Flex, News

FLEX Alumni 2019 Re-entry Event

On July 7, FLEX Re-entry event was held for 14 FLEX alumni at the American Center of the US Embassy in Ashgabat. Newly returned alumni were welcomed by Mathew S. Klimow, U.S. Ambassador in Turkmenistan, Mergen Saherov from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Dovlet Yazkuliyev from Ministry of Education. Special guests made inspirational remarks emphasizing on the important role of the new alumni as cultural “bridge” between Turkmenistan and USA which will contribute to further strengthen bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Following, FLEX Program Coordinator, Alumni Coordinator and City Representatives conducted interactive sessions to help alumni re-adjust to their lives back home and navigate through challenges that may arise.

Throughout the sessions, alumni had an opportunity to share their experiences in U.S. and ask questions about alumni opportunities in Turkmenistan. As the end of the event alumni signed personal “thank you” cards to their host families and friends in USA.

News

Prep4Success Program Graduation

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – Prep4Success program participants and staff celebrated the successful program graduation on June 14, 2019. All 20 students, nine from Level 1 and eleven from Level 2, successfully graduated the program. The event was attended by the U.S. Ambassador Mustard who delivered an inspiring graduation speech. Cultural Affairs Officer Sarah Belousov and Information Officer Margaret Sullivan from the Public Affairs Section took part in the celebration too as both played an active role in supporting the success of the program. All program graduates and mentors received certificates. The graduation ceremony concluded with a fantastic students’ music performance.

Congratulations to all graduates and good luck with pursuing your education!

News

Pre-Departure Orientation for FLEX finalists 2019

On June26-29, 15 FLEX finalists took part in the Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO). The main goal of the event was to introduce finalists to the realities of life in the U.S., living in a host family and studying at the U.S. high school. The program lasted for four days during which, the finalists were immersed in English speaking environment.

On the first day, the program participants were welcomed by the U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer, representative of the Ministry of Education in Turkmenistan and American Councils Country Director. Following, the participants took part in interactive sessions on American culture, society and education system organized by the PDO instructors.

On the second day of PDO, the finalists had an opportunity to share lunch with the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer and ask questions about U.S. states and their peculiarities. On the last day of the PDO the participants met with program alumni, who shared first-hand experience of being a successful exchange student in the U.S. and provided useful advice on succeeding in a cross environment.  A week after, one of the program finalists commented, “These four days were the best days in my life and I will never forget those moments. I am sure that PDO sessions will help me in the U.S. and I am grateful for this opportunity.”