CIOR’s Language Academy meets in Istanbul, boasts record number of students
Now in its ninth year of existence, CIOR’s Language Academy boasts a record number of students and staff.
Taking place at the Turkish Armed Forces Educational Foundation, Haydarpasa Dormitory, Kadikoy in Istanbul, CLA 08 has 93 students attending from 19 different NATO and PfP countries, and 17 staff and instructors.
“We have four French staff members, plus Gerard Dreville, the language academy committee secretary and assistant director,” explained Col. Chip Holsworth, CLA director. “The staff also includes four Canadians, three Brits and one American. The diversity directly benefits the students.”
Colonel Holsworth said the large number of students is a testament to the success of CLA during the last decade.
“Last year we had 65 students, and this year we are approaching close to a hundred,” he said. “I think the increase in numbers has to do with the communication and marketing of the program.”
Colonel Holsworth is also encouraged by the demographic trends of students.
“We’re seeing an increase in lower ranking officers like captains and lieutenants,” he said. “This is the exact target audience we want to hit. They will be able to use their skills throughout their military careers.”
The CLA director said the program is also providing concrete measures of success.
“During the last two years we’ve integrated testing at the end of the class,” he explained. “The results of each Reservists language test will be a NATO skill level. The students bring these credentials (skill levels) back to their commanders and civilian bosses. It seems to be very important to the students, and has led many of them to positions of greater responsibilities because they can speak a NATO language.”
Colonel Holsworth said CLA uses a new curriculum that combines reading, writing and speaking, which is helpful to students during the testing process. The students and faculty use a campaign series textbook designed around a military theme. The course also includes speakers who talk about NATO, CIOR and the UN, and the students enjoy a culture night sponsored by the host nation, Turkey. NATO funds students from Partnership for Peace and Mediterranean Dialogue countries. This year’s course takes place from July 15-26.
“The CIOR Language Academy is an important tool available to NATO, MD and PfP members,” said CPT Carman R. McNary (Navy), Canada. “It develops a critical skill set by increasing the ability of Reserve Officers to function in positions in multi-national environments and on NATO operations.
“The CIOR Language Academy enables NATO, MD and PfP nations to expand their pool of available personnel for international operations, as language is the most fundamental factor in achieving an operationally effective officer in a multinational environment,” said CPT McNary. “Language training at the Academy is oriented toward the NATO military lexicon, and focuses the student's attention in operating in a multi-national military environment. This is a high value military training event, which produces practical and tangible results.”