The Language Training Centers is an initiative of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO).
The California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Language Training Center (LTC) program has successfully offered residential and online language courses to experienced military linguists from all services and components for the last 11 years. The CSULB LTC offers a Pathway program by providing online sustainment courses prior to and after its virtual or residential intensive courses. The Pathway program was established for sub-2/2 level linguists trying to re-gain their baseline language skills. Linguists first prepare for an intensive course by attending a hybrid language mentor (HLM) tutoring program. Once the HLM course is complete, they subsequently enroll in an intensive course to increase their language proficiency. Serious linguists can then enroll in the next HLM course to sustain their new level of proficiency.
The CSULB LTC program offers five 16-week hybrid (online) language mentor (HLM) courses in Arabic, French, Chinese Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. Faculty and students conduct one hour of synchronous instruction per week using Zoom during the 16-week period. Students are expected to take a pre-test, a post-test, and commit to at least one hour of preparation outside of class for each hour of instruction. These HLM courses are offered during fall and spring semesters.
CSULB currently hosts five 16-day (80-hour) virtual intensive language courses in Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, French, Russian, and Spanish. These intensive courses provide intermediate and advanced language instruction six-hours a day for twelve days and require eight hours of asynchronous work outside the classroom. Voluntary instruction and make up instruction are presented on Saturdays. Sundays are left for asynchronous work. Students must complete ACTFL online pretests at the beginning and post-tests at the end of the course and must have the approval of their chain of command to attend consistently for the duration of the course. Students who are eligible to take the DLPT are encouraged to test immediately following any of the CSULB LTC courses. For information on how to apply, dates of courses, or available seats, please visit the CSULB LTC website.
Courses Offered:
| Languages/Other | Course Type | Course Pre-requisites | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic) | Asynchronous , Online , Synchronous | ILR 1 to 3+, CLPM approval | Online Hybrid Language Mentor Course |
| Arabic (Modern Standard Arabic) | Asynchronous , Online , Synchronous | ILR 2 to 3+, chain of command approval or on military orders | This Intensive Course is currently online |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | Asynchronous , Online , Synchronous | ILR 1 to 3+, CLPM approval | Online Hybrid Language Mentor Course |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | Asynchronous , Online , Synchronous | ILR 2 to 3+, chain of command approval or on military orders | This Intensive Course is currently online |
| French | Asynchronous , Online , Synchronous | ILR 1 to 3+, CLPM approval | Online Hybrid Language Mentor Course |
| French | Asynchronous , Online , Synchronous | ILR 2 to 3+, chain of command approval or on military orders | This Intensive Course is currently online |
| Russian | Asynchronous , Online , Synchronous | ILR 1 to 3+, CLPM approval | Online Hybrid Language Mentor Course |
| Russian | Asynchronous , Online , Synchronous | ILR 2 to 3+, chain of command approval or on military orders | This Intensive Course is currently online |
| Spanish | Asynchronous , Online , Synchronous | ILR 1 to 3+, CLPM approval | Online Hybrid Language Mentor Course |
| Spanish | Asynchronous , Online , Synchronous | ILR 2 to 3+, chain of command approval or on military orders | This Intensive Course is currently online |
CSULB’s teaching methodologies are based on a communicative approach to language production, including role playing, narratives, and interactional activities. Authentic cultural media and realia provide the basic structure of the curriculum which addresses a wide range of topics similar to the Defense Language Program of Instruction. CSULB emphasizes mastery of high-frequency vocabulary and presents grammar in context. Small group learning is important to the multi-level proficiency dynamics of the intensive courses. Online HLM courses are tailored to the students’ needs and help them prepare for a major language education event such as an immersive or intensive course. CSULB LTC utilizes GLOSS modules and authentic sources as well as instructor resources for synchronous and asynchronous learning.
“The CSULB LTC training was excellent! I especially liked the 1 hour time frame and the cultural learning applied. Also, I liked the very advanced reading and listening exercises. The course afforded me the capability to score a 3 (in listening) for the first time on my DLPT after taking the DLPT for over 20 years! I would like to continue taking this course, especially with the exceptional instructor… who designed the successful advanced curriculum.”
“(The instructor) was exactly what I needed. (They) understood my proficiency level in 10 minutes and tailored (their) mentorship to enhance my specific deficits. It was a PLEASURE to consult with (them) every week and I hope to have an opportunity to work with (them) again!”
“This course, along with all of the people in the program, has become something I look forward to every year.”
“The CSULB LTC training was excellent! I especially liked the 1 hour time frame and the cultural learning applied. Also, I liked the very advanced reading and listening exercises. The course afforded me the capability to score a 3 (in listening) for the first time on my DLPT after taking the DLPT for over 20 years! I would like to continue taking this course, especially with the exceptional instructor… who designed the successful advanced curriculum.”
“(The instructor) was exactly what I needed. (They) understood my proficiency level in 10 minutes and tailored (their) mentorship to enhance my specific deficits. It was a PLEASURE to consult with (them) every week and I hope to have an opportunity to work with (them) again!”
“This course, along with all of the people in the program, has become something I look forward to every year.”
“I’ve grown in contextual understanding of the language. I now can take from the rest of a passage and determine the meaning of words that I didn’t know prior to reading/listening to that particular passage.”
“Another great course. With (professors name) help, I was able to score a 3/3 for the first time.”
“This course was exactly what I needed… This class raised my last DLPT (5 years ago) from 1 to a 2. I think I could have easily gotten a 2+ with a few more days.”
“Compared to where I was when it started, it was a big improvement. I believe my language is back to where I was when I graduated from DLI, or close to it.”
“(Professor’s name) is a great instructor – he knows what the students need and he is flexible enough to adapt to our learning needs.”