Program Development

This CASAS-aligned program was designed for front-line service workers at the University of Colorado Boulder who had beginning literacy to intermediate English skills. It was developed in partnership with the university's HR department and designed around tasks that were relevant to students' work. Carolyn Allen, Professional Programs Manager, was crucial to the program's success. Several students were promoted after completing the program.

Matthew Burrows and I co-designed an immersive English Language Learning program for Buddhist scholars who planned to be either translators or teachers in the west. It was located in rural Thailand although most students were Tibetan Buddhists from India and China. The program, funded by the Khyentse Foundation, offered unique, small classes at the A1 to C1 CEFR level and extra-curriculum clubs on topics such as Buddhism and modern psychology and movie making. Several of the students have gone on to teach in the United States, Europe, and Australia. Below is a student-made video about one of our field trips to Ayutthaya, Thailand.