As part of its supplemental activities, C5+O.N.E. Cohort 4 and 5 participants took part in a field visit to the Ish Nokady coworking center in Ashgabat, with 22 participants engaging in the session. The visit was designed to connect classroom-based instruction in professional English, business, and leadership with practical examples from Turkmenistan’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Participants met with Jemilia Kerimova, CEO and founder of Ish Nokady, who shared her entrepreneurial journey, from developing her first business proposal to launching Turkmenistan’s first coworking space and expanding the initiative internationally, including into Turkey, the Kyrgyz Republic, Georgia, and Uzbekistan. Through her presentation, participants explored how entrepreneurial ideas are translated into sustainable business models and how leadership, adaptability, and strategic planning shape long-term success.

The session provided participants with direct exposure to a modern work environment supporting entrepreneurs, freelancers, startup founders, and IT professionals. Ish Nokady’s model demonstrated how collaborative spaces, professional services, and continuous learning opportunities contribute to innovation and business growth in emerging markets.

“The visit strengthened participants’ understanding of entrepreneurship in practice and highlighted the importance of innovation, resilience, and community-building in business success. By engaging directly with a local business leader, participants enhanced their professional English skills, expanded their understanding of modern work environments, and gained inspiration to pursue their own career and entrepreneurial goals,”

reflected Kemal Babayev, participant of Cohort 4.

C5+O.N.E., funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by the American Councils for International Education, builds English proficiency and professional skills across Central Asia to advance regional integration and stronger economic ties with the United States for shared prosperity.