A few years ago I was employed at a college in S.A. At any time there was over 100 Cadets on campus. I think that many of these did not even have English as a second language. It was largely dependent upon the level of western influence in their home country.
Generally, folks from places like Indonesia and Malaysia had a better grasp of English than, say China, Korea or Vietnam. To their credit, I admire all of them for being able to learn such a complex task in a foreign (to them) language.
Regardless of that, all students received formal training at the Ground School in 'aviation English' I don't think that course goes far enough to address the problems being experienced at the moment. Fourex ample, we all (both pilots, FSO's and ATCO's) 'slip' on occasion, and use non-standard phraseology with our R/T. If the student hasn't learnt it, then it's an endless loop of "say again?"
I agree that there must be a higher level of English competency with the training of foreign students.
W.H.D, count me in. Check my profile for details. By the way, take a look at the thread I started a couple of months ago titled "unusual student responses" Perhaps you have a contribution or two?
[This message has been edited by Hugh Jarse (edited 13 February 1999).]