[moog]

To me, 2 or more years is long term. No, it is not that unusual for them to enroll in English-speaking schools at all, it is the norm. Some expatriates do indeed learn the language of their host country, while others do not.

[upier]

I was thinking more along the lines of servicemen doing an overseas assignment. I think they should encourage their children to learn the local language since they are guests and it would be rude not to. However, if they know they are returning back to the states they want to keep up with their children's education.