US DEPARTMENT OF STATE

The Department of State is one of GLS’ largest clients whom we have supported for more than a decade. Read more below.

GLS has served on US DoS programs for more than a decade, to include a prime contract providing distance learning to FSI and subcontracts providing translation, interpretation and vetting services at US Embassies and consulates worldwide.

  • As a prime Contractor to the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), GLS implemented the FSI’s first distance learning mentor program. Under this contract, GLS supplied more than 30 highly qualified foreign language instructors who taught thousands of hours of foreign language at all proficiency levels online (e.g., Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Turkish, Japanese and more) to diplomats worldwide. GLS’ mentors also helped prepare diplomats to pass the rigorous FSI language exam.

  • GLS recruited and deployed highly experienced and cleared translators, interpreters and vetting specialists to the US Embassies in IraqAfghanistan and Saudi Arabia. These diplomatic-level linguists and screeners were US citizens who possessed native-level proficiency in both English and Arabic, Dari or Pashto. GLS’ vetting specialists were adept in conducting background interviews and trained in proper screening techniques along with the use of polygraph and biometric equipment.

  • GLS provided English language testing (speaking, reading and writing) and English as a Second Language (ESL) training to local guard forces who secured US Embassies at 12 locations worldwide. As a subcontractor, GLS prepared and administered language exams tailored to the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) levels required by the US DoS for guards at each Embassy per contract requirements. GLS’ ESL instructors also provided initial and refresher training to local guard force personnel, as required by the prime contractor.

  • Under a separate subcontract, GLS supported the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) with conferences held in the Tri-border region of South America. In this capacity, GLS provided support to international judicial and law enforcement conferences, including all course scheduling and organization; translation of hundreds of pages of course materials (English <> Spanish); and real-time simultaneous interpretation from English into Spanish.