Uzhhorod University Joins the US Department of State’s Virtual English Language Educator Program
Uzhhorod University is participating in the Virtual English Language Educator Program, an educational initiative of the US Department of State aimed at improving English language teaching and strengthening the professional competencies of academic staff.
As part of the programme, American educator Mr Shawn Chakrabarti is conducting online classes for the university’s students from 28 September to 19 December 2026. The initiative was arranged with the support of the Public Diplomacy Section of the US Embassy in Ukraine and is fully funded by the United States Government. Educators participating in the programme are selected by Georgetown University.
Mr Chakrabarti holds a Master’s degree in Adult Education from the University of the District of Columbia, a DC Adult Education Teacher Licence and a TEFL certificate. He has extensive experience in English language education, teacher professional development, and the creation of educational resources. His professional background includes serving as a subject-matter expert in language acquisition and adult education for US government institutions, as well as developing and delivering professional training programmes for English-language teachers. He has been involved in developing proposals for and managing federal education grants. The educator is a founding board member and strategic leader of The Family Place PCS, an award-winning school in the U.S. capital.
The programme at Uzhhorod University covers two subjects: Methodology of Teaching a Foreign Language (English) and Main Foreign Language (English). Classes are delivered to students of the Department of Applied Linguistics at the Faculty of International Economic Relations and the Department of English Philology at the Faculty of Foreign Philology. The classes involve bachelor’s and master’s students, including future English language teachers.
Participation in the Virtual English Language Educator Program provides the university with an opportunity to engage directly with an American education specialist, explore contemporary approaches to English language teaching and exchange international teaching experience. This cooperation contributes to improving the educational process, strengthening international academic links, and advancing the professional development of the university community.
Anastasiya Lendel
Information and Publishing Centre
