all 
levels. The embassy has set aside a classroom and library 
space for language learning and materials.  Post's other 
agencies' personnel also participate in the language program 
on a reimbursable basis.  In FY2004 the embassy funded 
language classes for eligible employees and EFMs from post 
funds. 
 
3.  Post has a set of Code Nederland textbooks, workbooks and 
audiocassette tapes which were purchased in FY2003 with DFI 
money.  Post's past, current and prospective students and our 
instructors told language program coordinator they want 
better organized, more technologically appropriate language 
materials.  Along with language textbooks and workbooks, our 
students prefer audio CDs and CD-ROM supplements that allow 
for independent study.  Dutch private language schools and 
universities, as well as our instructors with their other 
clients, use the Taal Vitaal Dutch language program.  Post 
officers with experience learning languages say Taal Vitaal 
is among the best programs they have worked with.  Our 
instructors have experience with it, and say it is the best 
Dutch language program available.  Taal Vitaal combines a 
frequently updated, easy to use textbook and workbook with 
audio CDs and a CD-ROM for listening comprehension, 
pronunciation exercises and self-study.  It offers the right 
mix of classroom material and independent study 
possibilities.  Post's computers are capable of playing Taal 
Vitaal's audio CDs and CD-ROMs.  In order to also use the CDs 
in the classroom, post hopes DFI will fund a portable CD 
player. 
 
4.  Students also enjoy the embassy's seven-week Out and 
About course.  Funded by post's 2002 DFI grant, the course 
was written by our instructors and has since been updated for 
use with direct hires and EFMs in both Amsterdam (at the 
consulate) and Embassy The Hague.  The Out and About course 
combines seven 1.5-hour classroom and field trip sessions to 
give students a chance to practice in everyday situations 
what they have learned in the classroom.  This program serves 
as a practical, interesting pre-requisite to further post 
language program participation.  The funds requested for this 
course will pay the instructor who leads the program.  We 
would like to offer the course two times next year. 
 
5.  Detailed Budget 
Notes:  All budget costs are in US dollars. 
1 USD = Euros .79 
 
Item      Quantity      Price       Total Cost 
--------------------------------------------- - 
Taal Vitaal Textbook 
            20           36.83        736.60 
CD for Textbook 
            20           27.56        551.18 
Workbook 
            20           29.21        584.20 
CD-ROM 
            20           33.02        660.40 
Teacher's Manual 
             2           19.94         39.88 
Portable CD Player 
             1          101.59        101.59 
--------------------------------------------- -- 
            Materials Total          2673.85 
            Sales Taxes (19 %)        508.03 
            Materials plus Taxes     3181.88 
 
Out and About Course 
             2           466.73       933.45 
--------------------------------------------- --- 
             GRAND TOTAL REQUEST     4115.33 
 
6.  Post Language Program Coordinator is Joseph F. Trimble. 
He can be contacted at TrimbleJF@state.gov, or at  31 70 
310-9274. 
SOBEL