For the past three weeks, seven high school English teachers from Kosovo have immersed themselves in American learning and culture to gain practical knowledge and experience related to teaching English.
The teachers are here for the Kosovo English Teacher’s Workshop, a three-week workshop in Iowa State University’s Intensive English and Orientation Program (IEOP). The workshop is sponsored by the United States Embassy in Pristina.
The Kosovo teachers were selected from a deep pool of candidates to participate in the workshop. In addition to gaining valuable classroom experience practicing English language aural and oral skills, learning new teaching methodologies and exploring new technology, the teachers also experienced several cultural activities – including visits to Washington D.C. and New York City, attending an Iowa Cubs baseball game, touring the State Capitol, Living History Farms and Camp Dodge, and enjoying a meal with an American family, among many other experiences.
Dr. Barbara Schwarte, Director of IEOP, said the Kosovo workshop is one of many programs IEOP offers. In addition to hosting teachers and students from around the world, IEOP helps future ISU students improve their abilities to read, write speak and understand English.