Framingham State University is proud to announce an historic agreement with the Chile Massachusetts Alliance (ChileMass) to provide an educational program that supports and enhances the linguistic and pedagogic skills of educators in Chile's K-12 schools in spring and fall of 2021.

ChileMass emerged as a result of the 2011 Agreement known as the Chile-Massachusetts Plan which was initiated by Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CORFO—the agency for economic development—and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The purpose for establishing the Agreement was for building a bridge of technology and knowledge transfer between Chile and Massachusetts to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for people in both countries.

Ten Chilean educators were chosen to take part in the international education program, which due to travel restrictions of the COVID 19 pandemic, commenced in January with remote English language instruction and then will provide three immersive on-campus components: a graduate education course, an intercultural experience course, and classroom observations in area schools for the participants in summer or fall of 2021, as travel allows.

"The online intensive academic English language courses have allowed our instructors to work with students to improve their linguistic skills while contextualizing the course content in theory and practice of education," explained Rebecca Hawk, the director of the English Language Programs at FSU. "It's great preparation for their graduate course and observations. Our instructors, Alexandre Oliveira and Sara Khanzadi have reported that the Chilean educators are highly motivated and self-directed learners who create a professional collaborative experience for all concerned."

"As the nation's first public college founded for the education of teachers, training educators is part of our historical mission," added Framingham State President F. Javier Cevallos. "We are proud to partner with ChileMass and look forward to expanding upon our relationship in the future."

Executive director of ChileMass, Fernanda Soza, believes that FSU is providing a unique opportunity for foreign teachers that supports a commitment to social impact through education. ChileMass, Soza said, "is impressed by the quality of instruction and the attention to every detail. Our Chilean teachers are improving their second language skills, immersing themselves in a new and innovative culture, and meeting professionals that can change their lives."