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The Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program (Muskie)
Program News Archive
Trip to the Statehouse
March 24, 2009
Kansas State 08 Business fellows Elena Pripisnova (Russia) and Tatevik Avagyan (Armenia) spent one day participating in sessions at the local Senate and House in Topeka, Kansas. Elena writes, “We were introduced to Governor Kathleen Sebelius (just several weeks before she was picked as Secretary of Health and Human Services by Obama) and the chairman of the Senate, as well as other senators, when session was opened. It was an incredibly interesting experience, even though it happened at a difficult time in the budget discussion. We saw the internal process of the budget cuts discussion in the Senate as well as the process of voting in the House, and it brought us into a deeper understanding of the political processes here. Besides, we shared our experience and opinions with a journalist at our college newspaper. Last week the "Collegian" published an article introducing us and our experience to student community.” To view the Collegian article, go to http://kstatecollegian.com/1.1594908-1.1594908
Breaking the Walls
March 18, 2009
Maria Kabalyk, a 2007 fellow from Russia, studies economics at Oregon State University. Last October, Maria was elected President of the university’s European Student Association and she took charge of organizing the Association’s 15th annual “European Night”. The theme of the evening was Breaking the Walls, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. The formal event featured a five-course meal with different European cuisines, and international students provided a variety of entertainment, including waltzes and tangos, rhythmic gymnastics, traditional European songs, and instrumental performances. The evening was a chance to experience the rich culture from across Europe, and, as Maria notes, “share our perspectives and traditions with others so that we may educate, entertain, and break the walls of misconception and separation between diverse groups.”
Providing Pro-Bono Tax Return Preparation
March 18, 2009
As part of her Community Service, Sabina Gulmaliyeva (Azerbaijan), a 2008 Law fellow at University of Miami, volunteered at HOPE (Helping Others Through Pro Bono Efforts) Public Interest Resource Center at the University’s Law School. HOPE provides a variety of projects reaching various underserved and at-risk populations locally, nationally and abroad. During the Fall semester, Sabina discussed various projects within HOPE with its supervisor and enrolled in the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program (VITA/TCE).
IRS VITA/TCE is a nationwide program that provides free tax assistance to low-income individuals who need help with basic income tax return preparation. Sabina assisted law-income persons with preparation of their tax returns and provided basic tax advice. As all VITA volunteers, Sabina received tax training from the IRS, passed a test and became certified to be eligible to do this community service.
Sabina says “I find my experience very interesting and rewarding in that I have not taken any tax law courses here at school. And by virtue of this program, I have gained an understanding of the US basic tax law and I have had an instant chance to practice my skills by providing tax advice to people. This is very enjoyable also because I studied tax law in law school back in Azerbaijan and I had advised on some tax law issues while working as a counselor for the law firm. On the other hand and which I believe is particularly helpful, is that now I am able to assist the community with some of their tax issues. At this point, I feel happy and helpful to be able even indirectly to assist the US government by helping their tax payers to fulfill some of their duties.”
Uzbek Fellow participates in International Leadership conference
March 18, 2009
Saida Akbarova, a 2008 Education fellow studying at Georgia Southern University, participated in the Georgia International Leadership Conference (GILC), January 23-24th. The conference is designed for international students and U.S. study abroad students currently enrolled at Georgia colleges and universities. The conference aims to leverage students' international experiences to promote leadership, cross-cultural communication, and build social networks. During the conference, Saida presented a workshop entitled MAD-Empowering Students to Succeed and more than thirty students attended her session.
Saida writes, “I learned a lot from participating at GILC and made lots of friends! I hope when I go back to Uzbekistan, I will play some games that I learned there such as Bafa Bafa, Alien Among Us, Ecotons with my students. These games broaden the players’ perspectives on human diversity, teach how to interpret unfamiliar behaviors and communication patters as they interact in different cultures and many more. Besides, my students will experience the dynamics, processes, advantages and disadvantages of decision-making across cultural differences and develop skills for working more effectively in multicultural groups.”
Muskie Alumna Share American Experience with Balti University Teachers
On February 3, 2009, Daniela Munca (Moldova), Muskie 06 alumna, introduced more than 25 university teachers from Balti to the concept of collaborative online learning and teaching. The presentation focused on the benefits of online collaborative classrooms and the power of technology in finding partnerships around the world for a more motivating, updated and interactive learning experience.
The university teachers agreed to exchange emails with updates on online projects and even start collaborating online by involving their students in different projects. By the end of the presentation, the audience learned how to register for an online project, find a partner school from a different country, involve the students in online discussions through interactive forums, and monitor students' work through e-mail exchanges and web conferencing.
On February 26, 2009, Muskie 05 alumna, Elena Coscodan (Moldova), delivered a lecture to alumni from the Academy of Public Administration, office of the President of Moldova. More than 18 students who are pursuing their masters degree in International Relations discussed the foreign policy of the Republic of Moldova with the great powers in the context of the new international system, as well as with the United States of America. The participants also touched upon diplomatic relations, examined the bilateral juridical framework and analyzed the different fields of cooperation, frequent exchanges on good governance, and regular parliamentary meetings.
Strengthening NGO Capacity for Improved Rural Development in Armenia
Karine Taslakyan, Armenia (Alumna 2004)
During her fellowship in the United States, Muskie alumna Karine Taslakyan was afforded an array of opportunities that provided her with invaluable skills in both project management and natural resource management. She studied Public Administration at the Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington for two years and interned for a summer at the US Environmental Protection Agency. These experiences gave Taslakyan the idea and determination to develop a two-day training for 40 select NGO leaders in Armenia through which she could share the knowledge she acquired during her studies in the US.
The primary goal of the training, funded by an ECA Alumni Small Grant, was to develop skills in project management and enhance the understanding of natural resource management among NGO leaders working in the fields of rural development in Armenia. The training also served as an opportunity for the participating NGOs to establish contacts with other colleagues in the field and to foster potential collaborations.
The training was comprised of series of theoretical presentations followed by interactive question and answer sessions. Participants also engaged in practical group work on case study analysis and presented their results to the larger cohort for commentary and suggestions.
Taslakyan notes that “this project has become an opportunity for me, as a Muskie alumna, to realize my professional capacities and to share knowledge I’ve gained during my graduate studies in Public Administration at the US University.”
Teaching Marginalized Youth in Russia the Value of Teamwork and Cooperation
YanaTserukhava, Russia (Alumna 2004)
With the support of an ECA Alumni Small Grant, Yana Tserukhava partnered with 11 volunteers from the Voronezh Scout Organization to teach children at the Children’s Tuberculosis Sanatorium in Grafskoye the value of teamwork and cooperation. She and her colleagues organized day of recreational activities and games for 46 of the children, 14 years of age and under, which included football, badminton, and painting, among others. The children were divided into four groups and were asked to work together to create team names and mottos. Ultimately, through their participation in the day’s event, the children were able to further develop their interpersonal skills, teamwork skills and as well skills in communicating with adults.
The team designed the training session based on "Culture Matters," the Peace Corps Cross-Cultural Wordbook and Trainer's Guide. The workshop was held on Saturday, January 24th and was a huge success. According to the workshop evaluations and comments, the participants found the content very relevant and the structure and methodology of the training very effective
As part of her academic program, Galina Nam, a 2007 fellow from Uzbekistan, studying Education at the University of Utah, is a development intern at GlobalSoul International. In her time with GlobalSoul International, Galina developed and implemented an educational exchange program between a secondary school in Ethiopia and the Entheos Academy in Kearns, Utah. The partnership was designed to increase cultural awareness of both Ethiopian and American students and build mutual understanding and collaboration which is extremely important in the current era of globalization. The partnership provided a mechanism to teach geography, cultural appreciation, writing skills, and community involvement in a personal and meaningful way and also worked to reduce educational inequality, a major concern in many areas of developing nations, by providing basic supplies to the Ethiopian school.
Luisne Geghamyan, a 2008 fellow from Armenia, studying Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, volunteered with AmeriCorps National Direct - Operation Food Search. The project is directed towards educating adults and elementary school children about healthy lifestyles, nutrition, diet and the food pyramid, good budgeting, the harm of obesity and types of food to avoid. Luisne taught children culinary techniques and showed how to prepare certain types of dishes which are healthy and do not contribute to obesity. The children were particularly thrilled at the cooking part of the project and were able to take recipes and a portion of the food home to try with their parents.
Muskie Alumnus Holds Workshop on CV Writing
Konstantine (Koba) Grdzelishvili (Muskie ‘03) and Nini Jokhadze (UGRAD ‘07) visited high school students in Gori as a part of Georgian Alumni Quarterly Events and held a CV-writing and motivational letter writing workshop.
2008
- Muskie Holiday Reception
- Fellow Helps Found the UNHQ Intern Development Fund
- Fellows Participate in Public Health Conference
- Fellow Volunteers as Translator with Refugee and Immigration Services
- Fellow Participates in Business Conference
- Muskie Holiday Party
- Muskie Messenger Fall 2008
- Muskie Messenger Summer 2008
- Muskie Messenger Spring 2008
- Muskie Messenger Winter 2008
2007
- Muskie Messenger Fall 2007
- 2007 Muskie Fellow from Russia Participates in New Orleans Lower 9th Ward Mapping Project
- 2007 Muskie Fellow from Georgia Participates in the World Leaders Forum
- 2007 Muskie Fellow from Ukraine Makes Presentation to National Association for Retired Federal Employees
- Fellows Celebrate Kyrgyz Republic Independence Day in New York City
- Muskie Commencement Retreat
- Russian Muskie Fellow Skates to Victory with the Lady Eagles
- Ukrainian Fellow Chairs Conference Session on Human Trafficking
2006
- Muskie Fellow Represents Turkmenistan at University of Washington Cultural Fest
- Fellow Participates in Business Plan Competition
- Armenian Muskie Shares Flag at IUUI Law School
- Muskie Fellows Present Paper at University Council of Educational Administration Conference
- Azerbaijani Fellow Article in VOA -
PDF Download - Hybl Fellow Hopes to Instill Change in Moldova (www.ifes.org)
- Homecoming at University of Mississipi Gives Muskie Fellows an Opportunity to Share Their Cultures with the Community
- Muskie Fellows Participate in Parade of Nations at University of North Texas
- The Intersection of Past, Present, and Future
- Georgian Muskie Fellow Named Minister of Environment of Georgia
- Muskie Orientation Held at Gallaudet University's Kellogg Conference Center
- Muskie Fellow Assists with World Affairs Council Conferences
- Armenian Fellow Invited to Participate in Discussion on the Importance of Philanthropy
- Azerbaijani Fellow interviewed by The Daily Utah Chronicle
Read the Full Story - Head of the Civil Service of Ukraine meets with Ukrainian Muskie Fellows in Washington
- Economics Fellow from Russia Helps Promote Cultural Understanding
- Belorussian MBA Fellow Recognized for Outstanding Academic Achievement
- Azeri Finance Fellow Attends the 6th US-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC)
- Fellow at University of Nebraska Lincoln Writes and Performs Play on Women’s Changing Role in Azerbaijan
- For Seattle-area Muskie Fellow, course on diversity leads to diverse community service projects
- Fellow from Turkmenistan helps teach 4th grade class in Bemidji, Minnesota
- Moldovan fellow in International Affairs leads workshop on conflict resolution in Monterey County middle and high schools
- Azeri Business Administration Muskie fellow to develop and implement a Web-based information system for Pittsburgh nonprofit and volunteer organizations
- Education fellow has truly diverse experience volunteering at Wellstone International School in Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Journalism fellow helps with Ukrainian democratic elections
- Georgian Member of Parliament will return with global perspective on public health issues
- New recruitment season for the 2006 Muskie Fellowship Program