Headstart Program
OVERVIEW
Headstart programs provide instruction in Host Nation Language (Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Arabic, Pashto, Dari), Culture and Customs to service members referred by commanders for such instruction. Courses are generally between 30-40 hours per week, and when possible, include a field trip in the local area to enforce skills learned.
Headstart is not a language course; it is an introduction to cultural differences. The language should not be the emphasis of the class.
COURSE GOALS
The main goals of the course are to build confidence and to motivate the soldiers to get out on the economy. Upon completing the Headstart course, soldiers should feel comfortable with the following situations:
- Greeting and addressing locals
- Pronouncing new words
- Be familiar with the numbers
- Know their personal information in target language
- Making an emergency phone call
- Be familiar with the local currency
- Shopping for food and clothes
- Eating out
- Getting a hotel room
- Get to where they are going via train, bus, car…
- Major cultural differences between Host Country and the USA
LOCATIONS
Afghanistan
- Bagram
- Dari Headstart
- Kabul
- Dari Headstart
- Kandahar
- Pashto Headstart
Egypt
- Sinai-North
- Arabic Headstart
- Sinai-South
- Arabic Headstart
Enrollment for Headstart is made through the service member's installation in-processing center, or through the Army Education Center staff.
