They are brought up with the idea that they must learn English in school, to use throughout their lives.
My host mom is fluent in English, which is her third language. She feels strongly that knowledge of the language is very important for her children. To many of the people I have met, being able to speak English opens many doors for them within careers and travelling. English is used as a common language in many places throughout the world. Many people learn English in order to communicate with others outside of their home country.
Israelis use many different strategies to learn English, and even though not all Israelis are fluent in English, many of those whom I have met are very impressive in their skills. To improve English in its schools, Israel has created the program that I joined, the Masa Israel Teaching Fellows. This fellowship brings teachers and college graduates from native English-speaking countries to teach in the Israeli schools. This allows the students to have contact with English speakers and forces them to speak to us only in English. Additionally, we bring different teaching practices to the Israeli education system. For example, I have implemented pen pals, linking students in the U.S. with my students here in Israel. This not only allows for a cultural exchange about each other’s lives but also enables my students to get to know a native English speaker and feel motivated to communicate with someone who cannot understand their Hebrew. In the school, I work with the whole class and also have a chance to work with students one-on-one and with small groups throughout the school.
