ABOUT THE PROGRAM
In-person exchanges are sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of English Language Programs through the English Access Microscholarship Program. The programs are administered by FHI 360 and hosted by U.S. partner universities and non-profit organizations. This exchange program is intended for international English as a Foreign Language (EFL) educators to exchange perspectives and experiences on best practices in building and fostering intercultural communication in virtual English Language exchanges. The exchange participants attend a two-week intensive professional development program at UCF and then will travel to Portland, Oregon to attend a week-long program organized in conjunction with the 2023 TESOL International Convention. The program brings approximately 25 participants from 21 different countries to the United States.
GOALS
This exchange program is intended for international English as a Foreign Language (EFL) educators to exchange perspectives and experiences on best practices in building and fostering intercultural communication in virtual English Language exchanges. The exchange participants attend a two-week intensive professional development program at UCF and then will travel to Portland, Oregon to attend a week-long program organized in conjunction with the 2023 TESOL International Convention. The program brings approximately 25 participants from 21 different countries to the United States.
COUNTRIES
South America: Brazil, Costa Rica, Egypt, El Salvador, Venezuela.
Asia: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, Vietnam.
Africa: Cameroon, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa.
Europe: Ukraine.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
WORKSHOPS
Intercultural Communication, Online Learning Module Across the Globe, Building Community in Online Learning, Building and Fostering Critical Thinking in an Online Environment, Cross-Cultural Understanding of Tolerance, Ambiguity and Self-awareness.
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
Engagement dialogues with faculty across campus, Global Perspectives TV Show, Global Podcasts, Panel on Women’s Day.
CULTURAL EVENTS
Orlando History Center, Kennedy Space Center, St. Augustine, Home Dinners.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Participant from Bangladesh
“I hope to acquire and share knowledge related to online language teaching environments, instruction, and innovative ways to use technology in order to foster students’ language skills.”
Participant from Costa Rica
“My goal is to sharpen my skills to effectively support over 400 teachers in our virtual English group space in Kenya”
Participant from Mongolia
“I am in fact much more interested in the multiplying effect this program will help me transfer to the people I am working with and to the community I live in”
Participant from Kenya
“Participation in the exchange program will expand my professional network and improve my cultural competency and digital communication skills which will benefit not only me, but also my National University of Mongolia (NUM) colleagues in our roles …”
Participant from Morocco
“Given my research interest, my positive contribution to the success of such a melting pot consists in sharing my beliefs, values and perspectives along with my expertise in the field of intercultural learning …”
Participant from Morocco
“I hope that this training shall enhance my interpersonal and intercultural skills that are essential in virtual and physical learning spaces”
Participant from Philippines
“I will use the knowledge acquired in this exchange to suggest my province’s leadership solutions for my province …, to help people improve the ability of international integration, especially in service of international tourism and economic development”