The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s English Language Institute (ELI) has signed an agreement with SENAFRONT in Panama, marking a significant step towards a new language training program for officers.

While in Panama in August, ELI Director Todd Beard met with SENAFRONT’s Director General Jorge Gobea. SENAFRONT is Panama’s elite border patrol whose mission it is to serve and protect the land borders of Panama. General Jorge Gobea has a vision for his officers to not only learn English, but to use it in their work with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, volunteers and individuals at the border. It was clear that General Gobea’s vision fit well with the mission of the ELI, which provides opportunities for multilingual international and local students to improve their English language skills.

The agreement comes after Beard initially visited Panama in October 2023 with Diane Edrington, Panama Missions Medical Director; Mark White, State Representative; Kimberly Howard, Prospera Director; and Carlos Yunsan, UT Law Professor and native to Panama. As a result of the visit, a new prospective partnership emerged. In April 2024, a delegation from SENAFRONT visited UT to engage in more conversations and explore collaborative opportunities between the two partners.

Officers will participate in a 6-month English program facilitated by SENAFRONT. From there, a select group of students will attend the ELI for a 2 month intensive English program in Knoxville.