LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. — In September, Chinweotito “Chinwe” Ihejirika ’21 was awarded an international fellowship by the Education Office of the Embassy of Spain. Ihejirika accepted a position in the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program (NALCAP).
"I am so excited to be teaching English as an Auxiliar to the young students at C.E.I.P. Juan Ramón Jiménez with NALCAP,” said Ihejirika. “This program is an incredible opportunity to further my appreciation of Spanish language and promote bilingualism to youth through direct exchange. I became aware of this and many other opportunities through the Spanish Department at Lincoln University.”
The Spanish and political science major and pre-law and international relations minor credits Nora Lynn Gardner, Ph.D., assistant professor of Spanish, department of languages and literature for her endless support.
Dr. Gardner is Auxiliar alumni, “15 years ago in 2006 the North American Language and Culture Assistants Program in Spain changed the course of my life forever. Just like Chinwe, I was a recent college graduate when first offered the opportunity to live and work in Spain as an international educator,” said Dr. Gardner. “I am overjoyed that two recent graduates, Tyra Lewis ‘20 and now Chinwe have been awarded this prestigious post.”
NALCAP is an overseas residency in which American and Canadian college graduates, who are native speakers of English and French (in Canada), partner with elementary and secondary schools in Spain to bolster language programs.
The NALCAP offers recipients the opportunity to study the language and culture of Spain by becoming a local and growing on a personal level, while sharing the language and culture of the United States with students in Spain. To date over 35,000 Americans and Canadians have participated in the program, which showcases experiential learning.
Ihejirika will be teaching at the elementary school, C.E.I.P. “Juan Ramón Jiménez” in Cartaya, Huelva in the province of Andalucía starting in October 2021.
“Everyone who has the pleasure of knowing Chinwe understands that in her actions, achievements and attitude she truly embodies Lincoln's mission of active and collaborative learning, global engagement and social responsibility,” added Gardner.
-- Nora Lynn Gardner, Ph.D. & Terrance J. Young, M.Div.
