Q.1
I've learned that members of FSP cadre have to undertake a 12 month training in language at one of the foreign universities. What is this course about? Is some specified linguistic study offered or you need to master one language. If yes, is it our choice to select a particular language e.g if i like Arabic & Persian, is I am free to go for one of them or FSP can put me to any langauge by their choice & requirement.
Q.2
For an instance, I am offered a specialised course in French. Then how will I utilise my knowledge when I am NOT posted in France? I mean FSP Officers continue to move here and there. Then, it is pointless to provide them training in one language.
Q.3
It's one of the most painstaking academic tasks to learn an altogether new language. We can see the way we are fed up with English and still the maximum people fail in English in BA & CSS. So, how is it possible for someone to qualify himself in a foreign language like Chinese or Spanish

Yes , u have to do specialization in any one language, after one year of joining ministry.

You are asked to give your choices ( 3 only)...but it depends on vacancies, merit and Ministry policy to send u on a specific language...

Its not necessary that u will be posted in the country , whose language u have learnt, French is spoken in many countries, but u can be posted to middle east also...its upto u to keep ur language fresh... Ministry has to rotate u as per policy. Its just an additional qualification.

it is definitely possible to learn a language if u give full and dedicated time to it n that is why u are sent abroad. Now if even u can't do that, u better quit service. Its not tough task..People have learnt languages like chinese also which is most difficult language having just over 200 basic alphabets or symbols...

I have a few questions regarding language course and posting.
1. On what basis the language course is assigned in fsp? What is required?
Does merit,gender or previous knowledge of any foreign language make any difference?
For example if a candidate has already taken some course in, say, chinese or french, would that be of any help to him/ her in the official language course selection?
2. Another question of mine is that, are female f.s officers allowed their first preference in language courses compared to the male?
and also
3. Does gender play any role in postings to foreign countries?

1. Its normally your choices and your merit i.e. (CSS+CTP+STP+FPOE marks). Required is good marks in all to get language of your choice

2. Merit does matter, infact matters a lot, gender and previous knowledge may become a factor but not necessarily. Its adjusted among the group of fellows basing on merit first, then some other factors (if applicable)

3. Well as i said it may become a factor but not necessarily as merit is given priority. After that a female may be given a language basing on circumstances or compassionate case if any.

4. Gender does not play any role in posting abroad, except for some gulf countries(For e.g. Saudi Arabia) where is suppose females can't be posted

Dear Scorpssshadow,
Thanks for your answers
Sir as you said marks obtained in CSS+CTP+STP+FPOE make where you stand in FSP. Can you please elaborate what is FPOE?
Can you please also hint on what are the responsibilities FSPs undertake once they start their job. Also can anyone throw light on what sort of aptitude is required for somone to be in FSP. I am not talking about family issues, husband-wife relations etc. What should be the qualities and inborn abilities to succeed in this career.

Its Final Passing Out Exam.

__________________
Absence is to love what wind is to fire: it extinguishes the small and enkindles the great – Comte de Bussy-Babutin

ty @ scorps
Is there any website that holds information on language courses and the vacancies there in?

Are Italian and German languages included in the FS languages program ?

No specific website...vacancies are according to requirements of the foreign office as well as officers already doing those languages....