British Council sponsors Iraqi teachers at TESOL Arabia conference

The British Council is working in partnership with Dr.Ala' Hussain Oda and Dr. Adil Hameed Raheem from the University of Basra in Iraq, to share knowledge on the latest and most modern language teaching techniques and skills

Jo Maher, Director Operations of the British Council in the UAE explained that the British Council works with EFL teacher communities globally enabling sharing of best practice. The Iraqi teachers attending TESOL Arabia conference will have the opportunity to network with EFL professionals in the region and contribute to the development of ELT in Iraq.

'The British Council encourages international educational co-operation by means of educational exchanges, support for ELT communities, teaching projects and the use of new media. Creating partnerships and relationships between people and communities based on mutual understanding and mutual benefit is central to how we work and we are delighted to welcome Iraqi EFL professionals to a conference where these relationships can be built upon'

'There is a great interest in education right now in Iraq. The University of Basrah has a full academic schedule this year and a lot of students are interested in learning English, especially as the country is rebuilding itself and a lot of Iraqi youth are eager learn and improve their English language skills since this will help them secure suitable jobs,' Dr. Oda, Director of Academic Exchange and Public Relations at the University of Basrah explained.

He added that their visit to the British Council will allow them to increase their knowledge and skills on teaching English and be better equipped to meet the teaching needs back in Iraq.

Both university professors visited the British Council on Tuesday March 8 where they attended part of classes at the Dubai teaching centre and met with UK EFL teachers, to exchange views on learning and share teaching techniques. They also visited the Library at the British Council and reviewed the teaching and educational materials made available for students and visitors of the centre.

Both professors attended the TESOL Arabia conference that witnessed the participation of large delegations from across the Middle East region to discuss issues related to the teaching of English language.