Language Preparation for the FIFA World Cup
Katie Hibner ’20 trained Mexico City Police for the FIFA World Cup for the U.S. Department of State Virtual English Language Educator Program.
This spring, Katie Hibner was selected by the U.S. Department of State to help train Mexico City police officers in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. From January to June, Hibner conducted online classes to improve the officers’ English listening and speaking abilities before they interacted with a projected 5 million visitors from around the world. Hibner unexpectedly fell in love with English language teaching during a Field Work Term in Morocco and has been dedicated to linguistics, pedagogy, and intercultural exchange ever since. She credits her Bennington coursework with laying the groundwork for her globally-oriented, critical teaching philosophy.
Hibner is among the more than 100 Virtual English Language Educator Program participants for the 2025-2026 academic year. The Virtual English Language Educator Program is the premier online opportunity for experienced teachers of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) to enact meaningful and sustainable changes in the way that English is taught abroad. Through projects developed by U.S. Embassies in more than 80 countries, Virtual Educators work with local teachers, students, and educational professionals to improve the quality of English language instruction offered at prestigious universities, academic institutions, and cultural centers.
English Language Programs has placed thousands of TESOL scholars and educators with international partner institutions, abroad and virtually, to promote English language learning, enhance English teaching capacity, and connect the United States and other countries through cultural exchange. These projects are challenging and the teachers selected represent the best of the U.S. TESOL community. Virtual Educators are among the more than 50,000 individuals participating in U.S. Department of State exchange programs each year.
For further information:
Virtual English Language Educator Program, outreach@elprograms.org, 202-687-0997
Office of English Language Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State, ECA-Press@state.gov
English Language Programs is administered by the Center for Intercultural Education and Development at Georgetown University.