Foreign Language Proficiency Has Improved, but Efforts to Reduce Gaps Need Evaluation

Foreign language proficiency is a key skill for U.S. diplomats. For example, it helps the State Department effectively process visa applications and address security concerns. Yet, we've found that State has persistent shortfalls in this area—23% of its overseas positions that required foreign language proficiency were filled by staff that didn't meet the requirements (as of September 2016).
State developed a strategic plan to address this issue, and it has implemented a number of actions in its plan. However, it hasn't evaluated if these efforts are effective at improving its foreign language capabilities. We recommended they do so. More...