International Research & Exchanges Board

Search:
 

Program Overview

E-mail this page

Established by the US Congress in 1992 to encourage economic and democratic growth in Eurasia, the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, and administered by IREX. The program provides opportunities for graduate students and professionals from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan for one-year non-degree, one-year degree or two-year degree study in the United States. Eligible fields of study for the Muskie Program are: business administration, economics, education, environmental management, international affairs, journalism and mass communication, law, library and information science, public administration, public health, and public policy.

MUSKIE PROGRAM

 

New Orleans Experience Inspires Fellow to Promote Community Service in Kyrgyzstan
June 19, 2009

Muskie fellow Ruslan Karabukaev and several of his MBA classmates at the Georgia Institute of Technology spent their winter break volunteering in New Orleans with the Saint Bernard Project, which aims to help rebuild the lives of Hurricane Katrina survivors, family by family. Says Ruslan, “We spent an amazing week working from 9 to 4 rebuilding houses damaged by the flood and hurricane: putting in drywall, painting, and cleaning. It was good physical exercise, which helped to reload busy brains after final exams week. We met a lot of volunteers from all around the country, who came to help during their winter break. After long working days, we had a chance to enjoy the famous night life in the historical French Quarter of New Orleans, where you can listen to live jazz and enjoy authentic Creole cuisine.”

Ruslan Karabukaev (front, in blue) and fellow Saint
Bernard Project volunteers.

“I really enjoyed our community service trip," Ruslan shared. "It was really rewarding to hear the appreciation of our work from the owners of the houses, mostly elderly people who had been strongly hit by Katrina, because they are not so mobile as young people and can’t start so easily from scratch. Seeing how people live outside of a university campus helped me to better understand the life of people in the USA and enriched my cultural experience.”

“In my undergraduate studies back in Kyrgyzstan, I never participated in volunteer projects since we did not have a big culture of community service at the school," Ruslan commented. "Back to my country—we also have villages and people who need community service. One of the things I learnt from both from my studying at school and community service projects is the concept of servant leadership. As an educated person, I think it is our [civic responsibility] to help make community life better and help to prevent poverty and homelessness. After returning to Kyrgyzstan, I plan to combine my career in business with teaching in the universities, sharing the knowledge and values I learnt in my studies and inspiring students to volunteer for community service projects.”

New Round of Project Smile Grants Awarded
June 12, 2009

IREX is pleased to announce the April 2009 Project Smile grantees.

Project Smile is a community development program for alumni of select Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) sponsored programs. Grants are awarded to alumni to implement community service activities that will benefit an underprivileged group in their local community such as children at an orphanage, the disabled or the elderly.

 

Muskie Fellows Connect and Reflect Before Heading Home
June 1, 2009

Muskie fellows during a team-building activity at the
Commencement workshop.

With Master’s degrees in hand after two successful years in the US, the 2007 cohort of Muskie fellows reunited for a Commencement Retreat May 18-21 at the Rocky Gap Resort and Lodge in Cumberland, MD. Through interactive workshops and guided reflection, the graduating class of Muskies prepared for the next steps ahead—re-integrating in their communities, finding employment, and utilizing their US experiences and new skills to foster Eurasian development and strengthen relationships between Americans and people in their home countries. 

The Commencement experience brought together fellows from all participating countries and fields of study, many of whom had not met since their initial program orientation in August 2007. Alumni guests shared their perspectives on post-program personal and professional transitions. Team-building activities, as well as time sharing best practices and cultural insights, solidified this cadre of skilled professionals into a strong network ready to take on challenges and support each other’s efforts at home.

A celebratory Commencement luncheon concluded the week at the Hotel Monaco in Washington, DC, where representatives from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Ambassadors, foreign embassy representatives and other special guests congratulated participants on successfully completing the Muskie program. Dr. William Foster, Dean of the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine, also spoke on the legacy of Senator Edmund S. Muskie, for whom the program is named, and encouraged participants to keep the Senator’s spirit of public service alive after they return home.

(From left) Professor Bruce Clary, Muskie fellows
Darya Trushkina and Ramil Mammadov, and Dean
William Foster of the Muskie School of Public Service
at the University of Southern Maine.

Muskie alumni form a powerful network of change agents across Eurasia, working in government, business, education, international organizations and the NGO sector and sharing their first-hand understanding of American culture back home. “Before I was an ambassador of Turkmenistan educating people of Wyoming about Turkmenistan; now I feel that I will be an ambassador of the US educating my colleagues, friends and neighbors about America,” says Jeren Hakiyeva, who is returning home with a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Wyoming. 

 

Fellow Expands Understanding of Race Relations While Editing New Georgetown Law Journal
May 15, 2009

Andriy Moskalyk came to the US to study securities and financial regulation, with the aim of reforming mortgage laws in his native Ukraine. Through his community service project with the Georgetown Journal of Law and Modern Critical Race Perspectives, however, Andriy has gotten a perspective on issues outside his field of study. As a volunteer editor for one of the few law journals in the country dedicated to legal scholarship on race and identity, Andriy met new people from diverse cultural backgrounds and gained a new window into racial discrimination issues in the US.

“My work for the journal definitely affected my understanding of problems of people of different nationalities living in the US,” Andriy said. “I mainly focused on editorial activity, review and commenting on the content of the articles. The most memorable article for me is called When There is Nothing Left to Lose: The Historical Treatment of Black Children in the Juvenile Justice System and the Call to Open the Doors, by Lucie Small. It describes the unfairness in treating young black people in the judiciary process of conviction and imprisonment.”

Andriy, a 2008 Muskie fellow enrolled in the L.L.M. program at the Georgetown University Law Center, added, “This experience helped me understand some controversial aspects of life of people in the US, helped me socialize with people of various nationalities, and enriched my perception of life in general.”

 

Public Health Fellow Honored by University of Georgia
May 15, 2009

Tamar Gabunia will return to her home country this summer with a Master’s degree in Public Health and special honors from her host university. Faculty of the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health selected Tamar to receive the 2009 Health Policy and Management Student Award for Excellence. Graduating students are chosen based on their academic performance, contributions to the educational experience, and potential for leadership after graduation.

Tamar Gabunia (third from left) with professors at the College of Public Health.

Tamar, a trained medical doctor and health policy specialist, worked at the Republic of Georgia’s National Institute of Health and Social Affairs before beginning her US studies as a Muskie fellow in 2007. During her fellowship, Tamar interned at the University of Georgia’s Institute of Gerontology and volunteered with the American Red Cross and the Athens Neighborhood Institute of Health Care. 

Tamar plans to continue working towards improved quality of health for Georgians. “I believe that the expertise I have gained here will enable me to make an effective contribution to health systems strengthening efforts in my home country,” she said. 

Muskie Fellow’s Project Gives Incarcerated Youth a Second Chance
April 24, 2009

Youth who are incarcerated are more likely to be incarcerated as adults.* Hoping to break the cycle, Muskie fellow Anna Andrianova teamed up with members of the West Texas A&M University Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) chapter to provide a positive influence and training in valuable life skills for youth at a local correctional facility.

Muskie fellow Anna Andrianova (second from left)
and fellow SIFE volunteers meet with youth at a
correctional facility.

Over the past five months, Anna and her fellow volunteers have built a relationship with youth at the facility, conducting sessions once or twice monthly on personal finance, teamwork, communication and leadership skills. “Every time we came to the facility, the children were excited about seeing us and remembered material from the previous trainings,” Anna said. “Some of them reported that their mood was good all day because they knew that [West Texas A&M] students were coming that day. In the feedback, children wrote that they are filled with excitement to put the skills they were taught into practice.”

Anna had volunteered with homeless youth in her native Russia, but wasn’t sure what to expect before starting her Muskie community service project with SIFE. “I was scared to see these kids who had violated the law,” she shared. “Some of them committed serious crimes, like sexual offenses. But when we came out there I found these were kids who were seeking for attention. Of course they will try to manipulate you to get what they want…but if you look past that, one can find people who got lost on their way and desperately need help and guidance.”

Anna will return to Russia to work in consulting or marketing management after receiving her MBA this May and plans to continue her service with at-risk youth in Moscow. “The trainings encouraged me as well and helped me to see what I have achieved and how many people I am capable of helping,” she said.

*Source: “What Incarcerated Youth Say Would Help Them Succeed: Can Extension Play a Role?” Journal of Extension, August 2002

 

Community Service Humanizes HIV/AIDS Epidemic for Muskie Fellow
April 24, 2009

Muskie fellow Margarita Aksyonova (right) with HIV
activist and support group leader Patricia Kelly at the
A Family Affair office.

Before volunteering with the Minority AIDS Council of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, Muskie fellow Margarita Aksyonova knew the basics about HIV. But Margarita didn’t see the epidemic on a personal level until she started organizing events with support group leader Patricia Kelly, who has been living with HIV since 1985. “No matter how many movies or news stories you’ve watched about [people living with HIV/AIDS], it’s totally different from actually dealing with them on [a daily basis],” Margarita reflected. “I learned that they are not those who blame everyone for their problems; they are very vulnerable, sensitive and optimistic people.”

According to the United Nations, the rate of HIV infections in Margarita’s home country, Uzbekistan, has been rapidly increasing in recent years.* “Unfortunately, the majority of the Uzbek population is not aware of actual statistics about HIV positive people, their ways of living, and their real problems, as well as emotional issues,” said Margarita. “As far as I know, most of the Uzbek people are afraid of and avoid having any connection with HIV infected people.”

Volunteering is an integral part of the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program, with 40 hours of community service required during the first year of the fellowship. Margarita, who is pursuing an MBA at South Carolina State University through the Muskie program, shares her financial management skills with the Minority AIDS Council, as well as providing hands-on assistance in the community garden organized by the A Family Affair support group. Like many Muskie fellows, Margarita plans to continue her service after completing the required minimum hours.

Giving back allows fellows to meet new people in the community, develop a commitment to volunteer service, and gain professional and leadership skills. “From doing my community service, along with improving my communication skills, I gained things which are beyond the area of my expertise at school,” Margarita said. “First of all, it was a driving force for me to find out more about HIV in Uzbekistan, and hopefully I will even be involved in some HIV/AIDS programs there. Also, it was very useful for me personally to understand that each of those HIV positive people whom I know wants to be accepted by society…to be considered as an ordinary human.”

* Source: “UN Says HIV Rate Sharply Increases in Uzbekistan,” Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, November 22, 2007

 

Muskie fellow Ainur Nurtay (left) with actor and activist
Matthew McConaughey at the February 2009 Clinton
Global Initiative University Meeting, where Ainur was the
sole representative for Grand Valley State University.

Young Nonprofit Professional of the Month Will Nurture Grassroots Organizations in Her Native Kazakhstan
April 14, 2009

Ainur Nurtay, a 2007 Muskie fellow from Kazakhstan, has been named Young Nonprofit Professional of the Month by the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Grand Rapids. Ainur, who will receive her Master of Public Administration degree from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan in April 2009, has been an active member of the local nonprofit community, serving as a volunteer board member for Michigan-based SowHope and a campus representative for the Clinton Global Initiative University.

Ainur will carry valuable knowledge and skills in philanthropy and nonprofit management back to her native Kazakhstan. She has already registered her own organization, the Kazakhstan Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, and has collected over 200 books on fundraising, research methods and nonprofit management to create a resource center in her home country. “During my course of study, I have learned much about intermediary organizations, which strengthen the capacities of nonprofit organizations and help them reach their goals,” Ainur reflected. “Upon my return home I plan to build the Center from the ground level in order to support grassroots organizations and put my education to use.”

To read the interview with Ainur featured on the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network website, click here.

Paula Legore, Director of Luxurious Hair Boutique (right),
receives an Entrepreneurial Spirit award from Nola
Miyasaki, Executive Director of the Falcone Center for
Entrepreneurship at Whitman School of Management at
Syracuse University.

Ukrainian Business Insights Benefit Syracuse Businesswomen
April 14, 2009

Roman Yasmonytskyy may not know a lot about wigs or artisan chocolates, but he does know how to start a business and create a strong online presence. Roman, a 2008 Muskie fellow and MBA student from Ukraine, volunteered these skills at the Syracuse Entrepreneur’s Bootcamp, a six-weekend-long program designed to benefit and support local entrepreneurs by leveraging the experience and expertise of the Whitman School of Management’s faculty and students. 

One of Roman’s clients, Paula Legore, owns Luxurious Hair Boutique, an on-line wig shop. Another, Stacy VanWaldick, owns Promise Me Chocolates, a website that sells chocolate in the shape of rings, diamonds, and other gems. 

Syracuse, like cities across the United States, has been seriously hit by the economic downturn.  Entrepreneurial endeavors like the Bootcamp are helping local businesses to survive and thrive. Roman says, “My participation as a practical business management consultant will help start-up entrepreneurs to start, finance and grow their businesses, creating wealth for their families, new jobs in the community and tax payments to the State.” Roman provided consulting services in various areas, including business plan development, raising capital, marketing, accounting, client relations management and strategy. He feels that his advice and feedback will increase his clients’ chances of success. 

Muskie fellow Margarita Tadevosyan receives her
Distinguished Student Award.

Muskie Fellow Honored by George Mason University School of Public Policy Alumni Chapter
April 14, 2009

Margarita Tadevosyan, a 2008 Muskie fellow from Armenia, was selected to receive a prestigious Distinguished Student Award from the George Mason University (GMU) School of Public Policy Alumni Chapter. The Distinguished Student Award is presented annually to one or two students in the School of Public Policy based on their academic performance, community service, extracurricular activities and faculty recommendations. Margarita’s award was presented following a keynote speech by former Congressman Tom Davis on March 27.

Margarita is studying Peace Operations at the School of Public Policy and hopes to bring peace and reconciliation to her native Armenia, which has an outstanding conflict over territory with neighboring Azerbaijan. As part of her Muskie fellowship, Margarita volunteered her time with seniors at the Culpepper Garden assisted living community in Arlington, Virginia. Margarita has also been active in School of Public Policy events, assisting at conferences and workshops, including the Civil Affairs Transitions roundtable.

Muskie Fellow Featured in Eastern Washington University (EWU) Newspaper
April 14, 2009

Seda Murtazalieva, a 2008 Muskie fellow from Russia, was recently featured in Eastern Washington University’s campus paper, The Easterner. “As one of the best Masters in Public Administration (MPA) students, Seda is a true asset to our university and the MPA program,” said Olga Baron, International Projects Manager at EWU. Click here to read the full story. 

 

Internship with Board of Regents Sows Seeds for Education Reform in Uzbekistan
April 14, 2009

A spring break internship with the University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents helped Saida Akbarova, a 2008 Muskie fellow, understand how the Board and its departments function. “Meeting the great people of the University System of Georgia has broadened my perspectives on the work done by administrators who make changes to improve the quality of teaching and learning,” Saida commented. “Hopefully one day, I will be able to implement most of the progressive ideas and innovative programs for our educators in Uzbekistan.”

Saida’s host institution, Georgia Southern University, featured Saida’s experience on its website. Click here to read the full story.

All Muskie Program News