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<p>Following the closure of the language centre under the previous Government, the
former Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right Hon. Friend
the Member for Richmond (Yorks.) (Mr Hague), restablished one in 2013. Fulltime language
training (FTLT) is provided for all officers going overseas where the ability to communicate
effectively in another language is considered essential to meet the requirements of
their role. Training is provided to either C1 operational level or C2 Extensive level
depending on the job requirements. The FCO also provides language training to A2 Confidence
level to staff and their spouses/partners being posted overseas into non speaker roles.
In 2012 the FCO also introduced a developmental language training programme to enable
all staff to learn a new language or maintain existing language skills. The table
below summarises the annual spend on all three language training programmes since
2010. Essential fulltime language training includes a period of training overseas.
Research has shown that the experience of immersing themselves in a new language and
culture makes a huge difference to students’ learning and their future effectiveness
in their job. The associated costs of immersion are shown in Row B. Financial Year
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 (forecast) A: Language Training costs only 2,034,609
2,231,436 2,350,730 2,999,781 3,223,107 3,242,509 B: Associated costs (e.g. travel,
accommodation etc) 418,964 772,472 626,807 385,895 682,257 782,720 C: Total spend
2,453,573 3,003,908 2,977,537 3,385,676 3,905,364 4,025,229</p>
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