UGRAD Alumna Maria Kuzub is eager to share her social work expertise with colleagues in Russia and recently organized a social work seminar for 30 professionals on developing and implementing social projects. As a 2007-2008 Global UGRAD [8] fellow, Kuzub studied at Stephen F. Austin University [9] in Texas and volunteered with a local branch of Head Start [10]. Since her return to Russia, she has spent the past two years introducing new project ideas at a social service center in in Russia's Saratov Oblast.
Drawing on this experience, Kuzub presented on her experience developing and implementing social programs to attendees at her seminar in late September. She also facilitated a brainstorming workshop to help participants develop their own ideas for projects with at-risk youth, people with disabilities, elders, and veterans.
“I’m so glad that this project gave me a chance to share my professional experience with colleagues from other social service centers,” exclaimed Kuzub. “Many participants met me after the seminar and were ready to discuss future collaboration. I’m sure that this kind of event can help build a successful professional community!"
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Eurasia and Central Asia [8] is administered by IREX and funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State [11].