This article examines a case of what Olssen et al. (2004) call "managerial oppression" set in a faculty of international studies of a Japanese university. Japanese universities have, in recent times, been facing the financial pressures of a falling birthrate and dwindling enrolments. To remain solvent, some universities have had to…

This essay by the president of the National Council on Foreign Language and International Studies cites figures revealing Americans' ignorance of foreign languages and basic facts concerning the rest of the world. A plan of action is outlined for schools. (MJL)

Interest in foreign language education is growing rapidly, linked to increased concern about international trade and international relations and a general interest in educational quality. The foreign language profession in the 1980s is committed to the development of proficiency-oriented curricula and instruction and the production of proficient…

With some notable exceptions, public schools are doing a woeful job of teaching students about the world outside America's borders. For example, surveys conducted by the Asia Society and the National Geographic Society show a huge gap in most students' knowledge about the growing importance of Asia and other world regions to the nation's economic…

Discusses how department chairs can adapt psychological research about decision making to help carve out a central place for departments in the changing and increasingly international campus, presenting five areas to explore: alliances with units on campus, alliances with the college of education, training of graduate students, opportunity for…

As a followup to the 1979 report by the President's Commission on Foreign Language and International Studies, "Strength Through Wisdom," a study was conducted to learn what progress has been made toward improving international knowledge among Americans. State foreign language supervisors and others responsible for international education…

Current concern over the link between the teaching of foreign languages and cultures is itself an American cultural concern, born of a specifically American educational tradition focusing on utility, democracy, and scientific measures of progress. State guidelines for integration of the teaching of languages and culture reflect the following…

The report details developments in three areas of United States foreign language instruction, each reflecting major changes in the way foreign language educators think about their role and the way in which they structure the learning process for students. The first section describes the adoption of a voluntary national standard for testing…

Discusses the goal of internationalization of Swedish higher education, necessary to train Swedish personnel who will be stationed outside the country and because of internationalization of Swedish society due to extensive immigration from other countries. Describes proposals and attitudinal objectives of an internationalizing commission and…

The growth of English-medium education in the Netherlands is examined by comparing the social background, international orientation and experience, and future educational plans of Dutch-speaking students in two tracks in secondary school. Results suggest that demand for internationalization of education comes from parents and pupils, not…

The articles discuss the necessity of including foreign language as an integral part of the curriculum at all levels of instruction. The following chapters are included: "Elementary School Foreign Language: Key Link in the Chain of Learning" (rationale, innovations, immersion programs, and interdisciplinary approaches); "Foreign…