WEFLA-SECAN 2021 Begins / UHo Signs with ETS
HOLGUIN, CUBA — In case you missed it, the 10th International Scientific Conference of Holguin kicked off on Monday, April 26th. This is the first real-time virtual academic conference in Cuba since the COVID-19 pandemic forced Cuba to close its borders in March of 2020 along with most of the world. The conference consists of its inaugural panel followed by nine symposiums (including WEFLA-SECAN 2021) on various subjects within the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030. This year’s conference has close to two hundred registrants with international participants from eleven countries.
Earlier in the morning, the University of Holguin signed an agreement with Educational Testing Service (ETS). This memorandum of understanding lays out a path for the two institutions to work together to establish a TOEFL-iBT and GRE testing center on campus.
“This agreement fortifies the relationship between ETS and the University of Holguin. This new initiative will place us firmly on a pathway to support Cuban professionals [by providing both] the TOEFL-IBT and GRE exams” stated Sorani Marin, Associate Director, TOEFL & GRE Client Relations.
University of Holguin officials echoed the sentiment. “ETS would give UHo the possibility to strengthen its ties with English speaking institutions and countries, based on a planned strategy to prepare teachers and students for TOEFL-iBT,” shared in a statement by Dr. Rosabel González Cruz, Academic Specialist for the Office of International Relations. “Graduate students involved in masters or PhD programs can benefit from programs abroad demanding high-level language skills. We would also be able to administer the exam in the east and central region of Cuba which will give our university increased visibility.”
The UHo-ETS agreement is one of several international agreements signed on the first day of the conference. The International Scientific Conference of Holguin and WEFLA-SECAN 2021 continues until April 28, 2021.
Watch the Inauguration of the 10th International Scientific Conference of Holguín on Facebook.
