J.E.E.M. Scholars

 

Discover Georgia

Land of Endless Wonders

MSU Education Department

Reid Hall, Room 126

October 28, 2024

2:00 PM

Nino Tsereteli

2024 JEEM Scholarship Recipient

JEEM SCHOLAR: October 5 - November 2, 2024

Introduction

During a four-week program, the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development will host Nino Tsereteli from Georgia.  She is this year’s recipient of the JEEM Memorial Scholarship, which was established by the family of Dr. James G. Hauwiller for support for international educational exchanges.

Nino is from Khashuri, a small town in Eastern Georgia. She has two daughters: one is a university graduate who works as a Fitness Department Administrator, while the other is a freshman at the university. Her husband is an engineer at an energy company. Nino enjoys tending to her rose garden and socializing with friends and family. They have a mini Yorkshire Terrier named Bady.

Brief Autobiography by Nino Tsereteli

I am a dedicated and passionate educator from Georgia, with over 23 years of experience as an English Language Mentor Teacher. My journey in education began with a Master’s degree in English Language Philology from the Institute of Foreign Languages in Tbilisi. I am committed to bringing the classroom to life with real-world examples and innovative technology, creating a supportive learning environment tailored to students' needs.

Throughout my career, I have held various roles, including teacher trainer and curriculum development expert. I have worked extensively with the Peace Corps in Georgia, delivering training sessions that incorporated Georgia-specific information, aligned with the national curriculum, and served as an English Language Teacher Trainer at the Teacher Professional Development Centre and the British Council Georgia. 

Currently, I am engaged with the Ministry of Education and Science as a Curriculum Development and Implementation Expert, where I advise foreign language teachers and facilitate curriculum development processes. My volunteer work as an Online Teacher Community Facilitator with the British Council Georgia highlights my commitment to supporting English language teachers and sharing effective teaching strategies.

Upon returning to Georgia, I plan to implement the insights and methodologies gained during my time as a JEEM Scholar. My goal is to integrate life skills education into the curriculum, focusing on fostering social-emotional learning, critical thinking, and resilience among students. I also aim to strengthen partnerships between schools, parents, and the community, promoting a collaborative approach to education. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, I will work to ensure equitable access to education for all students, adapting teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs.

My passion for education and my commitment to making a meaningful impact in students' lives drive my continuous pursuit of excellence in teaching.

Welcome Nino to MSU, Bozeman, and Montana

FOUR SEASONS OF
LATVIA
ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31
MSU Education Department
REID HALL, ROOM 108
9:30 AM
RENATE KERANE
2023 JEEM Scholarship Recipient
renate.kerane@gmail.com

JEEM SCHOLAR: October 8 - November 11, 2023

Introduction

During a five-week program, the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development will host Renate Kerane from Riga, Latvia. She is this year’s recipient of the JEEM Memorial Scholarship, which was established by the family of Dr. James G. Hauwiller for support for international educational exchanges.

Brief Biography of Renate Kerane

I’m Renate Kerane, the lucky JEEM Scholar of 2023 from Riga, Latvia. I have a beautiful family and I am the mother of three daughters, Patricia, Emilia, and Olivia.

Although I studied Pedagogy in my bachelor program and received an MA degree with distinction in English in 2012, I did not work as a teacher until January 2021. In my previous job experience I was a translator and interpreter, an administrator, and worked as conference and event manager before the pandemics. This time brought immense changes in my career. I accepted the challenge to become an English teacher. Soon after the first term at school I decided to apply for a work-based study program at the University of Latvia for the pedagogical qualification (July 2022) and proceeded with another year of studies in Management of Change in Education (June 2023).

As the JEEM Scholar I intend to expand the topic of my diploma paper on Strategies to Develop Life Skills in English Lessons by observing classes, getting inspired to incorporate new teaching methods and go beyond a course book. The project could help me see how life skills are already incorporated in lessons and implemented in the educational system of America.

Apart from a full-time job at the Marupe Elementary School, I am also involved in running a charity foundation together with my husband Janis. We run charity shops in Latvia to raise funds to support children in need. This year, the scope of our charity and social work expanded and we donated 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in Ukraine.

To provide a glimpse of my personal interests outside of school, I enjoy jazz, photography and time spent in nature. However, my biggest passion for years has been travelling. I have visited 27 countries (Indonesia, Vietnam, Marocco, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Albania, Israel, Egypt and most of the European countries); yet I’ve never had a chance to visit America.

Through my project in Bozeman, I intend to examine teaching methods and strategies that allow middle school students to acquire various life skills, e.g., self-awareness, resilience, adaptability, interpersonal skills and collaboration, critical thinking, empathy and positive body image.

Upon my return to Latvia, I will attempt to link the topics of the course book with subsequent life skills and adjust my teaching methods. I strongly believe in the power of education, and I'm committed to implementing life skill education one lesson at a time. I see it as an opportunity to have an influence on students’ developing personalities, which in return makes my work meaningful and fulfilling.

Welcome Renate to MSU, Bozeman, and Montana

Culture & Education

Costa Rica

Lic. Karla Rodríguez S.
Presenter

Tuesday, Nov. 15th
3:00 p.m.
Reid Hall Room 333
Organized by:
MSU Education Department,
JEEM Scholarship
Committee
2022

JEEM SCHOLAR: October 15 – November 19, 2022

Introduction

During a five-week program, the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development will host Karla Rodriguez Sanchez from Atenas, Costa Rica. She is this year’s recipient of the JEEM Memorial Scholarship, which was established by the family of Dr. James G. Hauwiller to support international educational exchanges.

Brief Biography of Karla Rodriguez Sanchez

Karla Rodríguez Sánchez was born in the province of San José, Costa Rica. Her mother is a retired educator/elementary principal. Her father worked in the National water department. She loves to listen to music, something that she inherited from her father who was born in the Caribbean side of the country. Her love for education was seeded in her by her mother, who was a great professional in her field. 
Karla lives with Her husband, Luis, and their two children, Gabriel, and Gustavo in Atenas, Costa Rica.  Her older son is 21 years old and attends the university; her younger son is 16 years old and studies in high school. They spend time together enjoying nature., music, and their cats Mizzy, Kyra, and Tara.

Her first commitment to the English language was listening to a cassette course because she wanted extra practice. After high school, she took an advanced course at the Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano, a prestigious institution in Costa Rica. Then, she studied Teaching English for primary school and graduated in 2004. In 2006, she graduated as a Kindergarten teacher.

Karla has 19 years of experience in education--teaching English at preschool and elementary levels.  Currently she teaches at Monseñor Sanabria Martínez, a rural school in a beautiful town called Atenas.  She is a member of the Costa Rican Teachers’ Association (COLYPRO). SIT TESOL certified English teacher. She is a collaborator in the design of third and fifth grade teacher´s guides, Ministry of Public Education (MEP) curriculum, and in the creation of standardized items for the national test for 5th graders: “Test for Young Learners,” University of Costa Rica.
She has been part of community projects as a bridge between English speaking countries and Costa Rica, focusing on education involving schools and teachers.  While here she wants to develop a project with culture as the foundation of exchanging traditions and customs.  She will call it: “Exchanging Culture by Learning English.”  When she returns, she will plan an Institutional English Festival with songs, rhymes, poems, plays and other activities that she observed and learned while here in Montana.

Welcome Karla to MSU, Bozeman, and Montana

Traditional games and why camels cry

CULTURE AND EDUCATION

IN MONGOLIA

JEEM Scholar 2019

Presentation

BUJIN MAGVANRENCHIN

MONGOLIA

Tuesday, November 19th, 3:10 p.m.

Reid Hall Room 124

Organized by MSU Education Department,

JEEM Scholarship Committee

JEEM SCHOLAR: October 19 – November 23, 2019

Introduction

During a six-week program, the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development will host Bujin Magvanrenchin from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. She is this year’s recipient of the JEEM Memorial Scholarship, which was established by the family of Dr. James G. Hauwiller to support international educational exchanges

Brief Biography of Bujin Magvanrenchin

Bujin Magvanrenchin was born in Choibalsan, Dornod province, which is in the eastern part of Mongolia. She has two brothers; she is the youngest of the siblings.  Her parents are  pensioners:  her father was a physics – math teacher and her mother was an engineer. “I am very proud of my parents because they are very hardworking and well educated people.”

 After graduation from Dornod Teacher’s Training College as a Mongolian language and a Primary school teacher in 1997, Bujin also completed a 4-year English course with American teachers.   At that time, English was just starting to be taught in secondary schools. During summer vacation she participated in Summer English Olympics in Ulaanbatar three times, successfully in 1994, 1995, and 1996.  She graduated from Mongolian State University of Education in 2013.  Also, she is proud of graduating from a two year- EXCEL program of the English Language Institute in 2011.  From this Training she learned useful methodology and skills to become an effective English teacher.  

Bujin has been teaching English for 18 years in secondary schools, currently at laboratory school 23. There are six languages: Chinese, Japanese, Korean, English, Russian and Dutch taught in her school. Bujin says, “I like working with children and love teaching them everything I know.” She has trained many students for local and International Olympics and taught in several teachers’ trainings, seminars and methodology workshops as a Teacher Trainer for the City. 

She will participate in this award  “to learn American education and culture, improve my teaching methodology and to complete and implement my JEEM proposed project: “Developing Portfolio Assessment.”   Bujin primarily wants to expand Portfolio Assessment in scope and extent for her teaching purposes. Further, she will continue to implement Portfolio Assessment with her secondary school students.  She says, "I will work as an educator in Mongolia more efficaciously and coherently by using the findings of my study at MSU."  While here, she will be mentored by Dr. Lauren Davis and attend Edu. 382, Assessment class.  She will observe methodology in classrooms at all levels, and review current curriculums.  Once back in Mongolia, she will share her experiences through training workshops with her colleagues.

**Add Something personal, such as: Bujin enjoys …. With family and friends.  She will participate in community and social activities while here in Bozeman…

Welcome Bujin to MSU, Bozeman, and Montana.

Would you like to be a part of Uzbek culture?
MSU Education Department is pleased to invite you to a presentation given by    
Dildora Kasimova,
2016 recipient of the JEEM scholarship award

Thursday, April 21, 2016, 12:15 pm.
Reid Hall #301

“Welcome to the Republic of Uzbekistan: The country of hospitality and peace”

JEEM SCHOLAR: March 20 – April 29, 2016

Brief Biography of Dildora Kasimova

            Dildora was born in the ancient capital city of Tashkent in the independent country of Uzbekistan to a family of ordinary workers.  Her father was a conductor at International Railways, and her mother an English teacher who has dedicated her life to the children.  Her Mother encouraged them to get as much knowledge as possible, “which would be a fair and right path towards a flourishing future.” That encouragement is the main reason for Dildora’s goal achievement in her pedagogical career.

            After graduating with bachelor and master degrees at Uzbek State World Languages and National Universities, Dildora started her teaching career at Republican Language Learning Centre.  While at the Centre, she determined the reason for poor English competency of pupils was that the educators themselves lacked professional and practical experience with English. Because of this, Dildora offered voluntary professional writing and speaking classes for ESL teachers.   Nowadays she holds training classes every Friday for ESL teachers in her district and works at schools where teachers can observe her classes teaching English for mixed levels of learners.

            Recently, Dildora succeeded in an interview to be a teacher trainer for ESL teachers of Chilanzar District, Tashkent.  Her supervisor is pleased and delighted that Dildora has been selected for the JEEM program, as she will make an enormous contribution as a leader for teachers.  While there are opportunities to improve education system in Uzbekistan, Dildora feels there is a shortage of teaching materials and methodological interactive activities.  While in Bozeman she will observe native language speakers, engage in classroom observations, and identify tutorial textbooks according to the level of learner.   

            Personally, Dildora says, “I am sociable, self-motivated, creative, dedicated and ambitious. I am always ready to extend my knowledge and fulfil gaps by learning, observing, and sharing ideas with colleagues.”   By participating in JEEM, she is eager to expand her knowledge on education systems of the USA, and cultural characteristics such as social habits, art, music, and community life.

            She is interested in reading authentic books and baking sweet pies for her family. She is a single mother with two daughters, ages 11 and 9.  She dreams of having an opportunity to travel with her children to China as her elder daughter is a fan of oriental languages.  Moreover, she would like to run her own Language Learning Centre with up-to-date technology and level-appropriate instructional manuals.  

Welcome Dildora to MSU, Bozeman, and Montana

Surely, you have heard of Africa. But do you know Cote D’Ivoire? Most of you like chocolate, which is made from cocoa. Do you know where cocoa comes from, and where it grows?
Come and join Atta BROU, JEEM 2013 scholarship recipient from Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire (West Africa), in an informational session where he will answer your questions and much more about Cote D’Ivoire. As an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) teacher he will talk about vocational schools, the education system, history, and culture of Cote D’Ivoire.
Wednesday, October 16th, 12:00 – 1:30 pm, REID HALL 223

JEEM Scholar 2013

Introduction

During a six-week program, the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development will host Atta BROU from Cote d’Ivoire, West Africa.  He is this year’s recipient of the JEEM Memorial Scholarship, which was established by the family of Dr. James G. Hauwiller to support international educational exchanges.  While in Bozeman, Atta will experience a home stay with Yvonne Hauwiller.

Brief Biography of Atta BROU

       In his application, Atta said, “I would like to participate in the JEEM program to improve my personal knowledge concerning teaching, curriculum design, American culture, and education, and also to belong to a worldwide network of educators for the sharing of experience and knowledge about teaching.”

        As a vocational school teacher, he wants his students to develop the same skills as foreign students, using 21st century skills in order to be competitive on the job market.  Atta has been teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) since 2007.  He says that there is a lack of curriculum for teachers training students of hairdressing, dressmaking, health occupations, and social studies. The majority of his students come from secondary schools and their age varies between fourteen and twenty-five years of age (from grade 8 to 12), most of them are from poor origins.

        He is primarily interested in curriculum design and also in integration of technology. He says,  that he  wants the problem of lack of curriculum in vocational schools to be solved to give real opportunities to students when they are training or on the job.  Though he has never travelled to the US or other countries abroad, he feels that he will learn much from other teachers, professors and administrators through his participation in this study program.  He says, “It will be very profitable for my local school and my community. Upon my return I will present my experiences to my local colleagues through an area conference.  I will meet with the school inspectors to show them the appropriateness of the project and to have their permission to organize workshops in vocational schools throughout the country.”

        Atta plans to help his students improve their English for specific fields of vocational education.  They can become competent workers, managers and supervisors, as employers these days are looking for “well-qualified and bilingual workers.”  Finally, he hopes to design/edit textbooks to be used as resources on the job and in their homes.  Concerning his professional or leadership experience, he is currently the secretary general in his school of the national teacher’s union and he is also a member of the school parental committee.

          The JEEM Scholarship provides Atta with an exciting opportunity to travel.  As a recent newlywed, he will use SKYPE, e-mail and other social media to share his experiences with his bride, Beatrice.  

Welcome Atta to MSU, Bozeman, and Montana

Where is Ukraine? Can you locate the Crimean peninsula on the map? Why is the Ukrainian flag blue and yellow? How long do Ukrainians study?

Join Olga Cherkashchenko, JEEM 2012 Scholar from Crimea, Ukraine, in an informational session where she will answer these questions and much more.

Olga is an ESL secondary school teacher with 16 vears of work experience. She will talk about the education sustem and culture of Ukraine.

"Education and Culture of Ukraine"

Thursday, March 29th, 12:15 - 01:15

Reid Hall, Room 126

This series is provided by Office of International Programs, 400 Culbertson Hall, 994-3031

I am Olga Cherkashchenko, an ESL secondary school teacher from Ukraine, Crimea. My country can be described as a land of glorious history lasting from Kyivskaya Russ to Zaporizska Sich and “Orange” revolution.

My hometown is Yalta – the center of Southern Coast of the Black Sea. The sea gave the name to the town: from Greek “jalos” – the shore. For some centuries, Yalta had been a small settlement and in 1838 it reserved the status of the town. In1860 the Emperor’s family purchased the lands in the South Coast and Yalta began to develop as a fashionable health-resort. The splendid palaces were built in Livadia, Massandra, Oreanda.

Now to the services of the guests are more than 130 holiday homes and tourist centers. The visitors can admire the famous palace-and-park ensembles and the Nikitsky Botanical Gardens. You can rise by the cableway to the top of Ai-Petry plateau and visit Chekhov’s house-museum “Belaya Dacha”.

Presently, I work in a Secondary School specializing in Foreign languages as an ESL teacher and I conduct the course in Literature of Great Britain for the 10th form pupils.

Being a JEEM scholar, I’ll use every opportunity to study the educational system of the USA, to understand the differences from education in Ukraine. My particular interests are students’ motivation, inclusive education, and teaching tolerance.

My strong belief is that it is very important as a teacher of English to visit the USA to develop personal attitude to the country’s culture. I would like to learn from other professionals working in the same field and I hope to learn innovative techniques and gather teaching material to share with my colleagues in Ukraine.

Department of Education Seminar

Have you heard of the Great Silk Road or the legendary Ahalteke horses or Ancient Merv? Have you seen the gorgeous, high quality carpets that have emerged from the heart of Turkmen women? Can you locate Turkmenistan on a map?

Come join Gulya Agayeva, JEEM 2010 Scholar from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, in an informational session where she’ll answer these questions and much more. An EFL teacher, Gulya will talk about schools and education for all ages. Also, she’s worked with the Union of Entrepreneurs where she has taught business and conversational English to young people and other community members.

“Education and Culture of Turkmenistan” Tuesday, October 5th, 3-4 p.m.
Reid Hall, Room 301

Gulya Agayeva, J.E.E.M. Scholar 2010

Gulya Agayeva is an EFL Teacher from Turkmenistan. She describes her country as a land with a glorious history including: the Parthian Kingdom with Nisa as one of its capitals; Ancient Merv, a part of Margiana that is now recognized to be the fifth center of the earliest civilizations (after Mesopotamia, Egypt, India and China). The Great Silk Road and the legendary Ahalteke horses have always been the pride of Turkmens. Gorgeous carpets, with unique ornamentation and high quality, emerged from the heart of Turkmen women.

Gulya lives in Ashgabat-the capital city of Turkmenistan. It is called a white marble beauty for its amazing buildings that glitter under the sun with a lot of rainbow colors. The city is charming with the unique beauty of its architecture, museums, theatres, high-class hotels, and parks with amazing cascades of fountains and palm trees, green squares full of flowers, magnificent monuments, and many other wonders of unusual architectural ensemble.

Presently, she works in the Business School under the Union of Entrepreneurs and Industrialists of Turkmenistan. The main mission of the School is to provide professional training to entrepreneurs of small and medium businesses in compliance with the requirements of market economy, and to young
people who are planning to start their own business. Her duties include teaching business & conversational English to young entrepreneurs, economists, and interested community members.

Recently, she has also been involved in the GAP project, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Turkmenistan. There she has taught English to young people who have some gaps after leaving school
and have not been able to enter any higher institution or get a job.

Gulya says, "My motto is learn yourself and teach others. Education is a life-long process and there is always much more to learn as life goes on bringing some new changes." This belief has inspired her to learn as much as possible using every opportunity that turns up. Thus, in 2008/2009 she conducted an Intermediate English Course for businessmen on a voluntary basis, incorporating innovative tools and
techniques of teaching English obtained through various teacher trainings. In addition she has taught English at "Soltan Dag" and"Intec" Educational Centers. Recently she has been inspired by professional development and interaction with POET (Professional Organization of English Teachers).

"I am still energetic, lively, and eager to learn and share in spite of my middle age. My participation in the JEEM Scholarship Program is good proof of my incredible energy and a tremendous desire to grow professionally." Gulya feels it is very important as a teacher of English to visit America and learn about the culture of this great nation personally, not from books or any other sources. She would like to learn from other professionals working in the same field and she is hoping to learn innovative techniques and gather teaching tools to share with her colleagues in Turkmenistan.

"Finally, I would like to use this opportunity to present my beloved country with its colorful culture representing the history, hopes and dreams of the Turkmen nation." Gulya is looking forward to learning about American culture while here in Montana. When she returns to her home, she will have wonderful memories and lasting friendships.

Mark your calendars

Thailand: Across Cultures, Learning Together

Friday, October 5th, 2007
12:00-1:00pm
Reid Hall, Room 124

King Rama V (1862) of Thailand traveled extensively in the West and was convinced that education was the key to Thailand's future. He established what eventually became Phranakhon Rajabhat University (PRU) in Bangkok. It is not an ordinary university in that it is designed to train teachers, with an emphasis on learning about western culture.

During a six-week program, the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development will host Phranakhon Rajabhat University lecturer, Ms. Apinun Nilsawaddi. She is this year's recipient of the JEEM (Joint Exchange in Methodology) Memorial Scholarship, which was established by the family of Dr. James G. Hauwiller to support international educational exchanges.

Ms. Nilswaddi has been a teacher for 23 years; ten years at the secondary level before coming to Phranakhon Rajabhat University (PRU) in Bangkok. At PRU she has been a teacher, the head of the Department of English Teaching, and is currently the Assistant Director of Graduate Studies. She has been a leading proponent in introducing a more in-depth study of western culture. While in Montana, Apinun is interested in learning about intercultural communication, employing technology in instruction, and learning to be a more efficient administrator and effective teacher trainer. Upon her return to Thailand, Apinun will teach a course called Socio-Cultural Backgrounds of English Speaking
Countries.

Please join us for this interesting lecture...

Bring your lunch; we will provide dessert

Apinun Nilsawaddi

Thai Scholar

Phranakhon Rajabhat University, Bangkok

During a six-week program, the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development will host Apinun Nilsawaddi. She is this year's recipient of the JEEM Memorial Scholarship, which was established by the family of Dr. James G. Hauwiller to support international educational exchanges. While in Montana, Apinun will experience a home stay with Yvonne Hauwiller in Bozeman.

Brief Narrative Biography

Apinun Nilsawaddi, 46, is a "southern-born girl" from Thailand. She lives with her 13-year old daughter, Nutthanicha, in Bangkok. Apinun is an active woman who enjoys outdoor activities with her daughter. She has been a Girl Scout troop leader, thus is familiar with the outdoors. She enjoys walking, if it is not too hot and going to beaches because she likes to be near the water. Apinun loves nature, flowers, dogs (she has five of her own), reading and traveling. She likes learning about new things from the people she meets along the way. Apinun says, that while she is easy going, sociable, and friendly, she is not overly talkative.

She has been a teacher for 23 years; ten years at the secondary level before coming to Phranakhon Rajabhat University (PRU) in Bangkok. At PRU she has been a teacher, the head of the Department of English Teaching, and is currently the Assistant Director of Graduate Studies. She has been a leading proponent in introducing a more in-depth study of western culture. While in Montana, Apinun is interested in learning about intercultural communication, employing technology in instruction, and learning to be a more efficient administrator and effective teacher trainer.

Upon her return, Apinun will teach a course called Socio-Cultural Backgrounds of English Speaking Countries. She hopes to learn first-hand about American culture and incorporate what she learns into this course. She feels that she will learn a lot by meeting kids at schools, talking to teachers and community members, sightseeing, and experiencing everyday family life in America.

Department of Education

Research Seminar

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Reid 126 3:30-4:30

Prachak Rotarwut

Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs of the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty
Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University in Thailand

The Kingdom of Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia. There are about 65 million people living in an area of 513,000 km² (approximately the same size as Spain). Education in Thailand is provided mainly by the government and is controlled by the Thai Ministry of Education. Children are required to attend school until finishing the first
three years of high school. Students may attend public or private school where education is divided into two levels with 6 years of elementary school (Prathomsuksa) and 6 years of high school (Mattayomsuksa).

Would you like to know more about Education in Thailand?

Achan Prachak Rotarwut is this year's recipient of the JEEM Memorial Scholarship, which was established by the family of Dr. James G. Hauwiller to support international education exchanges. His current position at Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University in Thailand is Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs of the Humanities and Social Sciences Faculty. He teaches various courses in the field of education and is one of the teacher trainers for the pre-service and in-service teacher training workshops for primary and secondary schools. While here, he is interested in learning more about curriculum design, course development, teaching supervision, and program management. Upon his return, he will organize the in-service training program for primary and secondary school English teachers. In addition to the academics, he hopes to learn first-hand about American culture. He wil do so by meeting students at schools, talking to teachers and community members, sightseeing, and learning about every day family life in America

Mr. Prachak Rotarwut

Thai Scholar

Nakan Sawan Rajabhat University 

During a six-week program, the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development will host Prachak Rotarwut. He is this year’s recipient of the JEEM Memorial Scholarship, which was established by the family of Dr. James G. Hauwiller to support international educational exchanges. While in Montana, Prachak will experience a home stay with Yvonne Hauwiller in Bozeman.

Brief Narrative Biography

Prachak Rotarwut was born in Ayutthaya, the ancient capital city of Thailand. He grew up and attended primary and secondary school in Samutprakarn, near Bangkok. After he received his master's degree, eight years ago, he began teaching at NSRU (Nakhon Sawan Rajabhat University). NSRU is located at the mouth of the Chao Praya River, the major waterway in Thailand. Prachak is married to Benchaporn, who is a lecturer at the same university. His son, Natchanon, is three years old and is in his first year of preschool. He enjoys his family, and whenever he has free time, he likes to jog. 

His current position at NSRU is Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs within Humanities and Social Sciences. He teaches various courses in the field of education and is one of the teacher trainers for the pre-service and in-service teacher training workshops for primary and secondary schools. In addition, he has been appointed as head of public relations for their International programs. In this position, he has been fortunate to meet and welcome foreign educators from various countries including Australia, England, Japan, China, India, and America. In 1998, he coordinated the Fulbright Group Study Program for 12 Bozeman area educators. This involvement led him to pursue this scholarship to study at MSU. 

Prachak’s experience abroad includes several scholarships supported by the National government, in conjunction with private organizations. In 1993, he visited Australia for ten months with the Teacher Visiting Program. He says that his English listening and speaking ability improved greatly from this experience. Further, in 1997, he attended a one-month course of study in Singapore on Business English and Technology. Upon his return, he organized a faculty workshop on teaching English using technology and developed a semester course for Bachelor of Arts students. 

While here, Prachak is interested in learning more about curriculum design, course development, teaching supervision, and program management. Upon his return, he will organize the in-service training program for primary and secondary school English teachers. In addition to the academics, he hopes to learn first-hand about American culture. He will do so by meeting kids at schools, talking to teachers and community members, sightseeing, and learning about every day family life in America. 

Mrs. Sirilac Boonma

Thai Scholar

Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University

During her six-week program, the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development will host Sirilac Boonma. She is the first recipient of the JEEM Memorial Scholarship, which was established by the family of Dr. James G. Hauwiler to support international educational exchanges. While in Montana, Sirilac will experience a home stay with Yvonne Hauwiller in Bozeman.

Brief Narrative Biography

I have been in Thailand for all of my life. I graduated with a B.S. in English from the
Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, and M.Ed. in TEFL from the Faculty of Education, Chula. Also, I was granted a scholarship from the Australian Government for diploma in TEFL from the University of Sydney. Last year I took a short course in Business English at Christchurch College of English, New Zealand. I have traveled to Austria, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Yugoslavia, China, and Vietnam. This is the first time that I have an opportunity to come to the United States to study.

My present position is Director of the Language Center and Chairperson of the Office of
International Relations at Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University. We are located about
40 km. North of Bangkok, not far from Ayuttaya. While in Bozeman, I am interested in learning more about curriculum design and development, teaching supervision, and program management. I hope to identify effective English teaching methods and organize the in-service training program for our primary and secondary school teachers.

With the recent promotion of my institute to that of a full-fledge university, there is a need to enhance both our teaching materials and methodology. We need to improve our courses to assure that the content is relevant for our students and applicable to the ever-changing needs of society. Also we need to provide students with instructors who have a more broad knowledge of the world around them. My university is located between two vast industrial estates and many of the companies are American owned. By living and studying in Bozeman, I wil learn about the American way of life.

In my personal life, I enjoy reading, watching television, shopping, being with my father, and travels with my family. My father is a retired businessman. He lives in a house on the banks of the Chao Phya River. I am having a second house built near his house. My husband is the senior director in charge of the Thanachart Bank branches. I have three children. My eldest daughter has received the M.A. in Language and Communication from NIDA. She has been teaching English at Srinarindrarawiroj Prasarnmitr. My second son has a B.A. in Law from Thammasart University. He has studied for the Bar Exam. Unfortunately, I lost my youngest and beloved daughter because of illness three years ago, when she was the first year student at the Faculty of the Social Welfare, TU.