AY 2007-2008 Projects - Near East and North Africa

Country                       Syria
City                              Damascus
Host Institution           Ministry of Education

Project Description
Change from Ministry of Education to the International University of Science and Technology (IUST). Revised project: Teacher training / workshops. Curriculum improvement / choosing new books and materials. Quality assurance (e.g. class observations). Assessment Extracurricular activities (book club, movie club, etc.) IUST would provide an office, computer with internet connection, and transportation to and from the university. We have met a number of times with the Director of IUST's English Language Program and other university administrators. In our view, it is a serious and worthy university. We have been impressed especially by the thoughtful and organized approach of the Director of the English Program. He would be delighted to have a Fellow. One additional note: Arab American University, another private university, hopes to start classes in the Fall. It will be headed by the very competent and experienced Dr. Al-Khalifa, who has a U.S. PH.D. in American History and is a former Humphrey Fellow. During breaks at their primary jobs, we hope that next year's Fellows will be able to provide some assistance to Arab American University as well.

Project Objectives
The objective of the project is to extend English language skills to a broader and younger group of Syrians, thus contributing to the development of a pro-American successor generation. Educational programs, especially those focusing on English language training and teaching, are among the few, and are probably the most effective avenues of outreach.  

About the Host Institution
International University of Science and Technology is one of Syria's new private university, 30 minutes south of Damascus (immediately next door to Arab European University. IUST will start its third year of operation in the Fall. Its primary language of instruction is English. Its English language program had 600 students last year and will have more in 2007-8.