The significant progress made in the United States' foreign language education system in recent decades is not enough. If the current system is to expand adult foreign language competency and use, both a change of perspective and a new organizational superstructure are necessary to serve those needs more directly, which in turn demands a coordinated national effort. A number of professional language associations and legislators are joining the effort to develop a national strategy. The experience of other countries can be very helpful in the planning process. Research and consultation with scholars from other countries suggests that a national plan should include: expansion of demand for foreign language skills; expansion and systematization of adult language teaching services; creation of a system for foreign language skill reinforcement, rejuvenation, and upgrading; using the language skills of immigrant communities as a national resource; providing specialized language services; developing university faculty and student language competency outside the foreign language departments; concentrating on high-level language skills; tying language learning to foreign experience; and broadening the spectrum of foreign languages available for adult and occupational use. Existing, isolated efforts must be coordinated and expanded to be effective. (MSE)