Ambassador Blome Meets With Access Alumni In Tabarka

While in Tabarka this week Ambassador Blome had a great discussion with a group of Access alumni who shared their hopes and dreams for the future.  Through the U.S. Embassy’s Access English Microscholarship program, students across Tunisia are improving their English as they develop leadership skills and learn the importance of civic engagement.   Since 2004, …

Read More»

U.S. Embassy Donates 5,000 English Language Books to 52 Primary Schools Across Tunisia

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Erica Thibault joined Secretary General of the Ministry of Education Hedi Hamdaoui and Director of International Cooperation Mehdi Ezzine today for a book donation ceremony at the Ministry headquarters. In cooperation with the Ministry of Education, the U.S. Embassy donated about 5000 English language books to be distributed to 52 …

Read More»

Launch of Tunisia’s First Higher Education Teacher Training Partnership with Columbia University

The U.S. Embassy, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Columbia Global Centers Tunis, and Columbia University Teachers College are proud to announce the launch of a two-year, $500,000 (1.375.000 TND) university linkage to build the capacity of Tunisian educators and support young learners throughout Tunisia. Through this initiative, Columbia University and the …

Read More»

U.S. Embassy Exchange Programs Virtual Open Day (videos)

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first virtual “Open Day” to talk about U.S.-funded exchange programs! For anyone who missed the Live event or would like to watch it again, please follow the links below to the Facebook Live recordings. Special thanks to our Tunisian alumni who participated with us, as well as …

Read More»

Access Students of Tunisia Visit the Embassy

The U.S. Embassy was pleased to receive the Access English Microscholarship Program students from Boussalem, Djerba, Tataouine and Monastir who are learning English through this U.S. Department of State funded program. Ambassador Donald Blome had an interactive conversation with students from Tataouine and answered their questions about the Embassy and the United States. The students shared …

Read More»

Closing Ceremony of The Online E-Teacher Course “Teaching English to Young Learners”

Congratulations to the 12 Pedagogical Advisors who successfully completed the eight-week online E-Teacher course “Teaching English to Young Learners.”  The program was offered by George Mason University and funded by the U.S. Department of State.  The participants were selected by the Tunisian Ministry of Education, in coordination with the U.S. Embassy.  At the ceremony to present certificates …

Read More»

Access Tabarka Visits North Africa American Cemetery

On Sunday, February 10, the North Africa American Cemetery opened its doors to the Access English Microscholarship Program students and teachers from Tabarka, during their day trip to the capital.  Students took a tour of the cemetery and learned more about the history of Tunisia and the USA in their common fight for freedom during World War II.  The …

Read More»

Ambassador Blome Welcomes English Conversation Course Participants

On February 22 at the American Center, Ambassador Blome introduced himself and the U.S. Embassy’s mission to a group of Tunisians who are participating in a Public Affairs-funded English Conversation Course that focuses on developing English language skills through discussion of U.S. government, economy, and culture.  During their visit, participants asked questions and heard first-hand …

Read More»

Tunisian Exchange Alumni Lead a Project on Environmental Protection 

On February 9 and 10, the Tunisian Blue Ambassadors (TBA) project organized a two-day workshop for a group of English Access Microsholarship Program graduates on themes related to marine and environmental protection and preservation in Tunis. The project – implemented by Notre Grand Bleu association and led by alumni of the Thomas Jefferson Program – …

Read More»

Access English Students From Tabarka Visit Embassy

On Friday, August 24, 45 Access program students from Tabarka visited the Embassy’s American Center and met with an American diplomat for a discussion about the U.S. Embassy’s work in Tunisia and to answer students’ questions.  The students presented original poems, songs, and artwork in English and enjoyed an American-style spelling bee game with the …

Read More»

Bridging Cultures – Building Peace

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 …

Read More»

Students from Local Public School Visit the Embassy

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 …

Read More»

Teachers’ Workshop on November 14 at the American Center

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 …

Read More»

Access Students from Jendouba Visit the Embassy

On Nov 1, U.S. Embassy in Tunisia received Access English Microscholarship Program students from Jendouba, who are learning English through this program funded by the Department of State. Students performed songs about compassion and freedom and showed how the Access program changed their lives. Students had interactive conversation with Public Diplomacy Officer, Public Affairs Counselor …

Read More»

Access Students from Djerba Visit the Embassy

On October 31, the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia received Access English Microscholarship Program students from Djerba, who are learning English through this program funded by the Department of State. Students performed their own poems and stories, and sang songs about peace and unity. They also expressed how the Access program changed their lives by helping …

Read More»

English Language Summer Camp Launches in Bizerte

“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, …

Read More»

High Schools Students from Ben Guerdan Visit the Embassy

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 …

Read More»

Students and Teachers from La Coupole Private School in Sfax Visit the Embassy

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 …

Read More»

Embassy Participates in TEARN National Conference

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 …

Read More»

Embassy Hosts Students from Carthage Hannibal High School

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, …

Read More»

Elementary Students from Da Vinci School La Marsa Visit the Embassy

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 …

Read More»

Embassy Participates in Tunisia TESOL 4th International Conference

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 …

Read More»

Workshop on Creating a Culture of Peace in the Classroom

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 …

Read More»

High Schools Students From Monastir Visit the Embassy

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 …

Read More»

Access Kick-off Conference

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 …

Read More»

Tunisian Fulbright Society Hosts Talk on English Teacher Training

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 …

Read More»

Menzah 8 Students Visit Embassy

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 …

Read More»

U.S. National Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes Visit To Tunisia

  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 …

Read More»

Educational Talk on “The status of English Language in Tunisia and the MENA region”

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 …

Read More»

Language Village Nabeul Closing Ceremony

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 …

Read More»

Pro. Bruhn Conducts Training Sessions for University Graduates in Language Village Nabeul

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 …

Read More»

English Language Arts Festival (April 29 – May 1, 2016)

  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 …

Read More»

Students Celebrate Earth Day with the U.S. Embassy

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 …

Read More»

“The Chamber of Secrets” Visits U.S. Embassy

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 …

Read More»

Zarzis High School Students Visit to the Embassy

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. …

Read More»

Tunisia TESOL Conference

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 …

Read More»

Access Tabarka Graduates meet the Ambassador

Access Tabarka graduates paid a visit to the Embassy where they met with Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein, Public Diplomacy Officer Sarah Hennessy and ELT Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi. The students shared their accomplishments and community involvement during their two years of Access, as well as how they improved their English through cultural activities and field trips. …

Read More»

Embassy Hosted a Film Screening of GirlRising

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 …

Read More»

Embassy Donates Books at “Fun with English Day”

Tunisia TESOL organized a “Fun with English Day,” which was attended by more than 100 children.  Activities included language learning sessions using games, storytelling, drawing, cooking and singing.   The Embassy donated books, which English Language Teaching Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi distributed to the children.   Photo Album

Read More»

RELO Visit to CREFOCs and Access classes

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 …

Read More»

“Fun with English” Day

TESOL Tunisia organized a “Fun with English” day consisting of language learning sessions for children of all ages and abilities, using games, storytelling, and songs. The children in attendance were eager to learn, and many already possessed excellent English skills. The U.S. Embassy donated books to all participants; English Language Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi was on …

Read More»

‪‎Jazz‬ Chants: Carolyn Graham Presents a Unique Way to Teach ‎English‬

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 …

Read More»

Two Tunisian Teachers Ready to Participate in the TEA Program in the U.S.

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 …

Read More»

Chris Stevens Youth Network in Tunisia

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 …

Read More»
Show More ∨