Conversation and Culture Program
Conversation and Culture (C&C) is an educational and social program for the Spouses of the USAWC International Fellows. This program is designed to help participates integrate into Central Pennsylvania, learn more about American cultures and customs, by visiting nearby landmarks, businesses, historical sites, and establishments. By joining the program, participants gain and understanding about other International Spouses values and beliefs through country presentations.
The C&C program is funded 100% through private corporate donations and executed by volunteers. Volunteers are appointed through the Sponsorship Program
Other educational opportunities are English as a Second Language Courses and the Dickinson Cooperative Scholarship.
English as a Second Language Courses
The Conversation and Culture Program provides ESL classes for our International Spouses for a small cost. We provide certified ESL teachers and courses offered at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, based on the need of the current class. Each participant will be evaluated and placed with those with similar English levels. The course is focused on basic English language concepts such as vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, conversation and comprehension.
A total of 40 hours of instruction, 2 days a week for 2.5 hours a day beginning in the month of August. To receive a certificate of completion, students must pass the course with a minimum of 70% and complete the final Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems. (CASAS exam)
Dickinson College Cooperative Scholarship
The International Fellows Program has a cooperative scholarship with Dickinson College. The scholarship allows International Spouses to take one course per semester free of tuition
Please view Dickinson's website for more information. https://www.dickinson.edu
Field Study Programs
US Army War College (USAWC) International Fellows Program US Field Studies Program (FSP) for AY 2019 (June 2018 - June 2019)
1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW
1.a. Reference: Chapter 11, AR 12-15, Joint Security Cooperation Education and Training Regulation (JSCET)
2. PURPOSE This directive describes the FSP for Academic Year 2019 International Fellows (IFs) attending the United States Army War College Resident, Distance Education, and Academic Preparation Courses during academic year 2019, in accordance with AR 12-15.
3. OUTCOMES The objective of the FSP is to provide IFs with an awareness and understanding of the American democratic way of life, derived from the laws authorizing the programs that make up the Security Assistance Training Program: the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and the Arms Export Control Act, as amended.
3.1. The goal of the FSP is to ensure that International Fellows return to their homelands with a deeper understanding of the responsibilities of governments, militaries, and citizens to protect, preserve, and respect the rights of every individual. The Field Studies Program is developed and implemented with the intent of understanding the basic principles of internationally recognized human rights. To achieve this goal, the Field Studies Program will provide students and visitors with an understanding of the following facets of American life, within the limits of time and availability (Table 3.1.).
4. FACETS The USAWC International Fellows FSP activities are a mix of mandatory and optionally attended events, and many include spouse or family participation. To meet the overall FSP goals and areas of emphasis stated above, the activities support the following topical areas of emphasis, referred to as facets:
Field Study Events:
- 6-Week Orientation Course
- Washington DC
- Hershey Park
- Dickinson College Reception
- AUSA Conference
- University of Scranton
- United States Military Academy
- Know Your World
- Kiwanis Club
- Harrisburg Foreign Policy
- Pennsylvania Farm Show
- Carnegie Mellon University
Know Your World Event
"Know Your World" is an event, put on by the International Fellows each year, in which each nation displays the life-style and culture of their given heritage. Each display varies in content, but their national flag is displayed, as well as cultural artifacts, maps, works of art, historic items, dress, and photos. Some displays incorporate religious artifacts and practices; others highlight the cultural and/or political history of a given nation and people. Additionally, small portions to sample their indigenous food or drinks have been provided.
The event is open to the entire Carlisle Barracks community, sponsors and guests and typically brings about 800 of people out to engage and interact in cultural diversity and awareness.
The value of this event is the opportunity for International Fellows to showcase their culture and national heritage for the Carlisle Barracks personnel and distinguished guests; creating a mutual appreciation of cultures, practices and ways of life.
https://youtu.be/ttDjj98EjHc (Need to figure out how to embed video)