IEC Receives English Language Fellow University Partnership Award

Programs: International English Center

The United States Department of State recognized CU Boulder’s International English Center (IEC) with the English Language Fellow University Partnership Award earlier this month. The award honored the IEC’s outstanding contribution to the English Language Fellow program through their employment of former Fellows, which affirms the value of the program and strengthens the mission of public diplomacy through educational exchange.

Since 1969, the English Language Fellow Program, a U.S. Department of State public diplomacy initiative, has sent thousands of highly qualified and experienced U.S. TESOL educators abroad to assist U.S. Embassies in delivering and maintaining quality English language programs. Fellows are cultural ambassadors who promote English language learning and mutual understanding through cultural exchange on 10-month fellowships around the world.

“We are honored to receive this award,” commented Sara Thompson, Dean of the Division of Continuing Education and Vice Provost of Summer Session and Outreach and Engagement. “In our increasingly complex world, the need for understanding between peoples has never been greater, and language skills are an important tool for making that happen.”

Susan Fouts, co-director of CU Boulder’s International English Center (IEC), accepted the award on behalf of the University of Colorado Boulder at the English Language Fellow Program 50th Anniversary Celebration, in Washington, D.C. on November 5, 2019.

“The English Language Fellow Program alumni we have employed at the IEC have enhanced our program and continue to serve as cultural ambassadors in higher education,” Fouts said. “Matthew Burrows is a current IEC faculty member who worked as a Fellow in Namibia. In addition to teaching TESOL methodology classes, Matthew reached out and worked with multiple departments across the University of Namibia. At CU Boulder, Matthew continues to collaborate with others to improve the international student learning experience. He is currently participating in an International Students Success workgroup to address the needs of international students in Engineering.”

Learn more about the International English Center