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The third cohort of teachers and administrators from Myanmar attended the Western Illinois University Educational Leadership Institute from mid-April through early May this year. They were at Western as part of a 2014 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at expanding educational opportunities between WIU and the International Language and Business Center (ILBC) of Yangon (Myanmar).
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The 19 educators from schools in the International Language and Business Center (ILBC) of Yangon (Myanmar), with Western Illinois University faculty and staff. The educators were at Western from mid-April through early May attending the WIU Educational Leadership Institute.
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Ko Ko Htwe (far left) and other members of the third cohort of educators from the International Language and Business Center (ILBC) of Yangon, Myanmar, to attend WIU's Educational Leadership Institute, at Horn Field Campus during their stay in Macomb.
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Third Cohort of Myanmar Educators Complete WIU Educational Leadership Institute

May 5, 2016

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MACOMB, IL — A third cohort of teachers and administrators from across Myanmar ended their time at Western Illinois University this week. As part of a 2014 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at expanding educational opportunities between Western and the International Language and Business Center (ILBC) of Yangon (Myanmar), 19 educators participated in the third "Educational Leadership Institute" offered at WIU. They departed Thursday after nearly a month here.

Each educator was chosen by the members of his or her individual school's Board of Education to take part in the institute. While here, the teachers attended a variety of classes, seminars and activities designed to improve their educational leadership and teaching methodology knowledge and skills, while they experienced American culture at WIU.

"I was so happy when I learned I was chosen. I am very excited to learn many new things so I can apply them in my country and in my school," noted Ko Ko Htwe, who serves as the head of the lower primary division and teaches history to primary students (grades 5 and 6) at his school in Yangon.

One of the activities Htwe most enjoyed while at Western was completing the high ropes course at WIU's Horn Field Campus (HFC). Many activities at HFC offer groups from all backgrounds activities and challenges that help with team building and collaboration skills.

"When I was first high up on the ropes, I first thought it wasn't fun anymore. But after I looked at my photos, I was like, 'Wow! I can't believe I did that. I can't wait to show the photos to my family and friends back home," he added.

May Mon Khin, a fifth-grade geography teacher in Yangon, said she has plans to apply the information she has learned in her classroom and in her school.

"We have learned about educational leadership strengths, which will be very useful for all of us. And the information about the integration of technologies and teaching and the courses about student performance assessments and public speaking have all been beneficial," she noted.

For many of the educators, this was the first time they have traveled to the United States. Thwet Kay Khaing, who teaches fifth-grade science in Mandalay, said coming to the U.S. has been a dream come true for her.

"This is one of the countries I have always wanted to visit, so when I learned I would be able to attend the Educational Leadership Institute, I was excited to experience the culture and the lessons I will be able to apply to my instruction in my own country," she noted.

According to Rick Carter, executive director of Western's School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach, the relationship between ILBC and Western continues to flourish.

"The teachers and administrators they send to WIU are amazing. They come well prepared and represent their country in a positive manner. I am pleased with Helena Lira and the program she built for them as part of WIU's outreach. I anticipate opportunities with Myanmar and ILBC will continue to grow in the future," Carter said.

"The Memorandum of Understanding between Western Illinois University and the International Language and Business Center provides even greater global experiences for our faculty, students and staff," WIU President Jack Thomas noted. "One of our goals at Western Illinois University is to further internationalize our campus, including faculty, staff and student exchange. Agreements with international partners, such as the ILBC, provide excellent academic opportunities for not only our campus community, but also to students from around the world."

The ILBC was established in 1995 with a small language class of 20 students. Since then, it has become the leading institution among the private education sector in Myanmar. Today, the company has established 24 schools in seven major cities of the country, providing education and language training to approximately 8,000 students, from pre-K through grade 12.

For more information, contact Carter at (309) 298-1929 or via email at R-Carter@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing