KMC members get multilingual

The 86th Force Support Squadron is offering novice and intermediate French and German courses on Ramstein.

Students can learn the fundamentals of both German and French languages and should be able to speak and understand the material at a basic level by completion of the beginner’s course.

Learning new languages can be an advantage when traveling, whether it is for business or for leisure.

“We want the students to take advantage of this opportunity to learn their host nation’s language,” said Koy Grant, 86th FSS Ramstein and Vogelweh community centers director. “We hope that people will gain knowledge and enjoy it.”

For those who reside in a country that speaks a language they aren’t familiar with, having a community that offers these courses can help students to navigate around their new home more easily. Though learning a new language can be challenging, the eight-week courses are designed to make it easier for students to grasp the languages’ concepts.

“When teaching a new language, you have to give the students time to learn,” said Gudrun Garcia, German language instructor. “I want them to be able to be comfortable enough to speak it outside of the classroom.”

Registration for the courses is $85 per student. Courses are available to military members, civilian personnel and dependents.

Classes are held at the Ramstein Community Center from 11 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Additional classes are held every Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

The Ramstein Community Center is currently offering a French 1 course, which runs through Oct. 6, and will offer a French II course next term based upon demand.

There are a total of four levels of German, and the course offerings are adjusted based upon the previous term’s schedule as well.

Though the classes for the first term have already begun, the second fall term registration will open Oct. 3. There are five terms available throughout the year.

For more information, contact the Ramstein Community Center at 480-7187 or 06371-47-7187.