I’ve got an Algerian friend here in Paris. He’s studying American Civilation (he’s studying here because, I think, he didn’t have much luck in the visa lottery). Anyway, he’s told me that he obviously would much rather study American civilization in, well, America.
Anywho, he also speaks perfect Arabic (Kabyle is technically his mother tongue, but he has had to speak Arabic his whole life, it was the law), and I remember hearing recently that the US was going to start getting people from countries where they speak “critical” languages: Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Farsi, etc. I’ve looked for information on how one comes to the US to teach, but all I’ve found are articles saying that they government was going to started the program (I think it’s a part of the National Security Langauge Act).
I think my friend would be a good teacher. He speaks perfect English. He’s well versed in American litterature. I’m wondering if there’s something I can do to help him get involved.
I haven’t told him yet that I’m asking, becuase I don’t know if it would work, but he’s told me several times that he would love to spend time in the states.
Also, my girlfriend is Taiwanese. One day, when we eventually come (back) to the US, this might be a good opportunity for her as well to teach Chinese.
Anyone got any info?