We welcome 30 American participants who will help promote English language education in 16 cities across the country
As part of our ongoing effort to strengthen bilingual education, international cooperation, and cultural exchange within the country, we held the Welcome Seminar to welcome 30 American scholarship recipients from the English Teaching Assistant (ETA) program. Hailing from various cities and states across the United States, these professionals and academics will remain in the country for one academic year (10 months), supporting the teaching of English as a second language in Colombian classrooms.
A Comprehensive Approach: From Virtual Learning to On-Site Immersion
Prior to their arrival in Colombia, the ETA scholarship recipients completed an online preparation phase designed to provide them with methodological tools and facilitate their cultural adaptation. During this process, they interacted with experts in bilingualism, personal finance, teaching skills development, and key aspects of connecting with Colombian culture.
His in-person schedule began on July 28 upon his arrival in Bogotá. From July 29 to 30, the Fulbright Colombia staff, expert speakers, and officials from the U.S. Embassy led academic and methodological workshops focused on effective English language instruction in the local context.
The orientation day included a valuable opportunity for dialogue with former program fellows (Fulbright Alumni), who shared their experiences of cultural immersion and emphasized the importance of forging deep ties with local communities as the cornerstone of successful learning. In addition, to experience the country’s multicultural richness firsthand, the fellows enjoyed the traditional “Tour de la Fruta” at the Paloquemao Market, gaining an up-close look at Colombia’s agricultural diversity and food production chain.
Presence in 16 cities and 20 educational institutionsPresence in 16 cities and 20 educational institutions
On Friday, July 31, the 30 teaching assistants departed for their destination cities to officially join 20 partner higher education institutions and universities. Their work will span a wide geographical area across the country:
- Caribbean and Northwest: Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Medellín.
- Southwest and the Coffee Region: Cali, Neiva, Pasto, Cartago, and Rionegro.
- Northeast and Santander: Bucaramanga, El Socorro, and Villavicencio.
- Central and Central-Eastern Regions: Bogotá, Ibagué, Tunja, Sogamoso, and Yopal.
With the arrival of this cohort, we reaffirm our mission to transform lives through educational exchange, developing leaders with a global vision and deep roots in their local communities.
