Goals

1) To introduce and expand the teaching of critical foreign languages in American primary and secondary schools, thereby improving the language skills of young Americans and motivating increased study of these languages.
American students learn Chinese and Arabic and are motivated to learn them. There is near universal agreement that these languages, including English, will be critically important to know in the years to come.

2) To enable international teachers to learn first-hand about the culture and society of the United States, improve their English language proficiency, and to expand their knowledge of U.S. teaching methodologies.
Students in China and Egypt will have the opportunity to learn more about American culture and English language from their teachers when the international teachers return home; this effect expands as Chinese and Egyptian teachers can share best practices and new methodologies with colleagues at their home schools, including through support of alumni grant opportunities.

3) To increase mutual understanding between U.S. school communities and visiting international teachers, and by extension, their home institutions and students.
Through the exchange between communities and Chinese and Egyptian exchange teachers, each grows to understand and appreciate the other’s culture, especially as stories are shared throughout the communities.

4) To provide opportunities for U.S. and participant home country schools to develop lasting ties and to share educational best practices.
U.S. schools will have the potential to form partnerships with Chinese and Arabic schools and classrooms, expanding students’ horizons and promoting appreciation and understanding of international cultures.