DAy Two: Education system in uruguay
At the Fulbright program, participants from different states of United Sates gather to learn about different education systems and cultures. On the second day of the program, we had the opportunity to hear about Uruguayan foreign language education and technology integration. It was a fascinating day that exposed us to a new world of learning. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the presentations and experiences we had on this memorable day.
The day started with insightful presentations on foreign language education in Uruguay's education system. We learned that Uruguay is one of the few countries in Latin America that has made learning English a requirement for its students. As a result, 45% of the country's population is fluent in English, making it one of the most bilingual countries in the world. This country has the high literacy rate (ninety nine percent) and education is mandatory for students aged 6-11 and free at all levels-primary, secondary, technical school, and university. It was fascinating to hear about the methods used to teach English, which include immersive programs, language laboratories, and teacher trainings. We were amazed to learn about the families, the people of this country, and the government efforts and contributions in education. A lot of non-profit organization, after-school programs, and schools were first initiated by the communities. We also learned about the importance of foreign language education for economic and social development.
In the afternoon, we went on a city tour of Montevideo, Uruguay's capital city. The tour was an excellent opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Uruguay. We explored the cobblestone streets of the Old City, admired the beautiful colonial and Art Deco buildings, and visited a few of the many museums that showcase Uruguay's rich history. It was a great introduction to the country and its people.
Our next stop was Ceibal, an educational technology center for innovation in public education. We were amazed by the work being done at Ceibal, which focuses on providing access to technology for all students. Uruguay is the first country in the world to give a laptop to every child in public primary school, and Ceibal is responsible for the implementation of this policy. We saw how technology is integrated into daily classroom activities and how students are taught to use technology in a responsible and ethical manner. The visit to Ceibal was a highlight of the day, and it gave us a glimpse of how education can be enhanced by technology.
To end the day, we attended a welcome reception hosted by Fulbright's Executive Director, Mercedes de. The reception was a great opportunity to meet and exchange stories with fellow participants from around the world. We enjoyed a night of delicious Uruguayan food, music, and dance. It was a perfect way to end the day, and we felt grateful for the opportunity to be part of the program.
The second day at Fulbright was an unforgettable day that exposed us to new ideas and experiences. Through the presentations on foreign language education, the city tour of Montevideo, the visit to Ceibal, and the welcome reception, we learned about Uruguay's unique education system and its culture. We were inspired by the work being done in the country to provide equal access to education and to integrate technology into learning. The day was a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and learning from others. We left Uruguay that day feeling enriched and motivated to continue to learn and explore.
