My Language Training As A Diplomat: COVID

My Language Training As A Diplomat

Right now, I am supposed to be at post. Because of the pandemic, I am still in the United States. When the Coronavirus made its way to the East Coast, I was still in language training. I am still taking language classes. My language training as a diplomat, because of COVID, has been unusual to say the least.

Since I passed my language exam, I was put in maintenance classes to maintain my Portuguese level until I get to post.

In my opinion, maintenance classes are a bit more laid back than regular language training because we don’t have a final exam to think about. For more information, about what language training was like pre-Co-vid 19, click here.

However, I feel so blessed to be in these classes because I can continue to improve my Portuguese skills. Right now, I’m working through more complex grammar structures and I can speak longer. 

Each day, I have three hours of class, with five other colleagues, via the computer. After lunch, I self-study. I have two teachers, and they do their best to keep the class interesting. We are learning more expressions and day to day vocabulary. When I was in official training, I learned how to speak about more complex issues like politics and the environment.

We still have homework. For homework, I watch movies, create presentations related to Brazil, study grammar, etc. Right now, we’re reading the Alchemist in Portuguese.

For more of my experience in the Foreign Service and abroad, be sure to check out my YouTube channel!

In Case You’ve Missed It, Check Out

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How To Work In The International Affairs Career Field 
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