In mid-September, Montana State University (MSU) welcomed 23 educators from 20 different countries as part of the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (FTEA) program. This six-week initiative aims to share effective teaching methods and practices with international teachers.
MSU is one of only five U.S. universities hosting FTEA participants this fall, a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the International Research and Exchanges Board. As part of their experience, participants are paired with local friendship families and engage in various activities, including visits to MSU’s Museum of the Rockies and Yellowstone National Park.
The academic foundation for the program is provided by MSU’s College of Education, Health and Human Development, covering topics such as teaching methodologies and educational technologies. Additionally, the program collaborates with Bozeman Public Schools, where each participant gains practical teaching experience alongside local partner teachers in high schools.
Hima Neupane, a teacher from Nepal, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, highlighting the vibrant classroom environment. “There were great pictures on the walls and lots of plants, which added living, real-world elements in the classroom,” she said.
Candy Belo De Jesus Ximenes, the first participant from Timor-Leste in the FTEA program, emphasized the importance of sharing her experiences upon returning home. “I recommend future participants make the most of their time here because it goes by quickly,” she advised.
Janelle Rasmussen, director of international training and professional development at MSU’s Office of International Programs, noted the unique opportunity for participants to exchange cultural insights. “These 23 secondary-language teachers engage enthusiastically with the MSU and Bozeman communities, sharing their experiences while learning about American culture,” she said.
Participants have observed significant differences between schools in Bozeman and those in their home countries, particularly regarding technology access, integrated facilities, and class sizes. Hamadou Abdou Adam Ardaly from Niger remarked, “Technology here is something I don’t have back home. Students are not allowed to use technology at school in Niger.”
Khalid Alsubaih from Iraq stressed the value of learning together in a supportive environment. “I have learned so much so far; there are many good practices that can help us improve in our home countries,” he stated.
The FTEA program also includes a vision project component, where participants propose initiatives to implement in their home countries. The Bozeman Sunrise Rotary Club partners with MSU to fund several of these projects, with awards given to four participants this year.
Alsubaih’s vision project focuses on expanding a community center that teaches English and communication skills, along with incorporating technology into the curriculum. Abdou Adam Ardaly aims to improve access to sanitary supplies for girls, addressing a barrier to education. Other projects include establishing English-speaking clubs, improving classroom decorations, and building libraries.
“The Fulbright TEA program enriches MSU and the Bozeman community by fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange,” Rasmussen noted. “Their time in Bozeman equips them with new teaching practices and leadership skills, inspiring local educators and creating a ripple effect that strengthens education worldwide.”