2006 Press Releases

PAO Andrew Paul opens the presentation of U.S. Government-sponsored exchange programs in Turkmenistan.

U.S. Embassy Announces 2007-2008 Academic Exchange Programs

Oct. 12, 2006

Today the U.S. Embassy announced the opening of recruitment season for academic exchange programs for citizens of Turkmenistan for the 2007-2008 academic year. The Embassy's Public Affairs Section and the Political-Economic Section, along with representatives of the American Councils for International Education (ACCELS), the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) presented these programs during a press conference at the Ak Altyn Hotel. 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.

Public Affairs Officer Andrew Paul described the importance of these programs for bilateral relations between U.S. and Turkmenistan: "Both of our countries are enriched through the direct, personal and professional contact that participants have in these programs. We gain a stronger understanding of each other and can more easily work together towards a better future."

These professional, educational and research exchange programs are designed to build better understanding between students, teachers, scholars and citizens of Turkmenistan and the United States. 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 fourteenth year of these programs in Turkmenistan. During the past ten years, about 1,300 Turkmen citizens have participated in various U.S. Government funded programs in the United States.

For more information about the programs, please visit the U.S. Embassy website at http://turkmenistan.usembassy.gov or contact Public Affairs Section offices, located on the 4 th floor of the Ak Altyn Hotel, Magtymguly 141/1.