REQUEST FOR FSI DIRECT FUNDING INITIATIVE

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