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.”

On Friday, June 7, 2019 EducationUSA Ashgabat and American Councils in Turkmenistan organized Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) for the cohort students matriculating in Fall 2019. The goal of the event was to provide guidance to students and help them navigate the complexity and prepare for life and study at the U.S. colleges and universities.

A total of 49 departing students participated at the PDO that were accepted into various U.S. colleges and universities including John Hopkins University, Temple University, Hofstra, Seattle University, Florida Institute of Technology, University of Wisconsin, North Carolina Wesleyan University College, Indian State University, University of Southern Indian and many more.

This year, PDO featured guest speakers from the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs sections as well as the Higher Education Program Officer from American Councils headquarters. In addition, the U.S. Embassy Consular Officer came to speak about staying in status while on F-1 student visa.

Moreover, participants had an opportunity to engage in a brief panel discussion with an EdUSA cohort alumnus – Kerim Velbayev, a freshmen student from Central Wyoming College (CWC) who shared his academic life and success in college as a recent recipient of the full-ride scholarship at CWC. Furthermore, cohort alumni that are currently studying in the U.S. sent a video to congratulate new departing students with their achievement thus far.

Welcome back to 2018-2019 Academic Year FLEX participants after who spent one year attending an American high school, living in American families and sharing Turkmen culture!

We are very excited to hear stories of your adventures in the USA and look forward to your future successes!

“Welcome Back” events will be held in all American Corners and American Councils Office in Ashgabat. Everyone is invited to join is in welcoming our youngest FLEX Alumni!