Frequently asked Questions
DLIELC
Who can attend DLI? DLIELC is a US Department of Defense (DOD) agency. All international students who attend DLIELC are first selected by their respective defense ministries and then are issued formal invitations by the US DoD sponsoring service (US Air Force, Army, or Navy).
Who can buy DLI materials? Most of the American Language Course (ALC) materials produced at DLIELC may be purchased by anyone. See this page on our website: Ordering Materials for a description and price list of materials and for instructions on how to purchase. When buying text books, a minimum order of 10 student texts and one instructor text is required. Other items may be purchased in any quantity.
Are the materials suitable for nonmilitary instruction? While there is a military component in each of the books, the materials are suitable for use in public and private schools. Several US school districts use our materials.
How long is the training at your school? There are fifteen different courses offered at DLIELC. English instructor courses vary from 8 weeks to 27 weeks. The other courses are from 9 weeks to 52 weeks or longer. They are intended for students who need to improve their proficiency in order to attain minimum standards for the next training site.
How is the length of training determined? A student's proficiency level determines the length of training.
Can I bring my family? Yes, if the Invitational Travel Order (ITO) or NATO order authorizes dependents. The ITO should also list their names, date of birth, and relationship to student.
Who can live on campus? Students and their authorized spouse can live on campus. Children are not permitted in living quarters.
Where can I live with my family? Since children are not authorized to live on base with their families, there are several apartments and hotel rooms located near Lackland AFB where students may rent or lease. The average cost of an apartment is about $1000 per month; for hotels it's about $75 per day.
Who determines the financial responsibility for my family's medical services? Students' financial responsibility for their dependents' medical care is described in Block 11, B, of the Invitational Travel Order (ITO).
When should I arrive? Students should arrive no later than 1200 Tuesday at before their training starts that next Monday. US holidays should also be taken into consideration when scheduling the student’s flight itinerary.
General English Materials
What does the American Language Course (ALC) consist of? The General English materials of the ALC consist of Books 1-34. Each book consists of an instructional package which includes an instructor text, student text, audiotapes or audio CDs, instructor language laboratory activities book, student language laboratory activities book, training aids (such as flashcards, videotapes, IMI CD-ROMs), book quizzes, and performance tests.
What does a student text consist of? Each student text has four lessons and one review lesson. There is a focus page at the beginning of each lesson which illustrates the objectives that will be covered in the lesson. Daily homework activities and evaluation exercises are a part of each book. Each student text also has appendices which provide information such as a word list, a glossary, a structure list, a list of the principal parts of irregular verbs, important spelling rules, etc.
What does an instructor text consist of? In addition to containing all the information found in the student text, each instructor text contains the lesson objectives, notes to the instructor, learning activity descriptions (which provide the instructor suggestions on how to conduct a particular activity), enrichment activities, and suggested answers to all the activities.
What do the language laboratory activities consist of? The language laboratory activities support the objectives in the lesson and require active student participation. Students may be required to speak, take notes, follow directions, etc. The language laboratory activities include some authentic listening materials; students are provided with the correct answers to the activities.
What are the non-intensive materials? The Non-intensive materials of the American Language Course (ALC) incorporate the best of the intensive ALC and are designed for use in programs where students may study only two or three days a week. There are four volumes; each volume has 30-32 lessons which take about two to three hours to complete. There are about 30 minutes of homework activities to accompany each lesson, and there are also audiotapes and audio CDs with accompanying language laboratory activities. Volumes 3 and 4 include learning strategies linked to the skills.
Specialized English Training
How are student SET codes determined? By Military Articles and Services List (MASL) number, which is the number identifying student follow-on technical/academic training.
What determines which materials a student will study in Specialized English Training? It’s determined by the follow-on training course the student is scheduled for (the MASL number), which determines the SET code number, which determines specific materials.
How many SET codes are there? About 45, but the number can vary, as codes are activated/deactivated.
How many SET books are there? About 80, but this, too, varies.
How are SET books identified and organized? Each book is referred to as a module, with module numbering indicating specialty (e.g., Code 80 is Medical Terminology; Modules 801-805 are the medical modules). Each module (with a few exceptions) is a one-week, self-contained course of study with book quiz or Performance Evaluation as the final testing/evaluation method.
Where can I find SET codes and modules? In the SET Code Curriculum Material Listing (SET CCML, colloquially referred to as the bible), which offers Code and Module listings and descriptions.
How long is a student in SET? Typically 9 weeks, with 7 core weeks—consisting of materials related to the student’s specific code—plus an introductory and a final module which (almost) all students in SET take.
How are SET modules designed/developed? We follow the Instructional Systems Development model. We consult with the follow-on training (FOT) sites to determine the language skills and requirements of the FOT course; then develop objectives for the module and select excerpts from FOT materials for inclusion into the module. We can summarize the process with the five words analysis, design, development, validation, and implementation.
What steps are included within the development phase? We develop language activities, instructor and student texts, plus quizzes/performance evaluations and accompanying audiotapes, interactive courseware, and training aids.
Who is involved in the validation phase? DLI instructors, students, and FOT instructors.
What is OPSAV and what is its purpose? OPSAV stands for Oral Proficiency Skills for Aviation Students. It’s a 25-week, the last nine weeks being SET, designed to help aviators improve their listening and speaking proficiency in American English so that they will be able to function safely and effectively in the flight training environment.
What are the objectives of OPSAV? Objectives are to improve pronunciation, improve comprehension skills under adverse conditions, practice immediate oral response, practice speaking while task saturated, and improve overall English proficiency.
What is the OPI and what is its purpose? It's an oral interview (lasting about 40 minutes) which evaluates oral language skills and comprehension. Its main purpose is to evaluate the oral proficiency of those students (primarily aviators) going into high-risk training environments requiring instant and accurate comprehension and communication.
What is the PME course? PME stands for Professional Military Education. This course is designed to address the language and academic skills that students attending various officer and war colleges need. The course focuses on formal presentation skills, speaking in a seminar setting, academic reading, and research paper preparation.
Interactive Multimedia Instruction (IMI)
What is multimedia? Multimedia is a term that is usually used to describe computer programs or computer lessons that serve to teach or reinforce learning objectives. Multimedia at DLIELC is called "Interactive Multimedia Instruction," or IMI, and involves the use of text, graphics, audio, animation, and video to present information through the use of a computer.
Does DLI offer multimedia instruction? Yes. Multimedia instruction is offered to supplement materials in Levels I, III, and IV of the American Language Course (ALC). These materials are available for purchase through the Catalog of ALC Materials. Multimedia instruction is also used in various modules in the Specialized English materials area. These multimedia materials, however, are not available for purchase.
Is the multimedia a complete course of instruction (stand alone)? No. Our interactive multimedia instruction is designed to supplement classroom materials.
Are any of your courses offered on-line? At the present time, we do not offer any courses on-line. However, we are currently investigating the feasibility of offering some materials over the Internet.
English Comprehension Level (ECL) Test
What does the ECL Test? It tests listening and reading comprehension in English; it does not test speaking or writing ability.
Who can obtain ECL tests? Only designated US Government representatives who have an official requirement to obtain the tests. They are usually US Military or State Department personnel, or US citizens who are associated with them.
What is the difference between the ECL and the ALCPT? Both are multiple choice tests of listening and reading. They are constructed using the same test design, but different items. The major difference is in degree of control; as noted above, the ECL can only be handled by US citizens who are employees of the US Government.
How long is an ECL score valid? It’s valid for 105 days.
Why only 105 days? If a person takes the test and achieves his/her required score, but then stops studying English, his/her language ability may deteriorate over time.
How long does it take to take the test? It takes a little more than an hour.
What is the CAT ECL? DLIELC has developed a computer adaptive version of the ECL that shortens testing time and reduces test compromise.
How does the CAT ECL compare to a paper-and-pencil ECL? When the CAT ECL was validated at DLIELC, the correlation with the paper-and-pencil ECL was .93.
Are some versions of the ECL test easier than others? No, the ECL forms are mathematically equated through a statistical process called Rasch analysis.
Why can’t students take the ECL as often as they want? Regulations specify that the ECL can be administered to a student only once a month. More frequent administrations to the same person may reveal seesawing scores that result in frustration, or improved scores that reflect test-wiseness rather than an actual increase in proficiency. This activity may also lead to compromise from overuse of tests.
h3 style="color: blue;">Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) Candidate Perspective
It seems like the OPI rating is totally subjective, depending upon the raters who interview you. After the OPI is over, the two raters who interviewed you compare the speech sample they elicited from you with the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Skill Level Descriptions for Listening and Speaking to determine your rating. These standards are used in all US government agencies for measuring language proficiency. Though different people may conduct the OPIs, they all use the same standards to evaluate your proficiency. These standards also provided the basis for the development of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines used in US high schools and colleges.
Can I study for the OPI? Since the OPI is a proficiency test (that is, a test which measures your overall ability to understand and speak the language, not how well you mastered a set of course objectives), you cannot specifically study for the OPI. However, everything you do to raise your language level - learning new vocabulary, correcting errors in structure, increasing your fluency, and improving your pronunciation - will contribute to your performance on the OPI.
If the interviewers ask my opinion about something and they don't agree with me, will I get a lower rating? There is no "wrong" answer on an OPI. The interviewers are not evaluating "what" you say, but "how" you express it.
What if I feel uncomfortable discussing a certain topic which they ask me about in the OPI? Just tell the interviewers you would rather not talk about that topic in a way that lets the raters know that you understand the question but just don't want to address it.
May I ask for questions to be repeated? Just as in a regular conversation, if you don't understand something, you may ask for it to be repeated. However, if you ask for everything to be repeated, the interviewers will think your comprehension is weak.
Does one person who makes a certain rating ("2" for example) understand and speak exactly as well as another person who achieves the same score? Each level actually represents a range of proficiency. Some "2" speakers are stronger than others. Some are close to the "1+" border, while others are approaching a "2+" level. Moreover, some may be very strong in one or another factor (for example, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, or fluency). However, everyone rated a "2" must meet the minimum standards for that level in all the rating factors.
What are the chances that I would make the same score on the OPI if I took it two days in a row? Since the OPI is a performance test, it measures the proficiency you display in a given situation, on a given date, and at a specific time. You might perform better or worse on another occasion, depending on such factors as your health, mood, level of stress, etc. Nevertheless, the difference in your performance probably would not make a difference in your rating unless your proficiency were right on the border between two levels (for example, "1+" and "2"). The maximum error of measurement in the OPI is a "plus point." For example, if your performance were rated a "2" on one day, you might perform at a "1+" level or a "2+" level on another day, depending on where in the "2" range your proficiency level falls. In general, your rating reflects the minimum competence (ability) level you possess, based on your performance during that test.
Is it true that the more I talk, the higher my rating will be? If my interview is short, does that mean my rating will be low? It's not the quantity so much as the quality of what you say and how you say it that counts. Of course, you should try to show that you can use extended discourse (that is, speak in "paragraphs"), using the best grammar and vocabulary you can. However, "more" is not always "better," especially if you make a lot of errors. On the other hand, monitoring your speech too closely will have a negative impact on your fluency. The length of the OPI is not necessarily an indication of your level, though students with a higher proficiency level do have to be tested on additional tasks, which may make the test longer.
How does someone become a certified OPI rater? All academic personnel at DLIELC receive OPI Rater Certification Training to familiarize them with the ILR Skill Level Descriptions, OPI elicitation techniques, and rating procedures. During this two-week (80-hour) training session, participants conduct and observe practice OPIs. At the end of the training, only those trainees who have demonstrated a thorough understanding of, and ability to conduct, the test are certified to be OPI raters. The decision whether or not to certify a participant is based on their elicitation performance in the practice interviews and the accuracy of their ratings.
How long is OPI rater certification valid? OPI rater certification is valid for three years. It is renewed if the rater demonstrates consistent reliability in elicitation techniques and rating accuracy.
What kind of quality control measures are in place to ensure consistency of rating among interviewers? After every OPI, the interviewers review the standards and rate independently. If their ratings do not match exactly, they negotiate until they agree on a rating or the OPI is referred to a third party for review (in the rare cases where they do not agree). All OPIs at DLIELC are recorded to allow for review by the rating team itself or an OPI rater trainer, as necessary. In addition, all certified raters participate in a five-day recertification training every three years to ensure that their elicitation and rating performances are still reliable.
Operations and Inprocessing
Who is my point of contact (POC)? Visit the website http://www.dlielc.edu/SCO_FY15Handbook.pdf and DLIELC directory on the second page.
How do I get a Texas drivers license? Visit the website http://dlielc.edu/index.html and search for "Driving Privileges." Cost for a six year Texas Driver License is about $25. Driver Licenses issued in the students' country and European Driver Licenses are valid for 30 days after arrival. International driver licenses are valid for one year.
How do I get a Social Security Card? A Social Security Card is not issued to international students or their dependents.
How do I replace my I-94? Visit the website https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html.
What billeting is available on and off base and what is the cost? On base billeting for unaccompanied officers is $70.00/day and for unaccompanied NCOs is $55.00/day. There is no extra cost for spouse, but children are not allowed. Off base housing begins at $1000/month for furnished apartments.
How do I get transportation from the airport when I arrive? Upon arrival at the San Antonio International Airport take the free Lackland Shuttle bus available at the following weekday times: 0455, 0825, 1125, 1425, 1725, and 2025. If arriving after these duty hours or on weekends, holidays, or family days, take a Yellow Cab taxi (210-222-2222, cost is approximately $60.00 for 1-4 people) to the Luke Visitor Center at Lackland AFB (2602 Luke Boulevard, JBSA Lackland AFB, TX 782360).
What on base amenities are available? Visit the website:www.jbsa.af.mil.
If I am an IMET student, how much living allowance will I receive while at DLIELC? While living on base, Officers receive $22.90/day which is used to pay for meals, lodging and incidentals. NCOs receive $11.00 per day. Neither Officers nor NCOs receive funds while living off base. Lodging for Officers and Enlisted is direct billed to the ITO for army and navy sponsored students; AF sponsored students receive a Metabank debit card.
Resident Programs
Who is my point of contact (POC)? Visit the website http://www.dlielc.edu/prod/SCO_Handbook.pdf and DLIELC directory on the second page.
How do I get a Texas drivers license? Visit the website http://dlielc.edu/index.html and search for "Driving Privileges." Cost for a six year Texas Driver License is about $25. Driver Licenses issued in the students' country and European Driver Licenses are valid for 30 days after arrival. International driver licenses are valid for one year.
How do I get a Social Security Card? A Social Security Card is not issued to international students or their dependents.
How do I replace my I-94? Visit the website https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html.
What billeting is available on and off base and what is the cost? On base billeting for unaccompanied officers is $60.00/day and for unaccompanied NCOs is $44.00/day. There is no extra cost for spouse/, but children are not allowed. Off base housing begins at $1000/month for furnished apartments.
How do I get transportation from the airport when I arrive? Visit the website http://www.dlielc.edu/prod/SCO_Handbook.pdf and search for "Initial Transportation to DLIELC." Shuttle bus service is available from the airport direct to DLIELC at the following times: Weekdays: 0515, 0845, 1145, 1445, 1745, and 2045 and weekends: 0515, 0915, 1215, 1515, and 1845. Taxi cabs are available ($50.00 for 1-4 people) - get a receipt. Students are not authorized to sponsor a taxi on to the base. Take the taxi to the Airman's Gate Visitor Center on Valley Hi, Exit 4 (from 0730 to 1600) and the West Gate Visitor Center on Military Drive after 1600.
What on base amenities are available? Visit the website:www.jbsa.af.mil.
If I am an IMET student, how much living allowance will I receive while at DLIELC? While living on base, Officers receive $22.85/day which is used to pay for meals, lodging and incidentals. NCOs receive $11.00 per day. Neither Officers nor NCOs receive funds while living off base. Lodging for Officers and Enlisted is direct billed to the ITO.
