2004 Press Releases
Embassy, Administering Partners Present Exchange Programs for 2005-2006 Academic Year
Oct. 4, 2004
The U.S. Embassy announced the opening of recruitment season for four of ten U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs in Turkmenistan for the 2005-2006 academic year. Deputy Chief of Mission Jennifer Brush, 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 the programs during a press conference at the National Library of Turkmenistan on October 4, 2004.
Ms. Brush emphasized the importance of exchange programs, both for U.S.?Turkmenistan relations and for greater stability and international development: "Increasing international awareness in matters of education, knowledge, and research creates a more informed and stable world community. The opportunity to study abroad, to learn other languages, and to experience other cultures and perspectives is increasingly important in many fields today." All U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs are designed to increase mutual understanding and to expand relationships between the people of the United States and Turkmenistan.
Recruitment for six more exchange programs will begin later this year. The U.S. Department of State has designated ACCELS and IREX with the responsibility for administering eight U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs in Turkmenistan. The Embassy's Public Affairs Section will directly administer two programs.
Competition for all programs is merit-based and open to all citizens of Turkmenistan. Independent Commissions will select finalists on the basis of academic excellence, leadership potential, knowledge of English and designated fields of study, and other criteria. During the past eleven years, more than 1,400 Turkmen citizens have participated in U.S. Government-sponsored educational and professional exchange programs.
Contact ACCELS, IREX or the Public Affairs Section for more information. Application forms can be downloaded from the Embassy web site.
