Montana State welcomes teachers from 20 countries as part of Fulbright program

BOZEMAN - Twenty-three teachers from 20 countries arrived at Montana State University in mid-September to take part in the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement program hosted by Montana State University. The six-week program is intended to share effective teaching methods and practices with teachers from abroad.

MSU is one of the five universities in the nation to host FTEA participants this fall. The U.S. Department of State sponsors the program, which is administrated by the International Research and Exchanges Board. The participants are also paired with local friendship families in Bozeman. Some of the group's activities include visiting MSU's Museum of the Rockies and Yellowstone National Park.

MSU's College of Education, Health and Human Development provided the academic foundation for the FTEA program, which includes teaching methodologies and educational technologies. MSU also partners with the Bozeman Public Schools, and each participant is given firsthand teaching experience alongside a local partner teacher in both district high schools.

One of the participants, Hima Neupane from Nepal, said teaching in the high schools was a great experience. One of the things that stood out to her most were the classroom decorations.

"There were great pictures on the walls and lots of plants, which added living, real-world elements in the classroom," she said.

Candy Belo De Jesus Ximenes from Timor-Leste, is another FTEA participant and the first from her home country to take part in FTEA. "This is the first year Timor-Leste did the FTEA program, which puts pressure on me when I go back home to share this experience with others," she said. She recommends that future FTEA participants make the most of the time participating in the program because the time passes so quickly.

"One of the best parts of this program is the ability each participant gets to share their unique experiences from their home country with others," said Janelle Rasmussen, director of international training and professional development with MSU's Office of International Programs. "These 23 secondary-language teachers from around the world enthusiastically engage with the MSU and Bozeman communities, sharing insights from their home countries while also learning about American culture."

According to some of the participants, the biggest differences between schools in Bozeman and those in their respective home countries is the access to technology; the fact that the schools here are integrated in one place where everything is already inside; that education is free; the classrooms are less crowded; and that in their home countries students tend to be quieter.

"Technology here is a new thing I don't have at my home country," said Hamadou Abdou Adam Ardaly, a participant from Niger. "Students are not allowed to bring or use technology at school in Niger."

Khalid Alsubaih, from Iraq, said it was important to have the opportunity for program participants to gather in one place, where everyone could learn from each other. "I have learned so much so far, there are so many good things that helped us to be the best version of ourselves for our home country," he said.

"Participating in the FTEA program not only teaches us classroom management and literacy skills, it also allows us to be a resource for other teachers back home," said Neupane. "This is the best opportunity to flourish yourself and develop professional skills."

During the program, each participant presents a vision project they want to implement in their home country. The Bozeman Sunrise Rotary Club partners with MSU to fund a number of the projects. This year the club will provide an award to four of the FTEA participants.

Alsubaih's vision project is to expand the community center, which teaches English and communication skills. He also wants to incorporate technology in the center. Alsubaih is the only English teacher in his village in Iraq.

Abdou Adam Ardaly's vision project focuses on improving girls' access to sanitary supplies so they don't miss school due to their periods. If they miss school because of that lack of supplies, he said, they do not have the option to retake tests, which may result in not being able to continue their educations. Abdou Adam Ardaly's project also focuses on improving the basic infrastructure of the schools.

Other vision projects include establishing an English-speaking club; incorporating classroom decorations; acquiring equipment like projectors, audio speakers and dictionaries; establishing a drama club; and building a library.

"The Fulbright TEA program enriches MSU and the Bozeman community by fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange," Rasmussen said. "Their time in Bozeman not only equips them with new teaching practices and leadership skills to take back home, but also inspires local educators and students, creating a reciprocal ripple effect that strengthens education worldwide."

To learn more about the Fulbright TEA program visit, https://www.montana.edu/international/training/ITPD_Programs/Program_FTEA/index.html.