DLI fosters international goodwill

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
  • Air Force Print News
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  One of the major foundations of peace is tolerance. If two parties are unable to communicate and understand each other, tolerance is nearly unattainable.

The Defense Language Institute English language course here provides that first step to building tolerance, by teaching foreign students the English language and American culture.

"The strategic impact of what we do is immeasurable," said Col. Stephen Jones, DLI English language course commandant. "Every student we send home is in some ways a new ally. Knowing that sometime in the future, one of our students could be in a position to effect the change to prevent the problems that afflicted Afghanistan or Iraq is a good feeling."

The course is often confused with the program at the Defense Language Institute at Monterey, Calif. There, U.S. military forces learn foreign languages.

At Lackland, students are immersed in the English language. They are expected to speak only English while they are on the DLI campus. The course trains the students to a level of English efficiency dependent on what follow-on training they will receive in the states for their career fields. Some career fields, like pilots and explosive ordnance removal, demand a higher understanding of English.

Language is only part of the curriculum. Students learn American culture by visiting locations like Washington, D.C., and are also invited to local households.

"It's not just about English. It really is planting the American ideas and philosophies," Colonel Jones said.

Instructors have a wide array of personalities and cultures to teach.

"I think this is an amazing place to work. I can't imagine working somewhere that would have such a diversity of people," said Cecelia McMillen, senior instructor in the instructor development branch. "Our instructors display a high level of flexibility to tailor the classes to the needs of the students."

Achieving a breakthrough with a student is one of the best perks of the job, Ms. McMillen said.

"It's just a little reminder of why you chose this field, because you know you are making a difference in someone's life and I think this is very rewarding," she said.

Tunisian Navy Lt. Majed Haj Lajimi has an extra appreciation for the course. As a teacher himself ,he knows the unique challenges instructors face. He has spent two months at the course and has had a great time.

"I've met a lot of people and believe it or not I have made more friends here in two months than I have in my home country," Lieutenant Haj Lajimi said. "People don't have prejudices about you here. They form their opinion of you on what you say."

Lieutenant Haj Lajimi received a friendly welcome to America on his flight from Paris. The lieutenant was concerned the American he was sitting next to would not want to speak to him. But to his surprise, the woman started talking to him within a minute and they kept a conversation going for the entire nine-hour flight. It gave him a great feeling to start out his trip.

Lieutenant Haj Lajimi believes strongly in what DLI is trying to accomplish.

"The biggest barrier that exists between countries is language. Once you learn the language along with it comes the culture and understanding."

The lieutenant is not the only student that has been impressed by the course, Colonel Jones said.

"I've had students make appointments just to come by and say they had a preconceived notion about the United States, but they learned we really are a free country and we stand for what we say we stand for," he said.