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Numerous reports and articles have decried the mediocrity of U.S. students' foreign language skills and have called for improved language education. One study that looked at foreign language education in 19 countries suggests several characteristics of successful foreign language programs: starting early, providing an articulated framework, treating language as a core subject, having strong supportive leaders, focusing on professional development, actively promoting proficiency, and nourishing heritage languages. Both Europe and Canada take language learning seriously: The European Union's 2004-2006 action plan asserts that multilingualism is a basic skill for all European citizens. Canada's action plan for foreign language education promotes the use of English and French, the two official languages. (Contains 1 figure.)