English Language Fellow Program

The English Language (EL) Fellow Program promotes English language learning around the world, and fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and those of other countries. It places talented and highly qualified U.S. educators with Master’s degrees with a focus in TEFL/TESL or Applied Linguistics in all regions of the world.

The EL Fellow Program promotes English language learning and enhances English teaching capacity abroad. Through U.S. embassy projects, Fellows share their expertise, hone their skills, gain international experience, and learn other cultures. Upon returning to the United States, they share their experiences and acquired knowledge with their communities and professional colleagues.

For the 2008-2009 Academic Year EL Fellow Benjamin Clarke “大树” is working with Wenzhou University in Wenzhou city, Zhejiang Province. 

English Language Fellow Publishes Guide for English Teachers in China

The Wenzhou University print services division published “Better English: A Teacher’s Guide to more Naturally Efficient and Enjoyable Learning” in early June.  The guide was created by English Language (EL) Fellow Benjamin Clarke as part of his outreach efforts to local teachers. Wenzhou University’s Foreign Language College simultaneously web-published the guide on its website: http://wyxy.wzu.edu.cn/xsyd/shownews.aspx?ID=1785.  Teachers can access digital version of the lessons and tools in the guide for easy reproduction in their classrooms. 

                             
                Please click photo above to download the book

Benjamin’s work has also been featured on the Wenzhou University webpage: http://wyxy.wzu.edu.cn/xygk/shownews.aspx?ID=2020

  

Benjamin Clarke and his family on Jang Ching Island

As an EL Fellow, Benjamin teaches undergraduates students and provides teacher training for Wenzhou University English Language Instructors.

Benjamin is also involved in wide variety of outreach activities.

This photo shows Benjamin demonstrating TPR and Sign-to Speak techniques in a Wenzhou primary school.  Benjamin’s work is observed by practicum students, primary school teachers and school administrators as a pedagogical model.

Benjamin has also been a special guest at English speaking competitions.  Here he is performing with his guitar.

Benjamin and his family enjoy learning about Chinese culture.  In this photo Benjamin’s sons are studying Kung Fu.

Recent Highlights:

English Language Fellow Benjamin Clarke Appears on CCTV Channel-10 Televised Award Ceremony

Benjamin Clarke with CCTV “Star of Outlook” English speech competition winners. His advisee Shen Qianqian is directly to his right.

English Language Fellow Benjamin Clarke recently appeared on Chinese television.  The program was aired on May 29th 2009 and featured an awards ceremony where winners of the regional English speech competition were honored.  As the coach and advisor of one of the speech competition winners, Clarke was awarded a plaque and certificate of recognition.  The program also featured songs and performances by local primary, high-school and college students.  The winning student, Shen Qianqian of Wenzhou University Foreign Language College, has worked with Clarke over the past six months.  She recently took first place in another city wide competition and traveled to Hangzhou to represent her school in a province wide competition.

English Language Fellow Benjamin Clarke Participates in Government Initiative to Provide Training to EFL Teachers.

ELF Benjamin Clarke demonstrates an interview and reporting task to local EFL teachers.  The course is being held at the downtown campus of Wenzhou University.

Officials in Zhejiang Province and Wenzhou County are taking steps to improve the quality of English language instruction in public schools.  Through a partnership with Wenzhou University’s Foreign Language College they have created an opportunity for intensive training in English language and EFL teaching methods.  A select group of 40 local primary and middle school teachers have been awarded full scholarships for the two month program.  As a member of the Wenzhou University Foreign Language College instruction team, Benjamin Clarke provides workshops in EFL teaching methods.