From Mozambique to Moldova: DLIELC students inspire young minds Published July 11, 2025 By Agnes Koterba 37th Training Wing JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- From wide-eyed, bushy-tailed lemurs to the sounds of hurried Portuguese with views of the Gomi Felaw snowy mountain tops and the bustling streets of Babylon, young minds were introduced to the world’s wonders during a visit from the Defense Language Institute English Language Center at Carson Elementary School recently. First Lieutenant Celsa Gil Lucas, one of several student speakers from the Defense Language Institute English Language Center, presents at Carson Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas, April 4, 2025. Lucas shares the zest and spirit of Mozambique through engaging storytelling, while she demonstrates how to wear a capulana during a show-and-tell presentation. DLIELC is known as the “Gateway to America.” DLIELC builds security cooperation through English language training and cultural immersion for international military partners and pre-basic combat trainees in the U.S. Army and Coast Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Agnes Koterba) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The objective was simple: to learn and highlight something unique between DLIELC students and elementary school students. Catching the eyes and ears of every passerby, the school hallways echoed with laughter, giggles, and curiosity. 1st Lt. Celsa Gil Lucas, one of several DLIELC students teaching that morning, shared the zest and spirit of Mozambique through engaging storytelling. With enchanting rhymes and traditional dress, Lucas brought smiles to each child’s face. After a morning filled with activities, she reflected on the interactions, similarities, and differences between both countries. “I liked how welcoming everyone was, especially the teachers and staff. The students were very curious and asked lots of questions, which made the visit more enjoyable and interactive,” Lucas said. "In my country, class sizes are usually larger, with 50 to 60 students in one class and just one teacher.” Defense Language Institute English Language Center students presented and answered questions about their home country at student-led teaching opportunities at Carson Elementary School, during a school visit in San Antonio, Texas, April 4, 2025. The Defense Language Institute English Language Center is known as the “Gateway to America.” DLIELC builds security cooperation through English language training and cultural immersion for international military partners and pre-basic combat trainees in the U.S. Army and Coast Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Agnes Koterba) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Classrooms came alive with sights and stories from around the world as each presenter gave a tour of what home looks like for them. “Even small stories and simple facts can spark curiosity and build understanding,” said 2nd Lt. Natalia Birladeanu. “Children see the world with openness and wonder. Their questions made me think about my culture in new ways, and I even saw Moldova through their eyes—more curious, more magical. I also learned how much joy and meaning a simple conversation can bring when it comes from the heart.” DLIELC students frequently noted the benefits of smaller class sizes and readily available technology. 2nd Lt. Bavuudorj Otgontuya, English Instructor for the Mongolian Armed Forces, found the teacher-student interaction beneficial due to the smaller class size. “In Mongolia, most public schools still use chalkboards instead of smart boards, and classrooms often have more than 40 students—sometimes even over 50. This makes teaching and learning much more challenging compared to the smaller class sizes I saw in the U.S.,” Otgontuya said. She was also particularly impressed by students’ access to classroom technology. Second Lieutenant Natalia Birladeanu, a student at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center, offers a glimpse into the charms of Moldova during a presentation at Carson Elementary School in San Antonio, Texas, April 4, 2025. The Defense Language Institute English Language Center is known as the “Gateway to America.” DLIELC builds security cooperation through English language training and cultural immersion for international military partners and pre-basic combat trainees in the U.S. Army and Coast Guard. (U.S. Air Force photo by Agnes Koterba) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The elementary school program incorporates a diverse range of schools throughout the San Antonio community, presenting the opportunity for International Military Students to practice English and share in learned experiences. “We want our International Military Students to light a spark in the elementary school students that will fuel their curiosity about other cultures, geography, and travel,” stated Salvatore Gaglio, Advanced English Supervisor and Program Manager at DLIELC. “They use the skills they learn in lesson planning, presentation, materials development, engagement, and pacing. This program enhances their learning by giving them an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in a new environment with unfamiliar students, rather than just practicing in front of their classmates.” DLIELC, the 637th Training Group aligned under the 37th Training Wing, builds security cooperation capability through English language training and cultural immersion. DLIELC serves more than 100 countries and provides support to more than 30 non-resident locations worldwide.