50 English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) are Ready to Begin Work in Their Assigned Schools

The young American teachers in Terengganu were officially ‘handed-over’ to their respective school principals and administrators. (U.S. Embassy photo)

ETAs singing the ‘Semporna’ song. (U.S. Embassy photo)

On January 31, 50 English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) assigned to the states of Terengganu, Pahang, and Johor were officially handed over to their schools at a ceremony organized by the respective State Education Departments.  The ETAs arrived in the three states on January 20 and attended a week-long state orientation arranged by the State Education Departments. 

In all the keynote remarks and speeches in the three states, the speakers expressed the hope that the ETAs will inspire their students to have the confidence to speak English in both classroom and informal settings which will not only benefit them in their own lives but will also be instrumental in propelling Malaysia to greater heights in education and economy.  They also hope that the students will embark on a new learning experience beyond classroom teaching which will allow them to understand and comprehend values and lifestyles other than their own.   The speakers also encouraged the schools receiving ETAs to utilize the wide spectrum of skills and knowledge that the ETAs carry with them. 

The official handover ceremony in each state included videos of the ETAs during their 1-week orientation in their respective states featuring photos of them learning traditional dance, playing traditional games, weaving ‘ketupat’ leaves, water rafting, visiting local schools, and much more.  The ceremonies were also completed with ETAs doing a local presentation for the audience.  At the end of each ceremony, the ETAs were presented certificates of appreciation by state officials.  

The ETA program will have a huge impact on Malaysian students and it is estimated that this year, over 25,000 Malaysian students will have sustained contact with an ETA.  These ETAs will be carrying on the legacy of the Peace Corp volunteers, who are so fondly remembered throughout Malaysia.  The ETAs will begin their 10-month teaching assignments on February 1.