Here on CultureReady, we have a variety of resources for a wide audience, from our videos, made up largely of interviews featured in our Virtual Culture Awareness Trainers (VCATs), to information on scholarship opportunities for university-bound students, such as the Boren Awards.

Two of the most popular resources that we get asked about are SOFTS and Joint Language University.

SOFTS

Special Operations Forces Teletraining System, or SOFTS, is a language and culture online training environment. According to their website, "the program is designed to support operators in the Special Forces community, but classes are available to any active duty, reserve, or civilian personnel on a space-available basis."

SOFTS is available to any Special Forces operator from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force, as well as any active duty, reserve, or civilian personnel from the Department of Defense or other government agencies depending on space availability.

Joint Language University

The Joint Language University, or JLU, is a U.S. government-sponsored language training portal that allows students to acquire, maintain, enhance and/or refresh their language skills. The repository offers over 10,000 catalog items, including targeted language training, assessment objects and area and culture training.

While SOFTS offers an online training environment that allows for direct interaction between learners and instructors, JLU's focus is on self-paced learning that covers a variety of geographic locations and languages.

To discover more online culture and language training, visit CultureReady's Resources & Training page and explore what we have to offer. And of course, don't forget about CultureReady Basics, our own language training tool that teaches culture competencies, as well as tips and strategies for interacting effectively across cultures.

Is there something you think we should include that we don't? Contact us and let us know!