75 US Fulbright tutors enhance English instruction in primary, secondary schools

The first batch of 75 Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) from the United States has arrived in Malaysia to begin their 10-month assignment at schools in Terengganu, Johor, Pahang and Perak.The ETAs programme which is administered jointly by the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange MACEE and the Education Ministry has been expanded to Perak. The US Embassy in a statement today said the number has also increased to 75 from 50 previously.“They will be assigned to primary and secondary schools in every district of the selected four states and each of them will have direct sustained contact with hundreds of students in their schools. In addition the US also provides technical support through visits by their English language specialist who will help train teachers and advise on curriculum. They will bring with them the latest teaching materials provided free of charge by the US Department of State, ”it said.The ETA programme was intended to enrich and enhance English instruction in primary and secondary schools by providing American native speakers who strengthen English language education as well as mutual understanding.  ETAs organise extra-curricular clubs and activities conducted in English while also gaining a deep understanding of Malaysian culture by living and working in towns and cities throughout Terengganu Johor Pahang and Perak The objective of this programme is to fulfill the Fulbright programme goals of increasing mutual understanding between Americans and other peoples of the world in order to foster world peace.