On April 19, as part of the school visits series, the English Language Teaching (ELT) team received pupils and teachers from the Ibn Khaldoun public primary school in El Alya, Bizerte. Students learned about the USA and met with three U.S. Military staff who talked about their home states and their favorite holidays and answered …

On February 20, the U.S. Embassy in Tunis hosted American, Tunisian, and Moroccan experts who gave a seminar on “Bridging Cultures-Building Peace” for 40 Tunisian secondary and peace educators.  The event promoted peace, cultural and global awareness, and conflict resolution, including the following presentations: “The Oleander Initiative as a Model of Peace” – By Ray …

On November 24, the Embassy received students from El Menzah 9 high school who presented their school, performed songs and acted a short roleplay. Students enjoyed chatting with the Embassy staff who answered their questions about exchange programs, embassy work, similarities and differences between the U.S. and Tunisia and Thanksgiving festivities. Students from El Menzah …

To celebrate International Education Week, the English Language Teaching team in partnership with Tunisia TESOL held a workshop entitled “Assessment for Student Learning: Prospects of Implementation in the ELT Classroom” presented by Dr. Asmaa Maaoui, followed by a talk about fighting procrastination led by Irina Cordall.  The workshop was an opportunity for teachers to learn …

“Camp Discovery,” an English language summer day camp for 8-13 year-olds, implemented by AMIDEAST, kicked off on July 10 and will run for two weeks.  The camp is increasing English language skills and capabilities among economically-disadvantaged youth by immersing them in a summer day camp experience, exposing them to art, science, and other academic, cultural, …

The Embassy welcomed a group of students and their teacher from Sidi Ali Ben Aoun school.  The students shared a presentation about stopping violence at school. Students met with Public Diplomacy Officer Sarah Hennessey, who talked about her home state and her career. The students also met with Public Affairs Officer Stacy Barrios, English Language …

English Language Fellow Natalie Monkemeier was a guest on the RTCI radio show Saturday, May 20.  She talked about her experiences teaching English as a second and third language to students of all ages.  She shared that the oldest student she ever taught was in her 80s—admirable, since it is much easier to acquire language …

The Embassy welcomed a group of students and teachers from the Ben Guerdan preparatory school.  The students presented a short skit about the history of their hometown from Tunisia’s independence until its revolution. Students met with Human Resources Officer Sue Orlebeke who talked about her home state, her career, and advised the students to follow …

Students and teachers from La Coupole private school in Sfax were greeted by the Public Diplomacy Officer and English Language Teaching Coordinator. Students gave a short presentation about their school’s history, and performed a song and dance from a Broadway musical. Following their presentation, the students learned about the Embassy’s work and what a diplomat‘s …

On the occasion of Earth Day observed on April 22, the Embassy welcomed, on April 21, a group of students and teachers from public middle school in Cité Salama. Students met with English Language Teaching Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi and English Language Fellow Natalie Monkemeier and talked about better ways to preserve the Earth and …

On the occasion of Earth Day, Access students and teachers in Djerba organized a clean-up day for their community. Students recycled plastic bottles, cardboard boxes and empty cans into crafts.  

On April 18, the Embassy received a group of pupils and teachers from Ecole El Euch Le Kram.  The 3rd year pupils presented a role play on the value of work and the 4th and 5th graders presented English grammar themed performance followed by a song. Pupils met with Political Officer Jonathan Peccia, who engaged …

As part of its support to ELT associations and activities in Tunisia, Public Diplomacy Officer Sarah Hennessey and English Language Teaching Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi attended the TEARN National Conference on Global Education in the Horizon of 2030 Building Peace and Democracy, on April 10-11 at Cites des Sciences. The Embassy Representatives met with TEARN …

Last week the Embassy welcomed a group of students and teachers from Carthage Hannibal public high school. The students introduced their school, performed a short play, sang a song and presented a show of traditional clothes from different countries.  Students met with Human Resources Officer Sue Orlebeke, who talked about her career as a diplomat, …

The Embassy welcomed a group of students and teachers from L’Academie du Lac school in Tunis.  The students presented a song and a poem dedicated to all teachers.  Students had the chance to meet with Economic Officer Elizabeth El-Khodary, who talked about her career as a diplomat, discussed differences and similarities between Tunisia and the …

On March 17, the Embassy welcomed a group of students and teachers from Da Vinci Elementary school in La Marsa.  Dressed specially to celebrate the National Day of Traditional Clothing for a second day, they met with Economic Officer Cairo Jennings, English Language Teaching (ELT) Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi, and English Language Fellow (ELF) Natalie …

Public Affairs Officer (PAO) Stacy Barrios, Public Diplomacy Officer (PDO) Sarah Hennessey, and English Language Teaching Coordinator (ELTC) Saida Jedidi Sfaxi attended the Tunisia TESOL 4th International Conference on “Professionalism in ELT” on March 3 in Hammamet. The Embassy delegation met with the Tunisia TESOL President, Board members, members from across Tunisia, and conference participants …

The Information Resource Center hosted a workshop entitled “Creating a Culture of Peace in the Classroom” conducted by Leila Ben Said and Samia Wardane, a teacher visiting from Morocco.  The audience consisted of teachers of English and high school students.  Both teachers focused on creating a culture of peace in the classroom, discussing conflict resolution …

The Embassy welcomed a group of students and teachers from Pioneer Preparatory school, Sahline Preparatory school and Teboulba Preparatory school in Monastir. They met with Economic Chief Katie Kiser, English Language Teaching (ELT) Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi and English Language Fellow (ELF) Natalie Monkemeier. Katie talked to the students about the education system in the …

The U.S. Embassy launched the Access program on Feb 11-12 with 6 providers throughout Tunisia. The conference held on Feb 11-12, with the help of AMIDEAST, was a great opportunity for the providers and the teachers to learn more about the Access program, the reporting process and the students’ selection. The RELO Rebecca Smoak attended …

The U.S. Embassy in collaboration with the Tunisian Fulbright Society (TFS) hosted a talk on English Teacher Training in Tunisia. Guest speakers included Abir Hmem, an English teacher and a second year student in the TESOL Master’s degree program at 9 Avril University, Stephen Sharpe, a Senior Teacher of Adults at British Council, and Saida …

The Information Resource Center received a group of students and their teachers from El Menzah 8 Pioneer high school. The students performed a short play on peace, presenting values such as solidarity, love, and volunteerism. The students met with Public Diplomacy Officer Sarah Hennessey, English Language Teaching Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi, and English Language Fellow …

The English Language Teaching Coordinator (ELTC) and the English Language Fellow (ELF) met with a group of students from the 3rd and 4th grade from the l’Integrale school in Le Kram.  The ELF and ELTC conducted a storytelling session with students, including a story told by a native speaker, introducing students to new vocabulary words …

  Ms. Jahana Hayes, U.S. 2016 National Teacher of the year and a special guest of the Embassy attended the 4th Tunisian Association of Teachers of English (TATE) International Conference.  She delivered, at its opening ceremony, a keynote address “Elevating the Teaching Profession.”  Ambassador Rubinstein was present and delivered welcome remarks, acknowledging the key role …

The U.S. Embassy in collaboration with the Tunisian Fulbright Society (TFS) hosted a panel entitled “English Matters in Tunisia and the MENA Region.” Guest speakers included Mohamed Khoutheir Khribi, Fulbright alumnus and Program Manager at ALECSO, Ms. Hela Nafti, Senior English Language Inspector and T-Earn President, and Ms. Boutheina Lassadi, university professor and Employment Consultant. The audience was comprised …

Celebrating National Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Day on October 15, English Language Fellow Natalie Monkemeier conducted a workshop on “The Reading Game and Strip Story Method” organized by Tunisian TESOL at CREFOC Nabeul.

English Language Fellow Nathalie Monkimier and students from the English Language Club at the University of Manouba spoke on RTCI’s English Hour program about “No Violence Day” at the university.

On July 28, Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein attended the closing ceremony of the 10th anniversary of the Language Village Nabeul hosted by the Minister of Higher Education Chiheb Bouden. The graduates presented several performances including dancing, singing, drama, painting and poetry written by the participants themselves. The Ambassador delivered brief remarks where he acknowledged the LVN …

Dieter Bruhn, a teacher trainer and ESL instructor from the U.S. state of Colorado participated in Language Village Nabeul, an initiative of Tunisia’s  Ministry of Higher Education  which provides top English majors from universities throughout Tunisia the opportunity to take part in an English-language immersion program for two weeks. Bruhn conducted training sessions and workshops …

To celebrate Ramadan, Access alumni from Gabes organized a charity event and collected donations of food, clothes and money for needy families in their community. Access Alumni delivered the collected donations to families with a smile. Thank you Access Alumni Gabes for using your volunteer spirit to benefit your community! Photo Gallery

  The first Regional English Language Arts Festival “Ezzine Essafi Edition for Creativity” was organized by Mrs. Naima Charfi, ELT Inspector, and the Regional Office of Education in late April.  Public Diplomacy Officer Sarah Hennessey and English Language Teaching Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi served on a jury for part of the festival.  Sixteen secondary schools …

The Embassy welcomed a group of students and teachers from the Mohamed Jmal Primary School in Sfax. They met with Economic Officer Rongjie Chen, English Language Teaching Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi, Educational Exchange Specialist Nizar Kallal ,and Information Resource Center Director Sami Saaied. The students learned about the role of the Embassy and how different …

The Embassy recently welcomed a  group of students and teachers from Hammam Lif high school.  Students met with Vice Consul Cairo Jennings, English Language Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi, and Educational Exchange Specialist Nizar Kallal. The students introduced themselves and talked about their English club at school, cleverly named “The Chamber of Secrets.” Mr. Jennings shared …

Students from the March 2 high school in Zarzis visited the Embassy and met with Public Diplomacy Officer Sarah Hennessy, ELT Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi, and Cultural Affairs Assistant Refka Nsiri. The students told Embassy staff about their “English Fan Club ZZ” and shared some of their club activities and talents, including singing and drawing. …

Public Affairs Officer Michael Macy gave opening remarks at the Tunisia TESOL Conference. He emphasized the Embassy’s support of English education and teachers, highlighting several State Department programs that provide teachers opportunities to better understand the U.S. educational system. Myrtis Mixon, a professor at the University of California, gave a plenary session on how to …

The U.S. Embassy in cooperation with the Tunisian Education & Resource Network (TEARN), hosted a viewing of the feature film GirlRising for English teachers, followed by a debate moderated by TEARN President Hela Nafti.  The film portrays the life-changing journey of nine girls and launched a debate among teachers regarding the inequalities girls and young women face in certain parts …

Regional Language Officer (RELO) Rebecca Smoak visited Tunis November 15th – 23rd. During her visit, Ms. Smoak conducted three workshops in CREFOC s in El Omrane, Tozeur and Gabes. Subjects included developing higher order thinking skills, problem solving, application of learning, critical thinking and time management.  Ms. Smoak also visited Access classes in Gabes, Gafsa and …

The U.S. Embassy IRC and the ELT Coordinator, with the Cooperation of the New Horizon Center, organized a workshop last week—Teaching English Language through Jazz Chants. Guest speaker Carolyn Graham conducted the workshop which included Inspectors, English teachers and students. Ms. Graham introduced the audience to the creative pedagogical method she has been using for …

The U.S. Embassy ELT Coordinator conducted a pre-departure orientation today for two English teachers who were selected to participate in the 2015 Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA).  Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, this six-week professional development program gives the participating teachers a combination of academic seminars and hand-on classroom experience. The two …

Approximately 30 students and teachers from throughout Tunisia attended a workshop organized by TEARN ( Tunisian Education and Resource Network ) in Hammamet. The workshop was sponsored in part by the Chris Stevens Youth Network and featured presentations by teachers and students on projects they had developed throughout the year. The workshop celebrated the conclusion of projects that included an …