Ruth Solarte

Ruth Solarte was born in Bogotá, Colombia. She began her studies as a fashion design student, but while taking an English course, decided she wanted to become a teacher. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and English at Universidad Pedagógica Nacional de Colombia. At the same time, she worked as an English teacher at several language institutes.

Ruth dreamed of traveling to an English-speaking country in order to improve her English knowledge. She says life gave her much more than that when the opportunity arose to become a TLE at Carthage. She’s now studying for her master’s degree and sharing her language and culture with Carthage students.

“Outside of my professional interests, I enjoy animals of all sorts, but especially tigers and dogs,” she says. “My hobbies include reading, movies, learning cultures around the world, studying the Bible, and oil painting.”

This is her second year at Carthage.

“I can say that this experience has contributed a lot to my professional and personal growth,” she says. “Through my daily interaction with the students, I have learned much from them. In return, my wish is that when the students leave the classroom, they feel that they have acquired more than the Spanish basics.”

Meet the TLEs

Julien Berteraut
"Coming here was a way for me to learn about the American culture, improve my listening and speaking skills, and be in an environment where I could learn from others."

Audrey Dehdouh
"I am currently teaching French at Carthage and studying to complete a Master's in General Education."

Nozomi Fukazawa
"I'm really enjoying meeting people who have a different background from mine, and having precious experiences with them here."

Carolin Hellwig
"My experiences in Kenosha are so far wonderful: working with amazing people, living with international friends, and the life as a teacher as well as student is incredible."

Martina Hunkler
"I am very happy to be here and I would not want to miss this experience for sack of gold or a plate of German Spätzle!"

Claudia Rodriguez
"Living with people of six different countries has enriched my perspective about the world."

Miguel Rojo
TLE Miguel Rojo came to the United States immediately after finishing school, eager to learn more about American life.

Sergio Salazar
"I became a teacher four years ago and found the reward I never thought to find in a job. Indeed teaching is both my profession and my hobby."

Miguel Ángel Santos
Miguel said he's grateful to be doing what he enjoys most: combining traveling, languages, culture sharing, and teaching.

Niki Sugiyama
Niki was motivated to learn English by American culture. "I dreamed of talking with Michael Jordan some day!" she said.

Ruth Solarte
"My wish is that when the students leave the classroom, they feel that they have acquired more than the Spanish basics.”

Shuhong Zhao
Shuhong Zhao, from Beijing, China, is in the United States for the first time and is teaching Chinese 101.