American Councils for International Education

Highlights from Fergana, Uzbekistan! On June 27-28, the USAID Uzbekistan Youth Employment Skills (YES) Activity hosted a Training of Trainers (TOT) session for secondary school teacher trainers and afterschool mentors. YES welcomed 8 amazing trainers from the Avloni Teacher Training Institute and 4 incredible mentors, including one from Barkamol Avlod! This refresher course was all about tackling difficult teaching moments and mastering afterschool sessions. From lesson planning and assessing needs to student-centered learning and critical thinking, the training covered it all! The trainers shined in micro-teaching sessions and left inspired and ready to make a difference in their schools. Funded by USAID, Uzbekistan Youth Employment Skills (YES) Activity is implemented by American Councils for International Education as the lead organization, along with a consortium of partners including Startup Innovation, Sharoit Plus, and ERGO Analytics. #USAIDYES #YouthEmpowernment #TeacherTraining #MentorMagic #EducationExcellence #TrainingofTrainers #ACGlobal #PositiveYouthDevelopment #PYD

The UUTI U.S. Camp in Seattle was honored to welcome Alice Albright, CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) on Thursday, July 18. Ms. Albright’s visit included a tour of the camp, participation in morning activities, and a vibrant roundtable discussion with the students. Over lunch, students eagerly shared their camp experiences and expressed how the English language camp has impacted them. Joining Ms. Albright was Lisa Choate, President and CEO of American Councils for International Education, accompanied by several senior administrators from both MCC and American Councils. All attendees were impressed by the students’ enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and their commitment to improving their English and workplace readiness skills. American Councils is honored to collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing economic and educational opportunities for the people of Kiribati. We are privileged to work alongside the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of Kiribati in empowering I-Kiribati students with unparalleled opportunities to advance their work readiness skills, enhance their English proficiency, and prepare for success in the international labor market. The MCC-Kiribati Threshold Program is a partnership between the US Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of Kiribati. The funds are provided by the American people and seek to enhance economic opportunities for the people of Kiribati. American Councils for International Education serves as the Implementing Partner for the UUTI Activity in cooperation with the Kiribati Ministry of Education. #uuti #mcc #acglobal #ackiribati #moekiribati #USwithKiribati #USCamp #ACGlobal American Councils for International Education Kiribati

58 FLEX Alumni from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania celebrated Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program Baltics' 30th Anniversary at #Sangaste Castle, Estonia from June 30 until July 2. This three-day event provided alumni with several professional development sessions led by our own FLEX alumni, touching on topics such as personal finance, the field of medicine, stock analysis, and IT. Alumni also had the opportunity to pose questions about different USG alumni opportunities to Mike Snyder, Public Affairs Officer U.S. Embassy Tallinn, Estonia, and regarding specific opportunities for #FLEX alumni from American Councils for International Education' staff member Karīna Vintere.  We were excited to see different generations of Baltic alumni come together in Estonia. Team-building exercises and a workshop on storytelling and video-making allowed participants to form connections and spark future alumni meet-up and project ideas. We would like to thank Mike Snyder for sharing different programming and funding opportunities with our alumni and speaking about his work as a PAO at the Embassy. We are also thankful for having Tiiu Vitsut, Public Engagement Specialist at U.S. Embassy in Tallinn, Estonia, speak about the impact that FLEX alumni bring to their respective communities. #Estonia; #Latvia; #Lithuania; #Baltics; #FLEXProgram; #FLEXAlumni; #ACGlobal; #ExchangeOurWorld; #ExchangeAlumni

As part of the #Iacocca International Internship Program at Lehigh University, Alexa had the opportunity to work with American Councils for International Education's office in Vilnius, Lithuania, as an intern for six weeks. From the start of her internship on June 10, she worked on in-person presentations with the American Center Minsk, American Corner Vilnius, and European Humanities University on various topics such as discussions on mental health in academia, student life in the U.S., and providing a cultural overview of the U.S. to a diverse set of audiences. Other virtual presentations included tips and strategies for receiving full financial aid at American universities and preparing for college applications. Alexa also prioritized individual consultations with 17 students, holding multiple sessions with 120 participants to discuss important subjects such as the college application process, English language practice, and honing college essays. In one instance, she performed intensive research for online masters programs in information technology that aligned with a student's financial needs. Alexa also provided staff with recommendations for the Competitive College Club’s new cycle in September. Overall, her internship experience did what the best internship placements do - provide benefit both to American Councils as a host institution while contributing immensely to Alexa’s professional growth. We miss you already, Alexa!

✨ Did you know that 2024 marks 25 years of EducationUSA? In celebration, we’re highlighting your contributions to international education, one story at a time. EducationUSA hosts a robust set of events, fairs, and networking opportunities. They may serve students looking to learn more about undergraduate studies in the United States, U.S. higher education institutions wishing to build enrollment pipelines, or showing EducationUSA advisers a new U.S. campus. Learn more about EducationUSA’s fairs and forums ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eS7mp_V. UC Irvine, University of South Alabama, University of the Incarnate Word #EdUSA25

Last week, the Embassy welcomed next year's cohort of FLEX Program students from Lithuania!🗽 The students met with Ambassador McDonald, taking the opportunity to ask questions and share their excitement about their upcoming year abroad. The students will live with host families and attend American high schools in a year of personal growth and new friendships that will last a lifetime. From Michigan and Alabama to Washington and South Dakota, these students will truly span the United States! If you're a secondary-school student looking for a chance to live in the United States and take your English to the next level, FLEX is the program you're looking for! Find more information here: ⬇ https://lnkd.in/dC3A_5bp #USinLT Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program FLEX Alumni Lithuania American Councils for International Education Baltics

The American Space-Vahdat Extension, a program implemented by American Councils in partnership with and through the generous funding of Spirit of America, supports the Afghan refugee community in Tajikistan through various youth leadership and educational programs. As part of the Afghan Education Project, a sub-project of the American Space-Vahdat Extension, American Councils offers various courses for Afghan and Tajik youths to develop work readiness and leadership skills. Recently, the American Space-Vahdat Extension conducted a two-day Training of Trainers for volunteers who lead the programming on June 22-23 at the American Space Dushanbe. Dr. Sam Potolicchio, Executive Director of American Councils Center for Global Leadership, hosted a workshop at the American Space-Vahdat Extension on “How to Make Better Decisions in a Complicated World.” Over 30 participants attended, including volunteers, U.S. alumni, and teachers from the partner organization Information Technology and Communication Centre (ITCC). Read more about the American Space-Vahdat Extension programming at https://lnkd.in/gPN6C4RN Since October 2021, American Councils has delivered American Space-like youth programs at the ITCC in Vahdat, where thousands of Tajik and Afghan students learn English, technology, and public speaking skills. Funded by Spirit of America, with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan, the program also provides transportation for youth in Vahdat to attend regular programs in person at American Space Dushanbe. #ACGlobal #CGL #ACTajikistan #AmericanSpace #Vahdat #AfghanEducation #AfghanYouth #InternationalEducation #positiveyouthdevelopment #tajikistan #SpiritOfAmerica

At PILnet, we believe the next generation of lawyers holds the promise for our future. That's why we strive to engage law students, recent graduates, and early career lawyers who are passionate about making a difference using law. Over the years, we have worked with several individuals through internship, fellowship and secondment programs. We are happy to highlight the experience of Kamila Biernacka, who joined us through the American Councils for International Education FLEX Internship earlier this year.

Congratulations to the BridgeUSA Ukrainian Academic Fellows Program fellows for completing their fellowship at Florida State University! Thank you, Learning Systems Institute FSU, for hosting the BridgeUSA UAFP scholars. The BridgeUSA Ukrainian Academic Fellows Program (BridgeUSA UAFP) builds links between Ukrainian and U.S. scholars for long-term collaboration in areas including joint research, shared pedagogy, course development, and publication. The program’s long-term goal is to help Ukrainian universities educate and train professionals critical to the country’s recovery and reconstruction through lasting, productive collaboration with U.S. institutions of higher education. The BridgeUSA Ukrainian Academic Fellows Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) with additional funding provided by U.S. host institutions. The program is administered by American Councils for International Education. #ACGlobal

Fatima Jafari, an Afghan refugee, has a remarkable story. After earning her bachelor's degrees in psychology and transnational studies in the United States, she now produces informational videos focused on children's mental health and parenting skills.   Fatima has worked with numerous human rights organizations in Afghanistan, including War Child and Street Child. Her passion is to ensure equitable educational opportunities, believing that this path leads to better mental health for everyone   Fatima's journey towards leadership began at the Youth Solidarity and English Language (YSEL) camp in 2012, where she was the first female president. This experience was transformative, exposing her to diverse perspectives and fostering friendships across cultural divides. Fatima’s time at the YSEL camp in India ignited her leadership aspirations, leading her to pursue educational opportunities in the United States at Westminster College.   Now based in #Tajikistan, Fatima is an English language trainer and coordinator for short-term projects benefiting Afghan refugees. Her collaboration with the American Councils' office in Dushanbe underscores her dedication to educational empowerment and community development. Reflecting on her journey, Fatima shares, “YSEL camp changed my life, shaping my perspective and preparing me for leadership roles. Programs like those offered by American Councils for International Education equip participants with essential life and language skills, empowering them to pursue their goals.”   Fatima's story exemplifies the impact of youth education initiatives and underscores the importance of fostering cross-cultural understanding and leadership among future generations. Her dedication and achievements highlight the transformative power of education and the critical need for support systems that empower refugee communities. Through her work and advocacy, Fatima continues to inspire and lead, significantly impacting the lives of Afghan refugees in Tajikistan and beyond. The Youth Solidarity and English Language program was a one-month language immersion and leadership camp for Afghan youth held in India and Turkiye from 2011-2016. Funded by the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, the program was designed to improve English language, develop leadership skills, and promote solidarity among Afghan youth. Alumni of the YSEL program were very active in their communities upon return from the program and implemented many community service and training programs throughout Afghanistan. The Youth Solidarity and English Language (YSEL) program was the predecessor to the Leadership and English Advancement Program (LEAP). Both programs were considered to be the most successful of the U.S. Embassy’s youth initiatives programming in Afghanistan. #ACGlobalAlumni #ACGlobal #ExchangeOurWorld #internationaleducation #CitizenDiplomacy #ExchangeAlumni #AC50for50 #AC50