IREX Looks to the Future of Education during International Education Week

Each year, IREX participates in International Education Week, a joint initiative of the US Department of State and the US Department of Education intended to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange programs. From November 14 through 18, the Internet Access and Training Program (IATP) and Education Division will host a series of events about international education. IATP will focus on using technology to transcend national boundaries and share exchange experiences. Events will include a “Virtual Trip to an American High School,” an online chat with alumni of US government-sponsored exchange programs comparing American and local educational systems, and seminars on Web resources for English teachers. The Education Division will host activities to encourage student exchange and discuss educational reform initiatives.

IATP and the Education Division of IREX will organize the following activities during International Education Week:

ARMENIA

November 16

IATP will host a national online chat for secondary school teachers at all IATP access sites in Armenia. The chat will give participants the opportunity to discuss problems and barriers, brainstorm solutions, share experiences about newly integrated methodology, and other topics of their professional interest.

November 18

IATP will organize a seminar for members of student government bodies from universities in Yerevan at the IATP site. The participants will be informed of various educational projects and resources available to them and of ways to utilize these opportunities.

AZERBAIJAN

November 17

ECA alumni will participate in a discussion about strategies for educational reform in Azerbaijan. The session will be lead by Elmina Kazimzade, director of the organization, “Innovative Education Center.”

GEORGIA

November 16

The Khashuri IATP center will conduct a seminar on “US Presidential Periods and Biographies of US Presidents.” Participants will be exposed to political culture and history of a foreign nation, expanding their understanding of international relationships and developments.

November 17

IATP will hold a seminar on “Communications via the Internet” at the University of Kutaisi IATP site. Participants will learn about e-mail and online chats as tools for connecting with peers from other countries.

November 17

During a seminar at the Ajarian Republic Library in Batumi, alumni of US government-sponsored programs will discuss the benefits of international education. Prospective exchange applicants will have a chance to voice any concerns and hear first-hand experiences from past participants.

November 18

IATP will organize a chat about US government-sponsored exchange programs and international education at all IATP access sites in Georgia. This will enable participants to learn more about the international education programs available to them.

KAZAKHSTAN

November 14-18

During the International Education Week, the Atyrau IATP site will conduct two seminars on Web resources available for English language teachers. This will enhance foreign language learning in secondary schools, equipping students with linguistic tools for any future exchange.

November 14

A workshop entitled “International Scholarship Search” will be offered to students seeking to further their education abroad. The session will provide information about scholarships available worldwide as well as details about the selection process for the International Scholarship of the President of RK.

November 16

Students considering studies in the United States are invited to attend a workshop on “Introduction to the GRE and GMAT.” The workshop will offer an overview of the exams, share study strategies and teach test taking tips.

November 17

ECA Alumni will discuss their experiences studying in America with a broad audience. Topics will include the education system, volunteering, traveling, etc.

November 18

Flat Stanley will visit students in Kazakhstan and the US. He will begin his journey November 18.

MOLDOVA

November 17

ECA Alumni who took part in a University Administration Reform conference in Moscow in September, will present their finding and views at a workshop entitled, “Case Studies and Models for Higher Education Reform in Moldova.”

November 18

Liudmila Turcan will conduct a French language class via the Web from the Chisinau IATP site. The participants will learn about new Web resources as well as acquire new language skills.

RUSSIA

November 14-18

ECA Alumni will visit secondary schools in Moscow and Vladivostok to share their experiences and impressions from studying in the United States. They will emphasize the importance of learning foreign languages and participating in international programs.

November 18

In cooperation with American Corner and the Samara Oblast Research Library, ECA Alumni will meet with local government and NGO leaders to discuss the current status of educational reform in Samara region.

TAJIKISTAN

November 14

A chat on educational exchange opportunities is scheduled at all IATP access sites in Tajikistan. Alumni of US government-sponsored exchange programs are going to be available to discuss their experiences and the advantages and drawbacks of international exchange as well as answer any questions from prospective participants and their teachers and parents.

November 16

Several US government-sponsored exchange program alumni will conduct a presentation comparing several foreign educational systems and discuss their experiences as participants in exchange programs, particularly those in the United States. The presentation will be held at the IATP access site in Dushanbe.

TURKMENISTAN

November 14

A program presentation for college students is scheduled at the Ashgabat IATP center. The presentation will be run by UGRAD and MUSKIE coordinator Murad Saryyev, who will discuss international exchange opportunities in the United States for Turkmen college students.

November 15

The Alumni Resource Center will organize a “Pen Pals” program, which is an initiative to connect US and Turkmenistan high school students. In the long run, the program hopes to create cultural and educational connection and understanding between the youth of both nations.

November 17

Alumni of US government-sponsored exchange programs will deliver a presentation on “The Impact of Alumni in the Community,” at the Ashgabat IATP access site. Addressing an audience of prospective exchange program participants, presenters will share their successes in Turkmenistan upon returning from their international education experiences.

November 17

ECA Alumni will give a presentation on the US education system and how to make the most of an international exchange opportunity.

November 17

The IATP access site in Balkanabat has scheduled a presentation on “International Student’s Day,” about various exchange opportunities available to local youth.

November 18 Also at the Balkanabat site, Lida Chikalova will deliver a talk about her life in the United States as an exchange student to an audience of prospective program participants.

November 17 and 18

A competition called “Virtual Trip to American High School,” is going to take place at the Turkmenabat IATP site. During the competition, teams of Turkmenistani high school students will collect information on US high schools and create online presentations.

UKRAINE

November 16

Alumni of US government-sponsored exchange programs will connect for a national chat at all of Ukraine’s IATP access sites. Topics such as grants and exchange program information available on the web as well as the benefits of exchange will be discussed.

November 17

IATP will host a seminar on distance learning at the IATP site in Kyiv. During the seminar, participants will discuss the benefits of international education and application of new skills and knowledge in domestic educational settings.

November 17

Ernesto Borchini, a Peace Corps volunteer in Lutsk, will conduct an informational session on studies, testing, and grants in the United States at the local IATP access site. Students of Lutsk secondary schools and universities are invited to come and learn about opportunities available to them as well as to voice any questions and concerns as prospective exchange program participants.

November 17

The Vinnystsya IATP access site will conduct a seminar for prospective exchange students. The participants will be able to learn about Web resources concerning studying abroad.

November 17

A similar seminar will be conducted at the IATP access site in Ivano-Frankivsk. Participants will learn how to locate information on exchange programs and find the right fit for their interests and requirements.

November 18

Another chat for alumni of US government-sponsored exchange programs will be held at all IATP sites in Ukraine. During this online chat, the participants will compare American and Ukrainian educational systems and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each system.

November 18

Alumni of US government-sponsored exchange programs, Peace Corps volunteers, and teachers at Lutsk secondary schools are scheduled to hold a roundtable discussion on “Problems and Perspectives of International Education Integration.”

December 11

ECA Alumni who took part in a University Administration Reform conference in Moscow in September, will present their finding and views at a workshop entitled, “Case Studies and Models for Higher Education Reform in Ukraine.”