Eva Štaralová
2023 IVLP Impact Award Project: English Courses for Women 50+: We Never Give UpCzech Republic
Eva Štaralová holds a master's degree in Ancient Greek, Ancient Archeology and in English for Education. She has worked as a teacher of classical languages and English. Between 2018 and 2021, Eva became a principal of an elementary school and a high school. In 2022, she started a self-employed career as a teacher of foreign languages. In 2023, Eva became a member of the board of the Czech Club of the IVLP Alumni.
IVLP Impact Award Project: English Courses for Women 50+: We Never Give Up
Through this project, Eva provided 10 weeks of specialized online English language classes for beginner-level women aged 50 and above from Ukraine and the Czech Republic, to enhance their English skills and confidence for effective participation in English-speaking environments. In total, 40 women participated in the project, 20 Czech and 20 Ukrainian. Additional support such as tutoring and online resources were provided to supplement classroom learning for beginners. The teachers provided students with authentic materials approximating the culture of the United States.
Participants demonstrated measurable progress in all language skills despite starting as beginners. She reported enhanced confidence in their English abilities, marking significant achievements within the 10 weeks of classes. Additionally, the project fostered a supportive community among diverse participants from Ukraine and the Czech Republic, enabling women to exchange their life experiences, which led participants to feel empowered and accomplished, challenging stereotypes about language learning and age.
IVLP Exchange Experience
Eva was a participant in the IVLP Project 21st Century ChangeMakers: American Language and Multicultural Diversity, organized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education.
Eva's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "My program allowed me to get to know more about the integration of newcomers to the country, both from a linguistic and cultural point of view. I was especially inspired to submit this project for women over 50 years old by staying and visiting educational centers in New Mexico and in Boston, I was strongly impressed by the volunteerism present in these areas of community life as such."
U.S. Communities Visited
Washington, DC; Boston, MA; Minneapolis, MN; Albuquerque, NM; Santa Fe, NM; New York City, NY