| Full Project Descriptions - Burma, American Center (English for academic purposes) - Filled
- Burma, American Center (journalism) - Filled/Confirmed Renewal
- Burma, American Center (public speaking) - Filled
- Cambodia, Royal University of Phnom Penh - Filled
- China, Beijing Foreign Studies University - Filled/Confirmed Renewal
- China, BN Vocational School - Filled
- China, Sichuan Normal University - Filled
- China, Wenzhou University - Filled
- China, Xinjiang Normal University - Filled
- Indonesia, Gorontalo State University - Filled
- Indonesia, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Ar Raniry
- Indonesia, Institut Agama Islam Negeri Antasari Banjarmasin - Filled
- Indonesia, Sebelas Maret University - Filled
- Indonesia, Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) - Filled/Confirmed Renewal
- Indonesia, Universitas Bengkulu - Filled
- Indonesia, Universitas Islam Negeri Malang - Filled/Confirmed Renewal
- Indonesia, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta - Filled
- Indonesia, University of Muhammadiyah Gresik - Filled/Confirmed Renewal
- Indonesia, Telkom School of Engineering - Filled/Confirmed Renewal
- Indonesia, US Department of Justice - Filled
- Indonesia, US Embassy/RELO Office - Filled/Confirmed Renewal
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Mongolia, University of Education - Filled/Confirmed Renewal - South Korea, Gyeonggi Institute for Foreign Language Education - Filled
- Thailand, Islamic College of Thailand - Filled
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Timor-Leste, Ministry of Education - Filled - Vietnam, Hanoi University - Filled/Confirmed Renewal
- Vietnam, Hue University - Filled
- Vietnam, Vinh University - Filled
Burma
City Rangoon
Host Institution The American Center (English for Academic Purposes)
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates November 2008-August 2009
Project Focus
English for Reading, English for Writing, English for Academic Purposes, Course Design
Project Description
The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) class is the most popular class at the American Center – more than 100 adults sign up for the 16 available slots. This course allows the Center to introduce such critical skills as research, surveying, and academic reading to an adult population whose government denies them such an education. Students who take this class are better prepared to study abroad, get a job, or give back to their community in very practical ways. The incoming EL Fellow will teach one or two EAP classes, plus two classes of advanced English. The EL Fellow will also offer a new EAP II class, which would promote greater independence among students while encouraging them to pursue more advanced research and coursework. This course will fall along the lines of an independent study class, but the EL Fellow would have to assess what would be the most appropriate EAP II class to offer and then build the curriculum accordingly. The EL Fellow will also offer seminars at the Myanmar Institute of Theology in Rangoon (the only American Corner in Burma), and at locations in Mandalay and Myitkina, Kachin State.
Project Objectives
The original intention in creating this class was to put a “cap” on Center’s six levels of English (Beginner through High Intermediate I) because it was previously not satisfied with the level of fluency of the students who “graduated” from the level 6 class. This new EAP class has addressed those concerns and proven to be the most popular class the Center offer. English for Academic Purposes is a crucial and necessary class to ensure that the students who attend Center’s programs acquire the rigorous academic reading, writing and research skills needed to study effectively at the collegiate level overseas. While the EAP class addresses the needs of this important population, the Center also finds many students who have no intention to study abroad still eagerly take the class. The Center has seen democracy activists take the class so they can apply their new skills to collecting information on human rights abuses, write compelling reports, and participate in international awareness campaigns about Burma. Some former EAP students have gone on to open their own informal English language centers or small libraries to build the capacity of other young people in Burma. Ultimately, while the topic of this class is not threatening to the regime, the democratic principles it promotes and the investment in people that it facilitates are changing Burma for the better.
About the Host Institution
The American Center is the US Embassy’s public diplomacy arm. The Center hosts a thriving library and the English language program, which offers beginner to advanced intermediate English classes plus numerous electives. Most of the Embassy’s cultural programs are run out of the American Center. Additionally, the American Center offers a weekly movie program and houses a Self-Access Center (SAC) for the self-study of English. It receives about 500 visitors to the library a day, has over 500 students enrolled in its English language classes, and its cultural programs regularly draw audiences of up to 100. The Center is the best way to disseminate information and build mutual understanding between the people of the US and Burma.
[top] Burma City Rangoon
Host Institution The American Center (journalism)
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates November 2008-August 2009
Project Focus
ESP Journalism, Media, English for Writing
Project Description
The American Center is the only institution in Burma to offer journalism classes to the general public. The US Embassy has successfully done so for two years, educating young people who go on to work for important media outlets. The classes equip all who attend with important writing, research, and critical thinking skills vital to the future development of Burma. The Introduction to Journalism courses cover the basic principles of solid reporting and good ethics. These are not topics easily taught by a local hire, as they require specialized, hands-on experience and a nuanced understanding of how to teach journalism in a closed society. The current EL Fellow is now building a curriculum for an intermediate level course and is creating a stronger network between professional journalists in Burma and her students. The incoming journalism EL Fellow will build on this success by offering advanced media courses, as well as intro courses. The EL Fellow will work a following schedule of teaching Level 5 or 6 English, which has an extremely strong writing component, as well as one or two journalism electives. The EL Fellow will also work with professional journalists to improve their English, which is an essential skill for their ability to report developments inside Burma to international media outlets. The “Saffron Revolution” led by Burmese monks in September 2007 and the regime’s subsequent harsh crackdown captured the attention of media around the world. Since the ruling regime now actively seeks to close off the people of Burma from the outside world, and vice versa, this duty plays a vital role in spreading the word in both directions. The EL Fellow will periodically offer workshops and seminars to NGOs who need assistance in writing more polished press releases and speaking to the media effectively. Burmese weeklies are now offering in-house training for their new hires as a result of their growing understanding that the journalist career is an important one which requires professional development and training. The EL Fellow will offer some “train-the-trainer” seminars to those staff at semi-independent local media who are responsible for the training of these local hires. Additionally, the EL Fellow will offer Introduction to Media seminars at the Myanmar Institute of Theology (the site of the sole American Corner in Burma), as well as at locations in Mandalay and Myitkina, Kachin State.
Project Objectives
Spreading access to accurate and uncensored information within Burma and helping inform the world about the regime’s continuing human rights abuses are two top strategic priorities. The importance journalists play in Burma was clear during the September protests and subsequent crackdown. While the US Embassy supports professional journalists through a variety of training programs with or in partnership with international NGOs, this ETF program offers an only opportunity in Burma for young aspiring Burmese journalists to develop proper writing, interviewing and reporting techniques and develop the ethical framework vital for reliable reporting. It is important to nurture a new generation of journalists, who will help shape the future direction of Burma’s media, and help them learn their trade before they apply it.
About the Host Institution
The American Center is the U.S. Embassy’s public diplomacy arm. The Center hosts a thriving library and the English language program, which offers beginner to advanced intermediate English classes plus numerous electives. The Center also runs most of the Embassy’s cultural programs. Additionally, the Center offers a weekly movie program and houses a Self-Access Center (SAC) for the self-study of English. The Center receives about 500 visitors to the library a day, has over 500 students enrolled in its English language classes, and its cultural programs regularly draw audiences of up to 100. The Center is the best way to disseminate information and build mutual understanding between the people of America and Burma.
[top] Burma
City Rangoon
Host Institution The American Center (public speaking)
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates November 2008-August 2009
Project Focus
English for Speaking, Civic Education
Project Description
The generals ruling Burma believe that silence is golden, and actively try to restrict the ability of citizens to exercise the right of free speech. The US Embassy has tried to encourage critical thinking and promote collective problem-solving through its debate clubs and speaker programs, but the regime’s crackdown in September 2007 after peaceful protests led by monks has made it even more difficult for the Embassy to address these issues directly. Instead, the Embassy is seeking to expand its American Center offerings to teach public speaking skills that will help develop the future leaders of a democratic Burma. An EL Fellow will offer the level of professional and innovative teaching the Embassy requires to get the public speaking program off the ground. In the past, the Embassy tapped a locally hired staff member with a background and interest in theater to spearhead the public speaking programs, but after three years, he returned to the United States in mid-2007. There is no one locally who can fill the important gap he left in terms of teaching public speaking classes and related topics. Additionally, unlike a local hire, an EL Fellow could assess and enhance the efficiency with which our “core” English language classes encourage and promote speaking skills as American Center teachers often struggle with using oral assessments effectively as a tool in the evaluation progress. An EL Fellow would strongly improve both our public speaking elective and our core level classes. Time permitting, the EL Fellow would also offer seminars at the Myanmar Institute of Theology in Rangoon (the site of the sole American Corner), and at organizations in Mandalay and Myitkina, Kachin State.
Project Objectives
Burma’s generals rule by divide-and-conquer, doing all they can to sow discord and discontent among people, even those of the same community or group. After 45 years of harsh authoritarian rule, people in Burma have adapted the best they can, but most no longer know how to use discussion to solve problems or debate to explore other points of view. Since Burmese citizens cannot congregate openly in groups of five or more, nor can they publicly express their views, experienced practitioners of dialogue, compromise and conflict resolution are difficult to find. The Embassy’s top three MSP priorities are to promote democracy and respect for human rights, invest in the future of the people of Burma, and spread the word by sharing information. Public speaking will build key critical thinking skills among Burmese and give people the confidence needed to speak out and debate a variety of topics. Many of the young adults with whom we work today are unable to construct and deconstruct rationale and effective arguments, instead appealing too often to emotions. When a transition to democracy comes to Burma, as it soon will, this will be a dangerous weakness. A EL Fellow will build a strong new public speaking program at the American Center, and reinforce what the Embassy is doing to promote critical thinking, presentations skills and creativity in all of the offered classes. By doing so, the Embassy will be able to equip important community leaders, as well as a new generation of young adults, with the vital art of compromise, negotiation and dialogue.
About the Host Institution
The American Center is the U.S. Embassy’s public diplomacy arm. The Center hosts a thriving library and the English language program, which offers beginner to advanced intermediate English classes plus numerous electives. The Center also runs most of the Embassy’s cultural programs. Additionally, the Center offers a weekly movie program and houses a Self-Access Center (SAC) for the self-study of English. The Center receives about 500 visitors to the library a day, has over 500 students enrolled in its English language classes, and its cultural programs regularly draw audiences of up to 100. The Center is the best way to disseminate information and build mutual understanding between the people of America and Burma.
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Cambodia
City Phnom Penh
Host Institution Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP)
Type of Project Senior Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 - June 2009
Project Focus
Journalism
Project Description
The EL Fellow will:
- Outline/ revise the syllabus of the Department of Media and Communication (DMC) English classes Year 1 (9 hrs/week) and Year 2 (6-9 hrs/ week) with a strong focus on media
- Help develop/ gather appropriate teaching materials
- Train the current English teachers both regarding content and teaching methods.
With this project the US Embassy hopes to raise the level of journalistic English in Cambodia, among both working reporters and journalism students. The project requires that the EL Fellow assist in the development of a standards-based English curriculum, which includes journalistic English, for first and second year journalism students. The curriculum should include both content standards (the knowledge, concepts and skills that students should acquire during a course) and performance standards (the level of work that demonstrates achievement of the content standards, allowing a lecturer to know "how good id good enough"). At present, DMC students receive a rudimentary level of English-language instruction, which is provided by a cohort of journalism teachers. Although the English teachers have expressed a strong desire to prepare their students well, none of them have formal training in language methodology. The EL Fellow can build institutional capacity by designing and implementing an intensive English training program for the cohort. Included should be instruction to both strengthen the level of spoken and written English of the lecturers as well as modeling a comprehensive pedagogical education. This will allow the teachers to greatly improve their delivery of English training to the students. In addition, the EL Fellow will:
- Conduct a one-week workshop for 25 English-teacher trainers from Cambodia's Regional Teacher Training Centers (RTTC)
- Conduct at least one follow up visit to each RTTC
- Conduct a 1-day English camp for students in post's English Access program
- Conduct programs as appropriate at Cambodia's American Corners.
Project Objectives
Command of the English language is crucial to the new generation of Cambodian journalists for a variety of reasons. This project will have a significant impact on the quality of English education received by young Cambodian student journalists and working media professionals who study at the host institution at night. This impact will last for years, and will affect literally hundreds of students and journalists. In the long-term, the quality of Cambodian journalism should improve and will have a broad affect on such goals as rule of law, anti-corruption, judicial reform, and respect for democratic institutions. The project will have an additional national impact by improving the quality of English instruction throughout the country's public junior high schools by continuing the work of previous EL Fellows to strengthen the skills of the country's English-teacher trainers at the RTTCs, where all of the country's junior high English teachers receive their English training.
About the Host Institution
The Department of Media and Communication (DMC) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP) is the only academic training ground for student journalists and media professionals in Cambodia. Since 2004, four generations of graduates (15 to 22 students annually) have graduated from the university with a bachelor’s degree and either entered the media field or won scholarships in order to further their media studies abroad. DMC students have successfully taken up a wide variety of media jobs. Their four-year training is conducted in primarily in English and includes subjects such as press relations as well as newspaper editing and radio and TV production.
[top] China
City Beijing
Host Institution Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU)
Type of Project Senior Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
Computers, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
US Embassy and Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU) request an EL Fellow to continue the host institution’s ongoing curriculum reform project, specifically in the School of English and International Studies (SEIS) writing group. More specifically, BFSU wants to build on the current 2007-2008 EL Fellow writing project by using it as a basis to create a complete online writing center that all BFSU students can access in 2008-2009. The current EL Fellow writing project is the first step of BFSU’s plan to construct the first online English language writing center at a Chinese university. As BFSU is the leading foreign language university in China, it naturally desires to use the online writing center project to continue its 66-year history of leading innovation in language teaching that other Chinese universities follow. Therefore, it is essential that BFSU host a EL Fellow to ensure proper implementation of the online writing center project as this project will impact not only BFSU but also all universities in China. The 2007-2008 long-term EL Fellow project for SEIS is to standardize grading, weekly essay marking and comments, and other aspects of writing courses like classroom procedures and lesson planning. The main focus is on analyzing course material and surveying students and teachers in order to finalize grading rubrics, comments, editing symbols, and essay samples. These will then be put online for BFSU students to refer to as directed by professors. This will standardize instruction and grading across all classes within a course. The 2008-2009 long-term EL Fellow project will include creating an even more complete online writing center tailored to BFSU students. This will include tutorials, tips, and other materials - surveys indicate this is most wanted and needed at BFSU. Once tested, the online writing center will be made available online publicly to students outside BFSU and the general public. Allowing BFSU to host a EL Fellow in 2008-2009, will create an exceptional opportunity to show all education professionals and government officials in China that the English Language Fellow program provides Fellows who can work with Chinese university educators to complete unique, useful long-term projects in addition to teaching. In addition to the online writing project, BFSU requests a EL Fellow in order to boost native English speaker input into 1st Year and 2nd Year Writing and Oral English courses. BFSU plans to augment the excellent work of Chinese English language professionals by having every student complete at least one required Writing or Oral English course taught by a native English speaking professor. This partnership in teaching between nonnative English speakers and native English speakers is now the focus of English language teaching organizations like TESOL around the world in addition to being a focus of BFSU curriculum reform. Therefore, a EL Fellow can help BFSU meet its ongoing commitment to embracing international English language teaching standards.
Scope of Work
a) Classroom Hours: total of 1-5 hours of classroom instruction in any combination of the following courses: 1st Year Writing, 2nd Year Writing, 1st Year Oral English, or 2nd Year Oral English for English Majors, Journalism Majors, and Diplomacy Majors.
b) Long-term Project: Online Writing Project (described above). Total 10-12 hours per week plus prep and office hours time.
c) When time allows: the EL Fellow will help the US Embassy and the RELO with some outreach activities. For example, the EL Fellow may be a judge for the national speaking contest which is televised nationally on CCTV. The EL Fellow may also be asked to give a few talks or workshops to high school teachers and other such events as come up.
Project Objectives
As BFSU is the leading foreign language university in China, it naturally desires to use the online writing center project to continue its 66-year history of leading innovation in language teaching that other Chinese universities follow. Therefore, it is essential BFSU host an EL Fellow to ensure proper implementation of the online writing center project as this project will impact not only BFSU but also all universities in China. Allowing BFSU to host an EL Fellow in 2008-2009, will create an exceptional opportunity to show all education professionals and government officials in China that the English Language Fellow program provides Fellows who can work with Chinese university educators to complete unique, useful long-term projects in addition to teaching. The work that the current EL Fellow is doing will have national implications here and affect millions of students and teachers. This will be an outstanding result for the China EL Fellow program. The online program will be able to collaborate with the work that is being done at a higher level through an MOU between the Chinese Ministry of Education and the U.S. Department of Education regarding online language training.
About the Host Institution
Beijing Foreign Studies University is the first institution of higher education in China specializing in foreign language studies. The University is still considered the premier language learning center in the country.
[top] China
City Chengdu, Sichuan Province
Host Institution Foreign Languages College, Sichuan Normal University (SNU)
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
English for Writing, English for Speaking, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will continue working on a current project that is in place and is expected to carry out the following duties:
• Teaching subjects: English Teaching Methods and its Research Approach, Social Linguistics, Semantics, and Pragmatics at graduate level; writing and oral English at undergraduate level
• In the first semester, the EL Fellow will teach English Teaching Methods and its Research Approach (two periods each week); Social Linguistics (two periods each week); writing (4 or 6 periods each week); and oral English (two periods each week)
• In the second semester, the EL Fellow will teach two courses: Semantics (two periods each week), and Pragmatics (two periods each week); writing (4 or 6 periods each week); and oral English (two periods each week)
• Each period is 45 minutes
• Teaching load: 12 hours per week
Project Objectives
The EL Fellow has helped and will continue to help the university students and the faculty to better understand U.S. culture and society, as well as understand American academic standards. The EL Fellow’s professionalism this year has been a strong example of American work ethics, fairness, and excellent academic principles in action.
About the Host Institution
Sichuan Normal University is the largest provincial key university with the most complete course offerings among the provincial universities and colleges in the Sichuan Province. It has long academic and cultural traditions. As a provincial key university, SNU focuses on the pursuit of liberal arts and sciences, equally emphasizing teacher and none-teacher training. The EL Fellow will be housed in an apartment in the foreign faculty building on campus. The apartment consists of a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen and a private bathroom with hot running water and a western style toilet. The EL Fellow will teach on the campus where s/he resides. There is Internet and phone available in the apartment.
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China
City Cha Shan High Education Park, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province
Host Institution Foreign Languages College, Wenzhou University
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, American Literature, English for Speaking, English for Writing
Project Description
The EL Fellow is expected to teach English majors at the University such courses like English Conversation (freshmen), American Culture (sophomores), English Writing(sophomores), Appreciation of English Poetry (senior students and post graduates), etc. Typically the EL Fellow will have 2 or 3 different courses and teach 14 to 18 periods (45 minutes per period) and hold 1 office hour per week. As to the outreach programs, there will be workshops arranged for the EL Fellow to talk to English teaching faculty from the foreign language school and the University. There will also be workshops arranged for EL Fellow to talk to High School English teachers. Depending on the situation, these will take place 1-2 times per semester.
Project Objectives
Wenzhou is an important commercial center in the coastal province of Zhejiang. It has long been known for its spirit of entrepreneurialism and its outward-looking posture. US Embassy views an EL Fellow program as fulfilling a real need for improved EL instruction in the region and an excellent opportunity to reinvigorate dormant educational ties with an important, but distant center of commerce in this consular district. Combined with US Embassy’s Spring 2008 EL Specialist program at the same institution, this program will serve to have a sustained, concrete impact on the standard of English-language instruction at Wenzhou University and serve to cement ties between the US Embassy and this important regional university in the far south of the Shanghai consular district, one with which we previously have had little substantive contact.
About the Host Institution Foreign Languages College (FLC) of Wenzhou University (WZU) was established in 1978, previously known as the teaching and research section of Wenzhou Junior Teachers’ College founded in 1973. Currently, there are two Master’s degree programs (English Language and Literature, and English Curriculum and Teaching Methodology), two Bachelor’s degree programs (English Education, and English Language and Literature) and two 3-year programs (Business English, and Applied English). Now it is one of the comparatively large-scale colleges of WZU. Guided by the educational concept of “emphasizing basic knowledge, focusing on skills and abilities and stressing the qualities”, the College persists in the training of compound talents suited to Wenzhou characteristics. It emphasizes teaching administration and pays special attention to teaching methodology and quality. Meanwhile, it adopts an education mode of platform plus module, namely, in the first two years, it offers general education to all students and in the second two years, it offers such research orientation modules as English Literature and Language, English Education, Business English and Pragmatic Translation. It also boasts a group of teaching staff with rich teaching experience, meticulous scholarship and prominent teaching qualities. Up to now, the College has made every effort to grasp all opportunities, deepen the reform and strengthen the construction of disciplines. With a brand new concept of administration and education, FLC is bound to have a promising future. [top]
China
City Urumqi, Xinjiang Province
Host Institution Xinjiang Normal University
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates October 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques, ELT
Project Description
The EL Fellow will work in the following two main capacities: (1) as a teacher in the College of Foreign Languages (typically 8-10 lecture hours per week), and (2) as a teacher trainer for secondary education (junior and senior) teachers in English language support and teaching methodologies throughout the province in conjunction with staff from the College of Foreign Languages and the Teaching and Research Centre. The EL Fellow will give some workshops in Urumqi, and will take a trip to other cities in the province approximately once a month. The University has noted a tremendous difference between the EL Fellows who come with a Masters degree in TESOL and other foreign teachers who have no degree or only a certificate. The EL Fellows have been able to assist the University with improving its level of academics and its staff. The outreach programs to the high school teachers and trainers in other cities in Xinjiang can only happen with trained professionals like the Fellow. The work the EL Fellows have done over the last two years has had a major impact in teaching in the Xinjiang Province, not just at the university. This is why providing an EL Fellow to this institution for a third year is important. The US Embassy is hoping to be able to find an EL Fellow who has commitment to professionalism and willingness to endure living and travelling in a harsh environment. Urumqi is an isolated area and living there is difficult. It would help if the next EL Fellow also had some facility with Mandarin.
Secondary Project Duties
The EL Fellow will give some workshops in Urumqi, and will take a trip to other cities in the province approximately once a month.
Project Objectives
The University has noted a tremendous difference between the EL Fellows who come with a Masters degree in TESOL and other foreign teachers who have no degree or only a certificate. The EL Fellows have been able to assist the University with improving its level of academics and its staff. The outreach programs to the high schools teachers and trainers in other cities in Xinjianyg can only happen with trained professionals like the EL Fellows.
About the Host Institution
Along with Xinjiang University, Xinjiang Normal University is the leading institution of higher learning in the Xinjiang Province. The Normal University has a higher minority population and has traditionally received less attention than the rival Xinjiang University. Xinjiang Province is home to 20 million Chinese representing 55 different ethnic groups. Ethnic minorities make up 60% of the region's population and a sizeable portion of Xinjiang Normal University's student make-up. Xinjiang Normal University enrolls approximately 23,000 students. In addition to a strong foreign language department, Xinjiang Normal University is known for its Ethnology and Religion Studies programs. In 1995, the University was included on the List of International Universities issued by the Association of International Universities of UNESCO. Xinjiang Normal University consists of 11 Colleges, offering undergraduate and vocational education, postgraduate education, international students' education, and adult education (continuing education). There are more than 23,000 students studying at the University, with 14,000 undergraduates and vocational students, near 800 master candidates, 100 international students, and 9000 adult students. There are two key subjects at the provincial level Ethnology and Religion, and the Oasis Study, and another seven key subjects at the University level: Education Science, the Ethnic Language and Literature, the History and Literature of the Western Region in China, Sports, Musicology, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, and the Marxist Theory. There are 4 research centers, and 10 research sections and 16 research institutes.
[top]
Indonesia
City Sulawesi
Host Institution Gorontalo State University
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will teach English skills classes; assist in preparing students for the TOEFL exam, possibly leading a TOEFL prep class; and conduct teacher training workshops. In addition, the EL Fellow will promote cross-cultural awareness; and participate in extracurricular activities at the University.
Project Objectives
Improved English language instruction in the university English Department; better prepared students for study abroad; and increased motivation of students and teachers
About the Host Institution Gorontalo State University, located in Sulawesi, has six Faculties, including the Faculty of Letters and Culture, in which the English Department is located. The English Department currently has about 500 students and 45 lecturers, none of whom are native English speakers. Courses include Linguistics, Literature, Cross-cultural Understanding, and Teaching Methodology. Facilities include the Language Laboratory and the Center for Preparing Overseas Study. [top]
Indonesia
City Banda Aceh
Host Institution Institut Agama Islam Negeri Ar Raniry
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will teach a methodology course; ELT courses; one literature course; and train new teaching assistants at the University. In addition, the EL Fellow will participate in discussions and activities of the English Department Student Association; and assist with materials development.
Project Objectives
Improved methodology at the Institute's English Department; better trained teaching staff in the Department; and greater cross-cultural understanding.
About the Host Institution
IAIN, one of the oldest Islamic educational institutions in Banda Aceh, has five Faculties, of which the Faculty of Education is the largest. The English Department offers courses in English as well as language teaching methodology. The Institute trains many teachers of English for the local public schools.
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Indonesia
City Banjarmasin-Salimantan
Host Institution Institut Agama Islam Negeri Antasari Banjarmasin
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will teach ELT courses; assist with materials development; and conduct workshops for teachers of English. In addition, the EL Fellow will assist with program assessment and research projects; participate as a judge in speech and writing contests and debates; and work with conversation clubs at the University.
Project Objectives
Improved methodology of instruction; more motivated students and teachers; and enhanced reputation of the institution in the region.
About the Host Institution
Established in 1964, IAIN Antasari in Banjarmasin, Kalimantan is an educational institution of Islamic studies and offers English language instruction to its students and staff as well as to the community.
[top]
Indonesia
City Surakarta
Host Institution Sebelas Maret University
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will teach ELT courses; tutor students in English; conduct workshops for teachers; and assist in materials development. In addition, the EL Fellow will assist in managing the Language Resource Center; and upgrade quality of language instruction at the University.
Project Objectives
Improved quality of instruction; and enhanced motivation of students and staff.
About the Host Institution
The English Department at Sebelas Maret University has a teaching staff of 27, most of whom have attained the MA degree from the U.S., Australia, or England. Students are active in extracurricular activities, such as the theater club, the English magazine, and related research. The Department has four areas of study: Linguistics, English and American Literature, Translation, and American Studies.
[top]
Indonesia
City Semarang - Java
Host Institution Univeristas Negeri Semarang (UNNES)
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will teach courses in all language skills, with emphasis on Speaking; conduct teacher training workshops/seminars; assist colleagues in conducting research on ELT-related projects; assist with pre-departure training for staff going to study abroad; and help in developing a cooperative network with universities in the U.S. In addition, the EL Fellow will participate in presentations at American Corners and seminars for English teaching staff; and participate in English Camps and/or other special projects.
Project Objectives
Improvement in the University’s English teaching program.
More innovative language teaching methodology in the English Department.
Better prepared candidates for study programs in the U.S.
About the Host Institution
UNNES offers academic and professional training in the fields of education, science, technology, sports, arts, and culture. In addition, the University offers undergraduate and post-graduate programs in TEFL and trains teachers for the public schools. The University also prepares and encourages its lecturers for study abroad in order to enrich the international experience of its faculty.
[top]
Indonesia
City Bengkulu-Sumatra
Host Institution Universitas Bengkulu
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will teach ELT courses; assist with materials development; and conduct weekly workshops at the University. In addition, the EL Fellow will assist with language laboratory programs; and participate in English Clubs.
Project Objectives
Increased motivation among students and staff; better standards of language instruction; and greater proficiency in language and technology for both students and teachers.
About the Host Institution
The English Language Center at the University of Bengkulu provides English instruction for its students and staff as well as the general public. The center has 31 English language instructors. There is a Self Access Center with resources of autonomous language learning.
[top]
Indonesia
City Malang
Host Institution Universitas Islam Negeri Malang
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will teach English (ELT) to students and staff; conduct teacher training workshops; and serve as a resource person for curriculum, syllabus, and materials development. UIN Malang is an Islamic university with studies in Arabic and English. The English Department encourages language immersion in the university residences and through a variety of motivating activities, such as the debating club, a special English Day, and the English Bulletin. The EL Fellow will be expected to participate in these activities.
Project Objectives
Improved English language instruction at the university; higher level of proficiency for its teaching staff; and greater mutual understanding and cross-cultural awareness.
About the Host Institution
UIN Malang is an Islamic institution which offers instruction in Arabic and English. The English Department encourages language immersion in the student residences and through a variety of activities, including the Debating Club, the English Bulletin, a special English Day, and an English Week.
[top] Indonesia
City Yogyakarta
Host Institution Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will teach English (ELT) classes to staff and students; participate in student nursing dormitory activities to promote English language skills; and conduct teacher training workshops at the University. In addition, the EL Fellow will promote cross-cultural awareness and mutual understanding.
Project Objectives
Improved English language skills for nurses; and greater opportunity for nurses to study and work abroad.
About the Host Institution
The School of Nursing in the Medical Faculty of Muhammadiyah University wishes to establish an "international" class with English as the medium of instruction for a large number of its courses. The goal is to prepare their graduates for greater employment opportunities both in Indonesia and abroad.
[top]
Indonesia
City Gresik-Java
Host Institution University of Muhammadiyah Gresik
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will teach university English (ELT) classes; conduct training workshops for university English lecturers and for public school English teachers; and assist in materials development for the English Department. In addition, the EL Fellow will assist with Roundtable Discussions and participate in English Teachers Association; and speak at English Clubs for teachers and students.
Project Objectives
Increased motivation among staff and students to learn English; better teaching materials and more innovative methods of teaching English; higher standards of language teaching and learning at the university.
About the Host Institution
The University of Muhammadiyah Gresik is a private university with five Faculties, including the Faculty of Teacher and Training Education. The English Department offers a variety of courses for students and has a self-access resource center for both teachers and students. English language services are also provided to the public.
[top] Indonesia
City Bandung, West Java
Host Institution Telkom School of Engineering
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will teaching English to faculty, staff, and students; assist in materials development; and assist in planning programs for the language center.
Project Objectives
Improved quality of English language instruction; increased English language competence of teachers and students; and better materials for English language instruction.
About the Host Institution
STT Telkom focuses on the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) with three primary majors: Informatics Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering, and Industrial Engineering. The institution is currently establishing a language center, with English as the major language of study. The English teaching staff currently includes two full-time and eight part-time teachers. One primary goal of the center is the creation of new programs to assist both students and faculty in gaining greater competence in English.
[top]
Indonesia
City Jakarta
Host Institution U.S. Dept. of Justice, International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP)
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
ESP Law, Curriculum Development, ELT
Project Description
The EL Fellow will work on a Curriculum Development Program administered by ICITAP/DoL and assist in creating an action plan to expand and improve the existing curriculum for teachers of English to Indonesian law enforcement officers. S/he will also work on English language curriculum evaluation, English language curriculum development, and English language instruction (formal and informal). In addition, the EL Fellow will conduct outreach to educational institutions and instructors involved in the program. Other duties will include travel to other sites in the country to assist with the English Training Course for Indonesian law enforcement officers; workshops for course instructors in the program; and close collaboration with the Curriculum Development Program Technical Advisor.
Project Objectives
The EL Fellow will revamp the English education training system for the Indonesian National Police (INP), which includes over 300,000 employees; increase English language proficiency of Indonesian instructors of law enforcement officers; raise the professional competence of the program instructors; and improve communication between law enforcement officers and English-speaking tourists, business people, and international navigators on the sea.
About the Host Institution
The International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) works closely with the Indonesian National Police (INP) to train over 300,000 law enforcement officers in Indonesia. The program has a small number of English language instructors and no native speaker instructors. They wish to revamp the language education system, especially in the area of curriculum development and language teaching methodology. The ICITAP is a program of the U.S. Department of Justice at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta.
[top]
Indonesia
City Jakarta
Host Institution US Embassy/RELO Resource Center
Type of Project Senior Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, Project Management/Supervision
Project Description
The EL Fellow will coordinate the program for 10 other EL Fellows based in Indonesia. S/he will travel periodically to the 10 sites to lend support to the EL Fellows and their host institutions. S/he will organize all EL Fellow group events, including national English teacher conferences and a mid-year EL Fellow review. In addition to all tasks related to the EL Fellow Program in Indonesia, the EL Fellow Coordinator will also have the responsibility of assisting in the establishment of Indonesia's third English Teaching Learning Center to open in Banten, West Java. In addition, the EL Fellow Coordinator will facilitate EL Fellow participation in the 10 American Corners based in Indonesia, in the English Camps for the English Access Microscholarship Program, and in the national TEFLIN Conference. S/he will also conduct workshops/seminars on ELT and/or U.S. Culture.
Project Objectives
The EL Fellow Coordinator will sustain and improve the effectiveness of the English Language Fellow Program in Indonesia, the largest in the world, and help meet the US Embassy's goals of supporting English language education to help the country play a greater role in global and regional affairs, while also promoting mutual understanding between the U.S. and Indonesia.
About the Host Institution
The EL Fellow Coordinator will have office space in the RELO Resource Center, which is located outside the US Embassy and adjacent to the Aminef (America-Indonesia Fulbright Commission) office. The Center, which has a library of resources for teachers of English, is also the venue for the bi-weekly RELO Roundtable Discussions.
[top] Mongolia
City Ulaanbaatar
Host Institution University of Education
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 - June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, American Literature, Democracy/Civics, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Techniques, Pre-Service Teacher Training
Project Description
The EL Fellow will be based at the University of Education, the primary training center for Mongolian English teachers. Mongolia recently expanded English language education to start in fifth grade, and most primary and secondary school teachers graduate from the University of Education. The needs in Mongolia are very basic: most primary and secondary teachers have great difficulty conversing in English and schools and universities have very limited resources. With the EL Fellow teaching future English teachers and supplementing classroom teaching with teacher-training workshops, this project will contribute at the grassroots level with significant multiplier effects. English Department faculty at the University of Education is active in English language associations in Mongolia, an important group for the EL Fellow to engage. Moreover, with alumni throughout the country, the University of Education presents an ideal host institution for outreach to teachers already working in the classroom; this also offers an excellent opportunity for the US Embassy to contribute in regions beyond the capital. The University of Education is keen on hosting the EL Fellow. The head of the English Department would like the EL Fellow to teach courses in Speaking and Writing for students at all levels (including the Master’s level) for approximately 12-16 hours per week. Providing a variety of teaching skills is valuable in the educational system, as access to native speakers, new methodologies and ideas is limited. The University of Education understands the need to share the excellent resource that the EL Fellow represents, so the EL Fellow will also conduct teacher training workshops at other universities and schools. The timing of this placement is perfect with deep Mongolian interest in improving English education. In 2005, the Mongolian government decided to make English the second national language. Indeed, during his November 2005 visit to Mongolia, President Bush was asked by both the Mongolian President and Prime Minister for more scholarships and English language training and programming.
Project Objectives
The EL Fellow will have opportunities to engage Mongolian youth. S/he will conduct a weekly evening English hour or English through American culture hour. Programs at the American Center, located in the Ulaanbaatar Public Library, are open to the public and attract university students and English teachers. In addition, the EL Fellow will meet with the Access Microsholarship students in Ulaanbaatar once a month for a one hour program focusing on American culture. This would provide an enhancement activity for the Access students as well as an opportunity for the EL Fellow to meet Mongolian high school students. It is in our national interest that Mongolians not only learn English, but that they also learn about the US and its values through their study of English. The EL Fellow will be an important resource in this effort. Meeting with top educational directors to discuss other outreach opportunities and workshop scheduling.
About the Host Institution
The University of Education is the primary training center for Mongolian English teachers. Mongolia recently expanded English language education to start in fifth grade, and most primary and secondary school teachers graduate from the University of Education. English Department faculty at the University of Education are active in English language associations in Mongolia, an important group for the EL Fellow to engage.
[top] South Korea
City Pyongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
Host Institution Gyeonggi Institute for Foreign Language Education
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 - June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teacher Training
Project Description
During the previous EL Fellow Program in 2006-2007, the project was focused primarily on teacher training workshops, classroom management and demonstration as well as curriculum and material development. Within existing English language teacher training programs, methodology courses are overly theoretical, with little attention paid to practical application. Also, these existing methodology courses are taught and administered by Korean professors, with foreign teachers of English specializing in teaching English proficiency. In meeting with teachers nationwide, the US Embassy has determined that teachers are interested in learning know how to put methodologies into practice. However, the current system makes it very difficult for outside ideas to be considered or incorporated into existing programs. Three key goals for the 2008-2009 EL Fellow project in Korea have been identified:
1) Improve the awareness of the value of teaching and learning English beyond attaining high test scores
2) Improve the understanding of the US among teachers, school administrators, government officials, the media, and students
3) Increase the effectiveness of English language learning among teachers by providing opportunities to discuss and practice teaching methods and techniques, while also improving their English fluency.
To achieve these goals, the ELF will:
1) Plan and teach methodology (including practical application) course for in-service teacher training courses (one month each, 4 classes a day, 5 days a week)
2) Plan and teach methodology course for pre-service teachers training course (two months (January-February)
3) As time permits, conduct teacher training workshops at other teacher training institutes (4 hours per day, one-two days, during the month of February.
Project Objectives
There are many native speaker teachers from Canada, Australia and the US in Korean elementary, middle and high schools, but there are fewer American English speakers in the teacher training institutes than those from Canada and Australia. There are also well over 90,000 Koreans studying in American universities. As language and culture are closely related, those students would be able to quickly adjust to life in the US if they learned American English and culture in middle and high school. The US and Korea have been allies for over 50 years and are major trading partners. If the FTA negotiated between the US and Korea is ratified this year, trade and contact between businessmen from the two countries will increase. Knowing each other’s cultures and languages would make us better trading partners. In addition, the US Army will be moving its headquarters in Korea to Pyongtaek in the future. Having an EL Fellow co-teaching and training English teachers in the city would give the citizens a good impression of the US and promote mutual understanding.
About the Host Institution
Gyeonggi Province is located in the central western part of Korea. It surrounds the metropolis of Seoul and city of Incheon, borders Hwanghae Province in the north, Gangwon Province in the east, South-Chungcheong Province in the south, and the Yellow Sea in the west. Overall population in the province exceeds one million. As the logistical hub of Northeast Asia, Gyeonggi Province has an open business environment and supports foreign investors. It even boasts an industrial complex designated exclusively for foreign companies. To add, the province is at the forefront of developments in transportation and IT technology, and recognizes that English has become crucial for local residents to connect with the outside world. In 1995, Gyeonggi Province established the Gyeonggi-do Institute for Foreign Language Education (GIFLE), with the following goals:
• Increase Korea's competitiveness by improving foreign language skills;
• Expand international partnerships through teacher exchange programs;
• Modify current thinking and methods of foreign language education.
As the only teacher training center in Korea which focuses on training teachers of foreign languages, GIFLE aims to “inspire Korean foreign language teachers to become enthusiastic about learning and teaching English” by enhancing effective communication skills, multicultural awareness, and language teaching abilities. Similarly, the provincial government strongly supports globalization trends and the development of English language programs and services. Within Gyeonggi Province, there are 25 municipal education offices and five education training centers. Countrywide, it is the leading region in promoting and enhancing better education for its residents. One of the 2008 goals of Gyeonggi Province is the development of human resources to meet the challenges of globalization. As a result, the province is developing an additional English village and numerous other English language-focused projects. In addition, the Korean government has set a goal to post a native speaker of English to all middle schools by the year 2008 and made it mandatory to learn English from grade one of elementary school. Additional information can be found at http://www.gifle.or.kr/ Preliminary
EL Fellow work schedule:
August 2008: arrival and orientation
September 2008: coordinate material and curriculum development; conduct monthly, short-term in-service training programs at Gyeonggi-do Institute for Foreign Language Education (GIFLE) and outreach to local educational institutions in Pyongtaek
October 2008: monitor and provide feedback of in-service programs through classroom observation; conduct monthly, short-term in-service training programs at Gyeonggi-do Institute for Foreign Language Education (GIFLE)
November 2008: conduct monthly, short-term in-service training programs at GIFLE; outreach to local educational institutions in Pyongtaek
December 2008: conduct monthly, short-term in-service training programs at GIFLE;
December 21, 2008 - January 6, 2009: break
January 2009: conduct four-week pre-service training programs at (GIFLE)
February 2009: In-service training workshops at other regional teacher training institutes and American Corners
March 2009: conduct monthly, short-term in-service training programs at GIFLE; outreach to local educational institutions in Pyongtaek
April 2009: conduct monthly, short-term in-service training programs at GIFLE; perform workshops with students and professors at education universities located outside of Gyeonggi Province
May 2009: conduct monthly, short-term in-service training programs at GIFLE; outreach to local educational institutions in Pyongtaek
June 2009: conduct monthly, short-term in-service training programs at GIFLE; assist in developing new programs for the next EL Fellow.
[top] Thailand
City Bangkok
Host Institution Islamic College of Thailand
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques, In-Service Teacher Training, ELT
Project Description
The EL Fellow will organize and conduct in-service courses on current ELT best practices for the Islamic College of Thailand (ICT) staff; assist with American Studies classes at ICT by providing American input through development of a new American Studies curriculum (to supplement the content in regular English classes); and work with the RELO and ICT staff to establish a teacher-training program (mirroring that at ICT) for English teachers at the approximately twenty ICT-affiliated Islamic schools in Bangkok. In addition, the EL Fellow will support the host-institution’s iEARN program. iEARN, a US Department of State-supported organization engaged in educational exchange, is based in Thailand at ICT. The EL Fellow will work with the iEARN staff to develop creative projects involving English and cultural exchange, increase iEARN participation in southern Thailand, and possibly assist iEARN Thailand in submitting a bid to host an upcoming International iEARN Conference. The EL Fellow will also work with the English Club at ICT by helping to shape the content of its activities--a recent visit by the Public Affairs Officer highlighted the lack of Americans on the ICT staff. There are none.
Project Objectives
This project will directly impact a substantial number of Muslim youth and teachers in the Bangkok area. As violence in the South continues--GOT statistics show that some 100 schools were destroyed and more than 20 teachers killed in 2007--many young people are moving to Bangkok to finish their education. By placing an EL Fellow at the Islamic College of Thailand, the US Embassy continues its policy of engagement with youth, particularly those from the south, and seeks to promote linkages promoting trust and the understanding of shared values. Due to security precautions, it is not possible to place an EL Fellow in the five southern provinces most affected by the conflict, but the Embassy believes that the ICT is an excellent alternative and will impact a substantial number of young people and teachers.
About the Host Institution The Islamic College of Thailand (ICT) is a publicly-funded primary-secondary school located in Bangkok, with nearly 3000 residential and non-residential students. Following a dual-track curriculum (the standard Thai curriculum and an Islamic studies track), ICT also serves as the coordinating body for twenty similar schools in the Bangkok area. While the school does boast a number of foreign teachers, none are American and none teach English. [top] Timor-Leste
City Dili
Host Institution Ministry of Education
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates Mid-August 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
English for Speaking, TOEFL Prep, Curriculum Development, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will provide 20 hours per week of intermediate and advanced English language instruction geared toward Timorese students’ preparation for the TOEFL or other standardized English proficiency test required for foreign study. The EL Fellow will provide 10 hours per week of advising the Ministry of Education of Timor-Leste on strengthening English language instruction in Timor-Leste. These duties will consist of extending advice and expertise in curriculum development, preparation of teaching materials, and providing professional counsel on issues relating to English language instruction. The EL Fellow will conduct up to six methodology workshops (depending on demand) for teachers of English during the ten-month assignment.
Project Objectives
Promotion of the English language facilitates exchanges of people and information between Timor-Leste and the United States as well as providing tangible proof of the US willingness to help the people of Timor-Leste.
About the Host Institution The Ministry of Education oversees implementation of English language throughout Timor-Leste. The MOE is attempting to raise English language instructions in Timor-Leste and to train students to take advantage of opportunities for overseas study. [top]
Vietnam
City Hanoi
Host Institution Hanoi University
Type of Project Senior Fellow
Project Dates Mid-August 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques, Teacher Training, Assessment Analysis, Curriculum Development
Project Description
The EL Fellow will provide workshops for English teachers on various testing topics (including, but not limited to, the testing of listening, reading, writing, grammar, speaking and an analysis of international tests, such as iBT and Institutional TOEFL, IELTS, and the Cambridge language tests); evaluate the University's and Vietnam's current practices in English testing and evaluation and provide suggestions for change; assist with curriculum development in all aspects of English teaching, as requested by the government (Hanoi University, not the Ministry of Education and Training, is to be the agent for reforming the curriculum in Vietnam's public schools); and mentor and train any Fulbright ETAs who are assigned to Vietnam during the EL Fellow’s Fellowship assignment. In addition, the EL Fellow will assist in the establishment of the Vietnamese Association of Teachers of English as Second Language (Viet TESOL); and conduct regular seminars/workshops for other institutions at the request of the US Embassy.
Project Objectives
Contribution to the development of a sound strategy for English teaching and learning in Vietnam from now to 2020; better understanding of American standards of language instruction and improvement of English testing and evaluation at the University and Vietnam in general; and increased professionalism of English teaching in Vietnam.
About the Host Institution Formerly Hanoi University of Foreign Studies, Hanoi University is one of Vietnam's leading institutions in undergraduate and postgraduate training and research in foreign languages, social sciences and humanities. Thanks to its prestige in English teaching, Hanoi University has recently been tasked by the Ministry of Education and Training with developing a strategy for English language training for Vietnam from now to 2020. This will be part of Vietnam's major goal of moving from a poor English speaking country to a good English speaking country, as specified by the Minister of Education and Training earlier this year. Testing, evaluation, curriculum development and teacher training are seen as crucial steps toward implementing this strategy. [top]
Vietnam
City Hue City
Host Institution Hue University
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates September 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Studies, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques, Teacher Training
Project Description
The EL Fellow will help the faculty work out modern teaching plans and curricula as well as conduct workshops to improve their teaching skills. The EL Fellow will also help plan an American Studies program at HCFL to expose students to U.S. culture, history, and society. Through the American Studies program, general understanding of the US will be enhanced, which will serve bilateral business relations (as trade relations increase) as well as international relations as Vietnam plays a bigger role on the international stage. In addition, the EL Fellow will facilitate workshops and presentations at other institutions in the consular district, ideally at least once every two months. These institutions, located in southern and central Vietnam (spanning the coast, central highlands and Mekong Delta areas), include regional and local universities that generally have limited opportunities to host a native English-speaking expert on campus. Also, as agreed by the US Embassy and the host institution, the EL Fellow will work for no more than a total of 20 hours teaching and consulting per week.
Project Objectives
As noted earlier, Vietnam is developing rapidly as an economic force and political player on the international stage. Recent admittance to the World Trade Organization, establishment of Permanent Normal Trade Relations with the United States, and election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council are propelling Vietnam onto the world stage. But these events also create enormous strains on the country’s human resources and educational reforms. Positioning an EL Fellow in central Vietnam at this juncture will be very timely. An EL Fellow will strengthen English language skills and teaching methods, and also promote American Studies at a forward-leaning institution, Hue’s College of Foreign Languages, and nearby educational institutions that are eager to prepare students and faculty to engage with the world. An EL Fellow at the Hue College of Foreign Languages will serve two major themes. Trough promotion of English language teaching, the EL Fellow will equip faculty and students who are poised to take advantage of the greatly expanded educational and economic opportunities in a Vietnam that is opening up to the world. Whether at the local or national economic level, human resources are a key challenge to Vietnam’s economic growth. Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training is grappling with ways to enhance English language skills, as well as teaching methods to enhance training in business, information technology, and others areas. By introducing English language content as well as teaching methods that are new to local faculties, the EL Fellow support goals of Economic Growth and Development and Trade and Investment. Secondly, an EL Fellow at Hue’s CFL is perfectly positioned to nurture the first American Studies department at a Vietnamese university. Through workshops/seminars on American culture, history and society, lecturers and students will be able to deepen their exposure to, and understanding of, American culture, society, government, and history. An EL Fellow based in Hue can also conduct workshops/seminars, with impact as described above, at other institutions throughout central and southern Vietnam. In conclusion, an EL Fellow will help both meet Vietnam’s acute human resource and education needs, and shape and strengthen a pioneer department of American Studies. Through improving English language skills and enhancing knowledge of American culture and society, the EL Fellow will help young generations engage in economic development of their country, as well as understand issues that underpin mutual understanding, including even sensitive issues such as human rights and democracy. Goals focused on supporting economic growth and mutual understanding will be exceptionally well-served.
About the Host Institution
Hue College of Foreign Languages (HCFL) was founded in 2004 by merging departments and sections of foreign languages of Hue University’s Teacher’s College, originally founded in 1957, and College of Sciences. HCFL offers programs in six languages: English, French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. The college aims to meet the foreign language learning demands and contribute to the development of Vietnam’s human resources. At present, HCFL has nine departments (English, French, Russian, Chinese, English for Specific Purposes, Japanese Language and Culture, Korean Language and Culture, International Studies, Vietnamese Studies), 185 staff, and 2000 undergraduate and 120 graduate students. HCFL has developed cooperation with University of California-Riverside, University of Washington-Seattle, University of Queensland and institutions in China and Thailand.
[top]
Vietnam
City Vinh
Host Institution Vinh University
Type of Project Fellow
Project Dates Mid-August 2008 – June 2009
Project Focus
American Culture, English for Listening, English for Reading, English for Speaking, English for Writing, Teaching Methodologies, Teaching Techniques
Project Description
The EL Fellow will teach courses to English-major students; conduct workshops on EL teaching methodologies and techniques for teachers; conduct seminars or other club activities to motivate English study; and assist with curriculum development.
Project Objectives
Increased motivation among English students and staff; better understanding of American standard of language instruction; greater proficiency in English for both students and teachers; and familiarity with American values and institutions.
About the Host Institution Vinh University is one of the five regional and multi-disciplinary universities in Vietnam. The university provides 43 undergraduate programs, 21 Masters’ degree programs and nine PhDs programs to more than 20,000 full-time students. Founded on October 27th, 1994 the Foreign Language Department's mission is to provide undergraduate programs in English, French, Russian and Chinese languages and language training courses to students of other majors. The Department has a total staff of 69, including 2 PhDs and 25 MAs. In tandem with Vietnam's rapid economic development and integration, English language has been recognized as an important tool for success. Vinh University has also set this as one of its highest priorities. This is demonstrated by numerous recent efforts in promoting the quality of English teaching and learning at the university. [top] |
