2008-2009 Global UGRAD alumni Aynur Cherkesova (Azerbaijan), Olga Ibragimova (Turkmenistan), and Masuda Sobitova (Tajikistan) recently gave presentations about their time in the United States for elementary, high school and university students in their home countries.
On September 20 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Aynur met with a class of 24 third-graders, their teacher, and interested parents to share her experiences assisting in an elementary school classroom during her U.S. internship. “My memories about the American elementary school in Banner Elk were very interesting for the children, since they are the same age but get their education very differently,” she said. Aynur studied education during her program at Lees-McRae College [2] in Banner Elk, North Carolina.
On June 8, Olga spoke to a group of 10 high school and university students at the American Corner in Mary, Turkmenistan about her experiences in the U.S. and gave tips on the Global UGRAD [3] application process. “I was very glad to contribute my gained skills to my community and share the experience that helped me to develop as an individual personally and professionally during my unforgettable time in the States,” she said.
On June 10 and 12, Masuda gave two presentations, the first for 22 high school students at the American Corner [4] in Khujand, Tajikistan, and the second for 35 natural science students and instructors at Khujand State University. Masuda worked with 2007-2008 UGRAD alumna Mafuza Sobitova to put together her presentation, entitled “My Incredible Year in the US,” which featured photos and video. “Students found my presentations very interesting and they had many questions about Americans’ way of life, the education system and how they can apply to Global UGRAD program and be successful,” Masuda said. “I fulfilled my goals but still I think that we alumni should conduct more and more presentations about the Global UGRAD program to involve many students in this wonderful opportunity.”
The three alumni were awarded micro-grants to complete a small community project or presentation as the result of a video competition held at the End-of-Program Workshop in April 2009.