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FLEX Program Selection Update for 2026-2027 academic year

All finalists and alternate candidates have been notified and contacted.

If you have not received a call or message from us, this unfortunately means you were not selected. We congratulate you on reaching the semi-finalist stage and thank you for participating in this competitive program. If you meet the age and grade requirements next year, we encourage you to apply again.

Strengthening Professional Communication Skills: Speaking Sessions with Jessica Leonard

As part of the C5+O.N.E. program’s supplemental activities, two dynamic speaking sessions were delivered by Jessica Leonard, Regional Director for Central Asia at American Councils for International Education, during her recent visit to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Cohort 5 participants took part in highly interactive classes “Mastering Professional Introductions and Networking.” The sessions were designed to strengthen participants’ confidence and communication skills in professional settings, equipping them with practical tools to deliver compelling self-introductions and build professional connections.

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C5+O.N.E. Cohort 5 National Networking Event Advances Professional Collaboration in Turkmenistan

On February 21, 2026, C5+O.N.E. (Opening Networks Through English) convened the Cohort 5 National Networking Event in Ashgabat, bringing together almost 50 participants, including current cohort members, U.S. Embassy representatives, and program leadership, for an event dedicated to applied learning, professional exchange, and networking.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Daniel Riffle, Public Diplomacy Officer at the U.S. Embassy Ashgabat, followed by program leadership. Speakers highlighted the strategic role of English-language programming in strengthening professional capacity, supporting cross-sector collaboration, and advancing shared U.S.–Central Asia priorities. Remarks also recognized the broader context of the C5+1 partnership and the milestone of the United States’ 250th anniversary, underscoring the enduring foundations of cooperation and mutual engagement.

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