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IDEC builds strategic partnerships one student at a time

  • Published
  • By Kimberly L. Wright
  • Air University Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  For 64 students representing 43 countries, the International Dependents English Course is more than just an English course. 

The course serves as a way for spouses and dependents of international officers stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base to learn American culture and the English language.  In addition, it  builds cross-cultural understanding and new friendships along the way.

With many dressed in their countries' traditional attire, the students expressed their increased proficiency in English and their profound thankfulness to teachers and fellow students through poetry and speeches as part the course's graduation ceremony Oct. 2.

"We are happy graduates from IDEC but sad because we will no longer be spending mornings with each other," said Ethel Yuson, IDEC student from the Philippines. "When we came here with our families to the U.S., we knew it would be a little hard adjusting. We learned English but we have learned many other things."

IDEC helps international visitors adjust better to life in the U.S. through English lessons and an enriched understanding of American culture. 

Janet Beilstein, IDEC director, said students in the six-week course are divided into eight different levels of English as a second language, as overseen by the International Officer School. 

"It's to give them English skills so they can better interact in the community," Ms. Beilstein said. "Some of them leave speaking better English than their spouses, the officers." 

Small class sizes ensure students are given the class time and instructor guidance they need.

George McCarthy, International Officer School deputy director, commended the students for meeting the challenges posed by IDEC. 

"Building partnerships is now a major core function within the Air Force. I think this is probably the biggest challenge this course has met," Mr. McCarthy said. 

These international relationships blossomed thanks to the enthusiasm and hard work of unpaid volunteers and students. 

"This is all done on the efforts of the volunteers," said Ms. Beilstein. "Some of them have been volunteers for 25 years. They do it year after year with little recognition."  

She said the IDEC coordinator, Dona Albert, is also a volunteer and teaches a class in addition to handling coordinator duties. 

Nineteen volunteers serve as course instructors and 15 others tackle other details to ensure the course runs smoothly.

Students attain linguistic and cultural skills through textbooks, class discussions, projects and even field trips to local sites of scenic or historical significance such as the State Farmers' Market, the Alabama Supreme Court, the Alabama State Archives and the Rosa Parks Library and Museum.

Since the course is volunteer and student-oriented, no strict curriculum exists. 

"It's up to the instructors and students to decide what the language and cultural priorities are," said Ms. Beilstein.

One instructor found great reward in her volunteerism simply from meeting new people and learning about new cultures. 

"The new friendships are absolutely the best," said Lou Johnson, who has volunteered as an IDEC instructor for two years. Since there are a handful of students in each class you get to know them very well.  You learn their traditions, food, wedding traditions and personalities. It's so much fun."

Another instructor, Jeanette Hoyt-Sauerman, saluted the students for their dedication. "Having lived in Germany and having to learn that language, I think it's wonderful you want to learn mine," Ms. Hoyt-Sauerman said. "It has been the most wonderful experience. I came in with a little bit of hesitation as far as how it was going to work, but it has worked great."

The course doesn't receive mission funding, said Ms. Beilstein, so donations from the Air War College, the Squadron Officers School and the Maxwell Officers' Spouses Club are used to purchase needed supplies such as textbooks loaned to students, refreshments, diplomas and photocopy paper for handouts. 

Participants also help out by baking treats for breaks.

IDEC students said they enjoyed the opportunity to learn. 

IDEC student Mayumi Yamaguchi of Japan said, "I enjoyed it very much. She's a good teacher. My classmates are very kind."

Rocio Benavides of Colombia said, "It was a beautiful class. My teacher is a good teacher. It's fun, and we've learned very much."

It's not uncommon for classes to continue on an informal basis long after the official course ends, said Ms. Beilstein.

Indeed, some of the most recent graduates are already making plans to that effect. 

"This is a unique opportunity for each and every one of us," said Ruth Canaya of the Philippines. "We will continue to practice English over a cup of coffee."