New country director for ACCELS asrecruiting to send students to US kicks off
American Councils for International Education (ACCELS) has a new
Country Director in Azerbaijan, Ms. Amy Petersen. Her arrival
coincides with the start of a new educational exchange recruiting
season and AzerNEWS decided to talk to Ms. Petersen to learn more
about ACCELS` current educational programs between the US and
Azerbaijan.
Founded in 1974 as an association for area and language professionals, American Councils for International Education (ACCELS) has focused its expertise on academic exchange, professional training, distance learning, curriculum and test development, delivery of technical assistance, research, evaluation, and institution building. American Councils has been operating in Azerbaijan since 1993. During the past 15 years in Azerbaijan, American Councils has developed a network of over 750 alumni who participated in a number of US Government funded programs administered by American Councils. Current programs include the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX), the Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP), Open World, recruiting for the American University in Bulgaria, and educational programs coming to Azerbaijan from the US.
As a new Country Director for American Councils for International Education (ACCELS) in Azerbaijan, how do you see the prospects of exchange programs between Azerbaijan and the United States?
There are great prospects for exchange programs between the US and Azerbaijan. Not only are there increased relationships between educational institutions and individuals in each country, but also more interest on the part of each government. On June 19, 2008 Misir Mardanov, Azerbaijan`s Minister of Education, and Goli Ameri, U.S. deputy secretary of state on education and culture, signed the first official agreement on cooperation in education. Both countries recognize the mutual benefits of closer education collaboration, the most important of which I see as better understanding of each other`s culture, history, and future aspirations.
What are the benefits of educational and cultural exchange programs sponsored by the United States government?
The benefits from educational and cultural exchange programs are as diverse as the people that participate on them. There are broad benefits which include establishing long-lasting ties between the United States and other countries through personal connections and institutional partnerships. I feel these programs promote mutual understanding between countries and foster the leadership of future decision makers around the globe.
Since recruitment for the FLEX program is starting soon, could you, please, tell us more about youth exchange programs and their goals?
I have a special place in my heart for youth exchange programs. Youth are naturally inquisitive and eager for new experiences, and since they hold the future in their hands, they should be given all the best skills and values to make our world a better place. Youth academic exchange programs provide an opportunity for young people from various countries to travel and learn about other people and other ways of life, while at the same time gaining academic experiences.
We live in a globalized world. In order to be successful in this global marketplace of ideas, citizens of any country need the tools to cross cultural boundaries while maintaining pride in their own background. Exchange programs provide opportunities for enthusiastic students and young professionals to build these skills and thereby empower the successor generation to excel in a global world.
Who is eligible to apply to the program and how are students selected?
The FLEX program, which has been run by American Councils in Azerbaijan with the support of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Education and the US Department of State for 17 years, gives students a unique opportunity to experience life in the United States and to share information about Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani culture with Americans. "There in the US was something I will never forget. There I discovered what I want to achieve." says Narmin Azizova, from Lankaran who spent a year living with a family in Kansas City, Missouri.
Finalists will be chosen from around the Republic of Azerbaijan to spend the 2009-2010 academic year in the U.S. Finalists will receive round-trip travel from their homes to the United States, and a monthly allowance for living expenses.
This year, all students who are citizens of Azerbaijan, born between 1 January 1992 and 15 July 1994 who are studying in the 9th, 10th or 11th forms and have not been in the United States for more than 3 months in the past 5 years are eligible for the program. Students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
There are three rounds of testing altogether. The first round of testing is a 15-minute test of English, which will be offered in six cities on seven different days, see below. The second round of testing generally takes place the following day. Students should bring a passport or birth certificate, a recent, 3x4cm picture of themselves and at least one pen to the test cite for the first round. Each student may take the round one test only once per year. Testing will begin at 10am in all cities, registration opens at 9:30.
We heard that you were a Peace Corps volunteer and have an interesting background. Could you, please, tell us more about yourself.
I was a member of the first group of Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Azerbaijan. From 2003 - 2005, I taught English at Ismayilli School #1 as part of the US Government Peace Corps program which sends American volunteers to work in about 70 countries around the world providing technical assistance and an opportunity for people to learn about America, and Americans to learn about other countries.
Before joining the Peace Corps, I graduated from Bowdoin University in the State of Maine. While in college, I studied abroad in Nepal for one semester. I have worked as a teacher on the Navajo Indian Reservation in the State of Arizona and with other US government sponsored exchange programs in Washington, DC. I have my Masters Degree from George Washington University in the field of International Education. I am a native of Washington, DC.
What is your biggest motivation in life?
To explore and learn with friends and family at my side, and inspire others to learn as much about the world around them as they want.
........................................................
For more information please call 436-75-29/30/31 or visit www.apps.americancouncils.org
Founded in 1974 as an association for area and language professionals, American Councils for International Education (ACCELS) has focused its expertise on academic exchange, professional training, distance learning, curriculum and test development, delivery of technical assistance, research, evaluation, and institution building. American Councils has been operating in Azerbaijan since 1993. During the past 15 years in Azerbaijan, American Councils has developed a network of over 750 alumni who participated in a number of US Government funded programs administered by American Councils. Current programs include the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX), the Junior Faculty Development Program (JFDP), Open World, recruiting for the American University in Bulgaria, and educational programs coming to Azerbaijan from the US.
As a new Country Director for American Councils for International Education (ACCELS) in Azerbaijan, how do you see the prospects of exchange programs between Azerbaijan and the United States?
There are great prospects for exchange programs between the US and Azerbaijan. Not only are there increased relationships between educational institutions and individuals in each country, but also more interest on the part of each government. On June 19, 2008 Misir Mardanov, Azerbaijan`s Minister of Education, and Goli Ameri, U.S. deputy secretary of state on education and culture, signed the first official agreement on cooperation in education. Both countries recognize the mutual benefits of closer education collaboration, the most important of which I see as better understanding of each other`s culture, history, and future aspirations.
What are the benefits of educational and cultural exchange programs sponsored by the United States government?
The benefits from educational and cultural exchange programs are as diverse as the people that participate on them. There are broad benefits which include establishing long-lasting ties between the United States and other countries through personal connections and institutional partnerships. I feel these programs promote mutual understanding between countries and foster the leadership of future decision makers around the globe.
Since recruitment for the FLEX program is starting soon, could you, please, tell us more about youth exchange programs and their goals?
I have a special place in my heart for youth exchange programs. Youth are naturally inquisitive and eager for new experiences, and since they hold the future in their hands, they should be given all the best skills and values to make our world a better place. Youth academic exchange programs provide an opportunity for young people from various countries to travel and learn about other people and other ways of life, while at the same time gaining academic experiences.
We live in a globalized world. In order to be successful in this global marketplace of ideas, citizens of any country need the tools to cross cultural boundaries while maintaining pride in their own background. Exchange programs provide opportunities for enthusiastic students and young professionals to build these skills and thereby empower the successor generation to excel in a global world.
Who is eligible to apply to the program and how are students selected?
The FLEX program, which has been run by American Councils in Azerbaijan with the support of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Education and the US Department of State for 17 years, gives students a unique opportunity to experience life in the United States and to share information about Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani culture with Americans. "There in the US was something I will never forget. There I discovered what I want to achieve." says Narmin Azizova, from Lankaran who spent a year living with a family in Kansas City, Missouri.
Finalists will be chosen from around the Republic of Azerbaijan to spend the 2009-2010 academic year in the U.S. Finalists will receive round-trip travel from their homes to the United States, and a monthly allowance for living expenses.
This year, all students who are citizens of Azerbaijan, born between 1 January 1992 and 15 July 1994 who are studying in the 9th, 10th or 11th forms and have not been in the United States for more than 3 months in the past 5 years are eligible for the program. Students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.
There are three rounds of testing altogether. The first round of testing is a 15-minute test of English, which will be offered in six cities on seven different days, see below. The second round of testing generally takes place the following day. Students should bring a passport or birth certificate, a recent, 3x4cm picture of themselves and at least one pen to the test cite for the first round. Each student may take the round one test only once per year. Testing will begin at 10am in all cities, registration opens at 9:30.
We heard that you were a Peace Corps volunteer and have an interesting background. Could you, please, tell us more about yourself.
I was a member of the first group of Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Azerbaijan. From 2003 - 2005, I taught English at Ismayilli School #1 as part of the US Government Peace Corps program which sends American volunteers to work in about 70 countries around the world providing technical assistance and an opportunity for people to learn about America, and Americans to learn about other countries.
Before joining the Peace Corps, I graduated from Bowdoin University in the State of Maine. While in college, I studied abroad in Nepal for one semester. I have worked as a teacher on the Navajo Indian Reservation in the State of Arizona and with other US government sponsored exchange programs in Washington, DC. I have my Masters Degree from George Washington University in the field of International Education. I am a native of Washington, DC.
What is your biggest motivation in life?
To explore and learn with friends and family at my side, and inspire others to learn as much about the world around them as they want.
........................................................
For more information please call 436-75-29/30/31 or visit www.apps.americancouncils.org
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