SILC Hosts Mexican Teachers for English Teacher Training Program

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Participants in the English as a Foreign Language teacher training program share a meal at their welcome party hosted by the Spring International Language Center

The Spring International Language Center is currently hosting 17 K-12 teachers from Mexico, as part of a summer workshop for English teachers. The training program is funded and administered by the Mexican Ministry of Education.

The four-week intensive English as a Foreign Language teacher training program is designed to improve participants' use of methods and strategies for effective English teaching. The primary goal of the program is to give the participants practical ideas to use in their own teaching situations, upon returning to Mexico.

"Really qualified programs or courses for English teachers are hard to find in Mexico, so when I found out about this scholarship, I didn't think twice about applying," said program participant and elementary school teacher Elizabeth Espinoza. "I wanted to learn from high-quality teachers and study in one of the most prestigious universities in the United States."

In addition to learning new teaching methods, participants are also exploring Northwest Arkansas. The teachers have visited the Fayetteville Farmer's market, viewed the collections at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and cheered for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals during a night at the Arvest Ballpark.

The teachers also joined University of Arkansas international students to watch the World Cup final in the Arkansas Union Living Room. More than 100 students from around the world gathered to see the final match.

The professional and cultural experiences the teachers have had so far have been life-changing.

"This program has given me the opportunity to go abroad and to interact with, not only native speakers, but also with people from all over the world, blurring misconceptions and broadening my cultural knowledge," Espinoza said.

The training program, which began June 30, is set to conclude July 29.