2003 Press Releases

U.S. Embassy Announces 2004-2005 Academic Exchange Programs

Sept. 15, 2003

The U.S. Embassy announced the opening of recruitment season for eight academic exchange programs for citizens of Turkmenistan for the 2004-2005 academic year. U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Tracey A. Jacobson, along with representatives of the American Councils for International Education (ACCELS), the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) and the Embassy's Public Affairs Section, presented these programs during a press conference at the American Center on September 15, 2003. All of these programs are fully sponsored by the United States Government and are available for high school students, undergraduate students, graduate-level students seeking a Master's degree, high school English teachers, academicians, new and experienced professors of higher educational institutions, as well as professionals in various fields.

Ambassador Jacobson expressed her conviction of the importance of these programs for U.S.?Turkmenistan relations: "I am extremely proud of our exchange programs and of their mutual contribution to both the United States and Turkmenistan. I firmly believe that one of the best ways to build better international relationships is to promote international exchanges."

These professional, educational and research exchange programs are designed to build better understanding between students, teachers, scholars and citizens 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, education and public policy.

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 eleventh year of these programs in Turkmenistan. During the past ten years, more than 1,100 Turkmen citizens have successfully completed their studies via these programs in the United States.

Contact the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy at the American Center for more information.