2002 Press Releases

Embassy Announces 2003-2004 Academic Exchange Programs

Sept. 17, 2002

The U.S. Embassy Ashgabat will be holding a press conference at the American Center at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2002, to officially announce the opening of recruitment season for eight academic exchange programs for citizens of Turkmenistan in the 2003-2004 academic year. These educational and research exchange programs are designed to build better understanding between students, teachers and scholars of Turkmenistan and the U.S. Since 1992, these programs have helped Turkmenistan's citizens explore American society, culture and traditions. Alumni of these programs are now successfully working or continuing their education in many industries such as business, law, government and public policy.

The American Center will organize an Educational Fair at the National Library in Ashgabat on Saturday, October 5, 2002, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which will feature complete information on all programs being offered this year. Programs are available for undergraduate students, graduate-level students seeking a Master's degree, academicians, new and experienced professors of higher educational institutions, high school students and high school English teachers, as well as professionals in various fields.

Competition for all programs is merit-based and open to all citizens of Turkmenistan. Selection will be made on the basis of academic excellence, leadership potential, knowledge of English and the designated fields of study and preparedness for study in the United States. This is the tenth year of these programs in Turkmenistan. During the past nine years, more than 700 Turkmen citizens have successfully completed their studies via these programs in the United States.