ATLANTA—When Mahliyo Mirzayeva, a teacher from Uzbekistan, arrived at Georgia State University for the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program, she was eager to learn and was inspired by the experience.
“From the very beginning, I have been deeply impressed by the university’s welcoming atmosphere, its expansive campus and its outstanding libraries,” she said.
The Fulbright TEA program is a highly selective, U.S. Department of State-sponsored initiative that brings teachers from other countries to a host university for professional development. Georgia State’s College of Education & Human Development, the Intensive English Program and the Office of International Initiatives coordinate the program on campus.
Mirzayeva was one of 22 teachers from 19 countries who attended classes with university faculty, visited local cultural sites and taught in Atlanta-area classrooms during the program this spring.
She appreciated having the opportunity to connect with fellow Fulbright participants, reflect on her own experiences as an educator and learn directly from international colleagues.
“Sharing our cultures, traditions and educational practices broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of global education,” she said. “Being a participant in the Fulbright TEA program has given me the chance not only to learn, but also to share, exchange ideas and grow both professionally and personally. This mutual exchange is what makes the experience so powerful and meaningful.”
During visits to local schools, Mirzayeva enjoyed seeing the American educational system firsthand and how schools support student success.
“I learned about classroom environments, teaching strategies and student engagement in a very practical and meaningful way,” she said.
She’s grateful that the Fulbright TEA program’s combination of coursework, school visits and collaborative discussions creates a truly meaningful experience for international teachers.
“This journey has been far more than professional development; it has been a life-changing experience that I will carry with me for years to come,” Mirzayeva said.