However, the question many CBP officers ask when they discover that they are required to attend Spanish-language training at the CBP Field Operations Academy in Glynco, Ga. is ¿Quien, yo, hablo español? (“Who me? Speak Spanish?”) Most officers aren’t able to ask this question prior to coming to the academy, but after graduating from the six-week Spanish course, officers are able to ask that and much more.

Photo Credit: Christiana Halsey

A CBP officer studies Spanish.

Language requirement
On October 1, 2004, CBP decided that officers graduating from basic training and destined for the Southwest Border, Miami (airport and seaport) and Puerto Rico with less than a limited working level of Spanish would be required to attend Spanish-language training.

Spanish training builds on the skills and procedures new CBP officers learn while attending basic training. The course is designed to ensure that officers are able to meet the minimum acceptable performance level defined for listening and speaking in Spanish, while performing primary inspections. The curriculum also offers officers a limited functional ability to read and write in Spanish. Unlike the traditional “grammar-based” classes many people take in high school and college, CBP Spanish is occupational based, focusing on those phrases, words and commands that directly relate to the position and required job task.

Pre-academy training
Prior to attending the academy, new CBP officers are required to complete a pre-academy training program. New employees destined for high Spanish speaking ports are also required to complete a Spanish workbook and audio CD. The workbook is designed as a self-study and will introduce new officers to Spanish vocabulary and simple grammar lessons he or she will encounter during Spanish training.

Innovative methods
CBP officers who are selected to attend Spanish training experience one of the most innovative language training programs in government. The program offers unique instructional methods combined with a diverse training environment. CBP officers are exposed to a classroom surrounded by multi-cultural flags, Latin American posters and huge Spanish word puzzles posted throughout the building, which the students can work on during breaks.

The training extends beyond the classroom. Trainees are transported to and from classes in buses specifically for Spanish-language students. During meals Spanish language students are provided with a separate dining area. They are even housed in separate dormitory rooms that receive only Spanish language television programming and are provided with laptops containing the most up-to-date, sophisticated language acquisition software programs that help students refine their pronunciation, learn vocabulary and learn how to conduct a primary inspection using the Spanish language. In addition, they have access to a resource library containing Spanish books, magazines and videos.

Full immersion
Even class breaks are offset to reduce exposure to other students. The curriculum is designed to create an environment with minimal English to help students focus on learning new tools for communication.

Vocabulary and automated tests occur throughout the curriculum, building up to final test that is a functional assessment of the student’s ability to perform primary inspections in Spanish. Students must successfully complete the program with a minimum grade average of 70 percent.

Visit the Field Operations Academy page on CBP.net under the OTD tab for further information about Spanish training for new officers or to obtain a copy of the Spanish workbook, audio CD and the field training officer guide.