International scholars, teachers visiting KU to expand English skills


LAWRENCE — Brazilian English teachers and Fulbright graduate students are on campus this summer to expand their English skills and learn about higher education and American culture.

The Applied English Center (AEC) is coordinating a six-week pre-academic program for 24 Fulbright graduate student grantees from 19 countries. This is the 11th time that the AEC has hosted this program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education’s Office of English and Pre-academic Programs.

Before going to their host universities, the Fulbright students will have a variety of experiences and study opportunities to help them prepare for graduate study and to promote intercultural awareness and an appreciation of cultural diversity in the United States. Grantees take English language courses with an emphasis on academic language skills relevant to their academic disciplines and graduate studies in American universities.  AEC faculty, guest lecturers, local experts, mentors, peers and community members will contribute to this experience. The participants will experience American volunteerism through work at the Jubilee Café. Their visit runs through Wednesday, Aug. 14.

The AEC is also hosting a six-week intensive program for 32 tenured high school English teachers from Brasilia, Brazil.  The Brazilian English Teachers Program is a collaboration among Institute of International Education, CAPES: a federal agency of the Brazil Education Ministry, the Fulbright Commission and the U.S. Embassy in Brazil. It is administered by the Institute of International Education. While on campus the group is immersed in in-service English language study,  concentrating on speaking,  as well as practice in Teaching English as a Foreign Language methodology and exposure to U.S. culture.  The participants also have several area cultural excursions to Kansas City and Topeka as well as Independence, Mo., and will volunteer at the Jubilee Café. Their visit runs through Friday, Aug. 2.

 “The Applied English Center feels very fortunate to have been awarded these two important and prestigious government-sponsored programs. The bright and highly engaged participants from 20 different countries provide opportunities for the university community to work with exceptional scholars from around the globe. In turn, the Applied English Center strives to provide opportunities for their educational and professional advancement, and to leave them with a better understanding of U.S. culture, society and people,” said Associate Director Margaret Coffey.

Mon, 07/22/2013

author

Alison Watkins

Media Contacts

Alison Watkins

International Programs

785-864-4963