Sergio Salazar

Sergio Salazar, from Colombia, began studying languages six years ago.“I wanted to go far beyond the mere understanding of grammatical rules and structures,” he said. “I learned languages to be able to communicate and be immersed in so many cultures that indirectly shaped who I am now.

“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; while it is truth that teaching has to be built on passion, it is also truth that it takes your entire life.”

He was eager to be immersed in other languages and cultures: Studying a foreign language without traveling abroad is like studying marine biology without ever seeing the sea, he said.

“I picked Carthage expecting to get a great opportunity to broaden my understanding of an interesting society, and raise my awareness of my surrounding world,” he said. “I have done both at Carthage. I can say that this is the time that has helped me polish my teaching, my language, and my personal life as well. I felt welcomed to a place where the warmth of people tends to exceed the cold of the weather.

“The only thing left now is to define where one can go after Carthage, for this is an amazing opportunity and it will be difficult to try to equal it,” he said.

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.