- Editor’s note: In 2019, out of 1,020 Open World participants, 321 came from Ukraine. Among them is Tetiana Skaprovska, a member of an Open World Ukrainian delegation that came to the US on a program focused on media literacy education. Ms. Skaprovska shared some of her impressions with us about Open World and the US. My journey began at American Councils’ office in Kyiv, where my fellow Open World participants and I attended a pre-departure orientation to prepare for our 10-day… Read More
- Nearly ten years after her high school exchange year in Tennessee, Tamara Kotevska is returning to America. Only this time, her destination isn't her host family's home; it's the Academy Awards. Her documentary film "Honeyland" is the first film ever to be nominated for both best international feature film and best documentary feature at the Oscars. It is only the second Macedonian film to earn a nomination at the Academy Awards. It was also the most awarded film at the 2019… Read More
- Editor's note: In 1996, Thomas Burns decided to take his study of the Russian language to the next level by spending a semester in St. Petersburg and what is now the Russian Language and Area Studies Program. Since then, he's lived and worked in several other countries while building his career as a visual storyteller. Today, he is based in Tbilisi, Georgia. Why did you decide to study abroad in Russia? I had been studying Russian at college in the US, but I just wasn’t… Read More
- Editor's note: Nikola Jeremic traveled from Serbia to America in 2018 to spend an exchange year in Longview, Texas. While on the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program, he held an art show in Dallas, an experience that encompasses some of his favorite memories from the year. The young artist shared some of his memories and advice for future alumni. What made you want to apply for FLEX? Ever since I was a child, different cultures, foreign languages, and the mysteries… Read More
- Nearly two dozen Open World alumni were elected or reelected to serve as members of parliament in Ukraine's snap parliamentary elections last month, according to a press release from the Open World Leadership Center. Representing a diverse political scope, including both single-mandate delegates and party lists, these Open World alumni have demonstrated key leadership roles within their government and communities. Among the newly elected Open World alumni are single-mandate delegates:… Read More
- In the suburbs of Almaty, Irina Abasova found her niche. Or rather, she molded it. She started off in the banking industry, but after becoming a mother and with some encouragement from friends, she realized she wanted to be her own boss. So she started her own 3D printing with one used printer. Eventually, she shifted her focus to plastic molds and today she leads a staff of 15 at Creat3D. Last month, she won a government grant through a program that promotes innovative ideas that will… Read More
- Editor's note: Maria Karapetyan arrived in Wisconsin in 2003, an exchange student on the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program. Through the program she learned about American society and values, shared Armenian values with her community, and developed leadership skills. She has continued to hone her leadership skills through the years and in January 2019, she became a member of parliament in her home country of Armenia. Give us an overview of your… Read More
- An American friend recently sent me a message about how proud she is of me. She said that I have come a long way, overcoming my obstacles and challenges. She watched me struggle on my first day learning English and adapting to the [American] culture. She praised my hard work on events on campus at Saint Michael’s College. She said I made a powerful impact and will leave a legacy that will stay forever in this school. She said that I am her biggest inspiration. I receive that compliment almost… Read More
- Editor's note: Hana Sahatqija has been the program manager of UNICEF’s Innovations Lab in Kosovo for the past three years. She believes that opportunities like her current role have been made possible through the Kosovo American Education Fund (KAEF). Through KAEF, Hana studied at Georgetown University, specializing in international development policy. She also holds an advanced project management degree from Stanford University. This month, KAEF is celebrating awarding its… Read More
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