Jane E. Schukokse

CHENNAI: New trends in the fellowships offered through the United States Educational Foundation in India (USEFI) include more programmes for teachers, and a new programme for Ph.Ds in Science and Technology, the Foundation's Executive Director in India, Jane E. Schukokse, said on Friday.

Recently, the USEFI announced a six-month programme for school teachers. This professional development programme, fully funded by a grant, picks 10 teachers from South India who undergo training in the U.S. followed by internship in institutions there.

Over the last few years, the programmes for school teachers in India and teacher exchange between the two nations have been given an impetus, Ms. Schukokse told The Hindu. Those teaching English, Mathematics and Science, ideally in standards IX and XI, are chosen to teach in U.S. schools. Those schools, in return, send their teachers to India. Two teachers from Chennai, one from Vidya Mandir and the other from Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan, have already been to the U.S. and the schools also played host to teachers from the United States. "There were many difficulties, but they managed well," Ms. Schukoske said.

Last year, teachers from India and Pakistan went to George Washington University, Washington DC, for six weeks to study the latest techniques in English Language Teaching. On returning , they held joint workshops in Delhi and Lahore. Subsequently they began training colleagues in their own systems. This phase of the programme focussed on government school teachers, as their opportunities for international exposure were perceived to be less than those for the others.

The other theme is the fellowship for Ph.Ds in science and technology. "The numbers on that are very small but it is an interesting message that is coming from the Fullbright programme in Washington. In today's world, it is better to have multiple disciplines working together, rather than focussing on humanities and sciences, which has been the case so far," Ms. Schukoske explained. However, replying to a question, she clarified that it would not be at the expense of the humanities and the sciences.

The Foundation sees its role in the country as `interpretative.' When universities from the U.S. first come to India, they are baffled, and USEFI helps them understand the set-up here . When presidents of American colleges come to India, they are looking at collaborations with other institutions and people dealing with admissions look out for students. USEFI staff also offer counselling and guidance on Visa application processes for Indian students interested in studying in American Universities, Ms. Schukoske said .

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