LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Defense Language Institute at Lackland teaches English to students from 80 to 100 different countries, but it has one program that aims to do so much more.
DLI's basic mission is to teach military members from foreign countries the English language. The American Members of International Goodwill to Others is a sponsorship program that works to take the education one step further, by teaching these students about American culture in a non-classroom setting.
"AMIGO sponsors are asked to integrate their students into activities of their everyday lives as much as they can," said AMIGO program coordinator Dee Hollie. "They might take them shopping or to sporting events, cultural events, are even just for dinner at their house."
While fun extracurricular activities are encouraged, the program aims to teach the students about American culture.
"Many students are here in America for the first time, and may come with some preconceived notions about Americans." said Ms. Hollie. "We want them to see that we are not all that they see in the movies and on television."
AMIGO sponsors can be active members of the military or civilians who have no ties with the military.
"I'm trying to expose the program to more of our base population of military and civilian, as well as encourage their participation." Ms. Hollie said. "It's just easier that way. With military and folks that work on base it would just be easier to access the students."
AMIGO sponsors must be U.S. citizens, must sponsor at least one student a quarter and must also provide quarterly feedback documenting their time spent with their student.
"This allows us to see and show that the program is working," Ms. Hollie said.
Once approved, AMIGOs are issued a base pass that is good for six months at a time.
DLI provides an AMIGO social once a month.
The event allows sponsors to mingle with students and provides both the sponsor and the student a chance to meet first and decide if they would be a good match. Sponsors can request students from particular countries, if a specific cultural interests them.
The program also allows DLI students the opportunity to practice their English outside of the classroom.
"Typically, students from the same country tend to hang out together and speak their native language, and they don't learn English as quickly," Ms. Hollie said. "Some students get through some of the academic program and realize their language skills are not as good as they need them to be, or just want more opportunities to talk."
Last quarter, out of the 160 students who requested an AMIGO, 158 of them were introduced to an American sponsor. Still, Ms. Hollie would like to see more AMIGOs sign up.
"I want to get our program exposed," said Ms. Hollie. "I think a lot of military and family members who have been to other countries can understand how it is to be in their situation, trying to learn a new culture and provide them valuable lessons."
Some sponsors still keep in touch with their students long after the student returns to their home countries. A few AMIGOs have even gone to visit their students in their countries.
"That, to me, is extremely rewarding. It shows that we are building lifelong international friendships," said Ms. Hollie.
Jim and Mary Jane Ahmann are an example of such AMIGO sponsors. They have been AMIGOs for more than 15 years.
"Anybody who does it will learn that you get so much back, far more than you give," said Mary Jane Ahmann. "It doesn't cost anything to love them, just serve them the best you can."
Davrankbek Sadikov, a DLI student from Kyrgyzstan, is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Ahmann. He has been in the United States for nine months, learning our language.
"They are not just AMIGOs, they are our American parents," said Mr. Sadikov. "Our relationship started when we arrived here at the airport gate."
The Ahmanns have taken Sadikov and other DLI students from his country on numerous cultural education trips, as well as shopping, and cooked them dinner at their home.
"Every person has dreams in their life," said Mr. Sadikov. "One of my dreams was to see the ocean. Thanks to my AMIGOs, I was able to achieve my dream. It was the most interesting time in my life."
Mrs. Ahmann, who has a minor in English, also helps Mr. Sadikov and other students with their English.
"Mary Jane is the queen of grammar," Mr. Sadikov said.
Mr. Sadikov plans to take back aspects of our culture that he has enjoyed.
"American people like to be independent," Mr. Sadikov said. "They can choose what professions they want and can choose to marry who they want. And I think it's important to give people the opportunity to choose who they want to be in this life."
Ms. Hollie is happy to see the bond that the Ahmanns have formed with Mr. Sadikov, and says that the program has an even deeper purpose.
"Some of these students are potential policy makers and could be influential in decisions made that affect our country. It is important that they have a good idea of who we are," Ms. Hollie said.
Mr. Sadikov adds that he believes AMIGOs will also get a lot out of the program.
"People who choose to become AMIGOs will become like a family with their students," said Mr. Sadikov. "It's a good opportunity for them to learn about our culture, too."