Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organisation behind the TOEFL iBT test, has strengthened its engagement with Bangladesh’s education sector by hosting a Teaching TOEFL Skills (TTS) training and a Directors’ Meet in Sylhet, bringing together teachers, counsellors and education partners.
The three-hour training at Grand Palace in Sylhet was attended by more than 50 teachers, TOEFL preparation professionals and counsellors, while the subsequent Directors’ Meet brought together more than 30 education agents and channel-partner leaders to discuss the updated TOEFL iBT test, its relevance for students and ways to improve guidance for those seeking international education opportunities.
Karan Lalit, Executive Director, South Asia, TOEFL and GRE, ETS, led the engagements, beginning with a welcome address. The TTS training was conducted through two focused sessions by Priank Chhabra, Director, Training, South Asia, TOEFL and GRE, ETS, covering the updated TOEFL iBT format, delivery and assessment approach.
The training concluded with a question-and-answer session and participant feedback. The 90-minute Directors’ Meet was led by Karan Lalit and Karthik Rajasekaran, Director, Channel Management – Rest of South Asia, ETS, and focused on the updated test from student and partner perspectives, followed by networking over high tea.
Participants received official TOEFL preparation and classroom-support materials, including lesson plans, a study planner and access to TOEFL Practice Online. Those completing the TTS training also received certificates.
“Teachers, counsellors and education partners each play a distinct role in helping students make informed decisions about international education,” Karan Lalit said in a press release.
“In Sylhet, the Teaching TOEFL Skills training provided practical guidance for those who prepare students for the test, while the Directors’ Meet gave education leaders a focused understanding of the updated TOEFL iBT test and its relevance for today’s learners,” he said.
Lalit added that strengthening knowledge across the education ecosystem would help students prepare with greater confidence and access wider global opportunities.
Sylhet has emerged as an important market in Bangladesh’s outbound education sector, with students showing particular interest in the United Kingdom and European destinations. ETS said the region also faces English-language proficiency gaps, while repeated attempts at English proficiency assessments among some aspirants highlight the need for greater awareness of credible assessment options and structured preparation support.
ETS said Sylhet’s network of education consultants and training institutions could play an important role in addressing these challenges. The organisation currently has five authorised TOEFL test centres in Dhaka and one in Chattogram, and is exploring establishing a centre in Sylhet to improve regional access.
The company said the training and partner engagement events reflected its commitment to supporting test takers and professionals involved in guiding students towards international education.
