PNGUoT Recognises Fulbright English Teaching Assistants for Successful Tutoring Programme
LAE, Papua New Guinea, 27 October 2026 – The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) has congratulated Fulbright English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) Jasmine Villavicencio and Kyle Aloof on the successful delivery of a six-month tutoring programme that has helped approximately 100 students strengthen their English communication, professional and digital skills.
The University also acknowledged the support of the U.S. Embassy Port Moresby in facilitating the programme, which concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony on 15 October 2026, recognising eight students for their commitment and participation.
Since their placement at PNGUoT in April 2026, Villavicencio and Aloof have provided one-on one tutoring sessions to students across different academic schools and year levels.
Head of the School of Communication for Development Studies, Dr Rachel Aisoli-Orake, acknowledged the contributions of the two assistants and the benefits of the programme to students.
“The involvement of the two Fulbright ETAs at our university has been remarkable,” Dr Aisoli Orake said.
“It has been beneficial for our students, and I hope the collaboration between the university and the U.S. Embassy continues.”
The tutoring sessions covered English speaking and writing, résumé and cover letter preparation, scholarship and university applications, mock job interviews and presentation skills. Students also received guidance in using digital tools, including Microsoft Word and Google Workspace. The programme provided opportunities for students to strengthen their communication abilities, prepare for employment and explore further educational opportunities.
Eight students who attended the most sessions received certificates and gift bags during the ceremony in recognition of their commitment to the programme. During the event, a student representative reflected on how the tutoring sessions had helped participants develop confidence and recognise that their goals were achievable.
U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Sarah Sanderson highlighted the importance of educational and cultural exchange between the United States and Papua New Guinea.
“Exchange goes in two directions,” Sanderson said. “Our Fulbright ETAs came to share their skills, and they have learned a great deal from Papua New Guinea in return. I hope each of these students carries what they learned into their communities.”
Beyond their tutoring responsibilities, Villavicencio and Aloof also participated in university activities, including the faculty debate competition, where they served as a judge and timekeeper. Reflecting on their placement, the assistants acknowledged the experiences and knowledge they had gained from the PNGUoT community
“While we came here to teach and share our knowledge, we also have learned a lot from the people we have met,” they said.
The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Programme is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education. It places recent American graduates in educational institutions overseas to support English language teaching and cultural exchange. The certificate ceremony was held during the Fulbright Programme’s 80th anniversary year, recognising the contributions of the two assistants, the commitment of participating students and the continued educational collaboration between PNGUoT and the U.S. Embassy Port Moresby.