Across the Globe

Building English Language Skills Across Moldova

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A US Department of State initiative trains and employs FLEX alumni to teach English to promising students from underserved regions of Moldova. 

Like many capitals around the world, English is widely spoken in Chisinau, Moldova. But as you venture to other regions of Moldova, most people speak just Romanian or Russian or both. However, possessing English language skills can sometimes be a strong differentiator on college and job applications and two US Department of State initiatives aim to bolster the English language among talented Moldovan students.

The English Access Microscholarship Program (Access program), a US Department of State initiative, aims to provide a foundation of English language skills to talented 13-20 year-olds from economically disadvantaged areas in Moldova to help promising students gain access to greater career and educational opportunities.

Another US Department of State program, the Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX), selects students from Moldova's diverse regions to spend an exchange year in the US These students return home fluent in American English with a deeper knowledge of American culture.

FLEX alumni make natural teachers and often take workshops on teaching English during their exchange year to develop their classroom skills and practice teaching methodologies. When the students finish their exchange years in the US, the Access program trains and employs them as teaching assistants to build local English language capacity for underserved students.

Three FLEX alumni reflect on their professional development and share their experiences teaching English to young adults across Moldova through the Access Program:

MARGARITA
When I was first asked to teach English for the Access program in Hincesti, a city southwest of Moldova's capital, I didn't know that I'd be part of such a wonderful community of students and teachers that would become my second family.

I taught English mostly through music. I would bring a new song to every lesson, which the class would translate and sing. Sometimes, we would have movie days where we would watch films in English with Romanian subtitles. Once I started getting accustomed to the new responsibility of teaching, I realized that I was also learning a lot myself.

I observed how different each student was, how each student had their own pace of learning, and how some students were more engaged than others. I then had to find a way to make the classes interesting for everyone, so I gave more thought to song selection and the most engaging approach to translation.

Each day of Access classes was full of positive energy and new realizations. Because I had studied for a year in the US as a FLEX student, I had a pretty clear understanding of how English works. Nevertheless, every time I was asked "why" about the language, I would gain a new perspective and research the answers to these questions at home.

We also visited interesting places during class: We were invited to the home of the US Ambassador and participated in projects such as planting flowers in the city and attending the Access Summer Camp, a program that connects teachers with students from different parts of Moldova in an English-only environment.

I definitely miss the training, projects, and all the other wonderful Access initiatives. Most of all, I miss my students and the sense of pride in seeing them succeed.



VLAD
Let me begin with the fact that the Access program changed my life!

This is not an overstatement. My relationship with Access is special because I was an Access student when I was accepted into the FLEX program to spend a year as an exchange student in the US Since participating in the Access and FLEX programs opened so many opportunities for me, I wanted to teach future students in the Access program when I came back from my exchange year.

Working as a teaching assistant for the Access program in Ungheni, a city that borders Romania, opened my eyes to what challenges teachers face during lectures and how to approach different topics and students to get the best results. My exchange experience in the US strengthened my ability to teach students about American culture.

Teaching English through the Access program was both entertaining and educational for me; I tried to do my best and have fun at the same time. I met great students, some of which I still keep in touch with. I strongly encourage anyone who has the opportunity to take part in the Access program as a teacher or as a student. It could change your life.

IULIA
From my personal experience, I can say that the Access program is a great opportunity not only for students but also for teachers and teacher assistants. After I returned from my exchange year in the US as a FLEX alumna, I was inspired to contribute to the well-being of my community by enabling positive changes and teaching English. Of course, in doing so, I also had the opportunity to share my firsthand knowledge of American culture and the importance of cultural exchange.

Therefore, when I heard about Access, I realized that this would be a great chance to implement my ideas and help others. It was a great pleasure to work with young motivated students. I organized flash mobs and projects, shared knowledge about American culture, gave students advice, and taught them English while having a great time.

Access also gave me the chance to help coordinate an English-language summer camp for students, participate in multiple teacher trainings, implement different projects, and share experiences with other teachers. The experience of being a teacher assistant shaped my personality in many ways and helped me gain the skills necessary to be accepted to my top choice of university.

These skills continue to aid me in life; but most importantly, this experience gave me a feeling of fulfillment, the feeling that I contributed to my community in a beneficial way. Nothing is more pleasant than receiving messages from Access alumni who tell me how thankful they are, how I motivated them, or how I helped them achieve their goals.

About the English Access Microscholarship Program
Funded by the US Department of State, the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) provides a foundation of English language skills to talented 13-20 year-olds from economically disadvantaged sectors through after-school classes and intensive sessions. Access gives participants English skills that may lead to better jobs and educational prospects. Participants also gain the ability to compete for and participate in future exchanges and study in the United States.

Since its inception in 2004, approximately 95,000 students in more than 85 countries have participated in the Access Program.

About the Future Leaders Exchange Program
The Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) is a competitive, merit-based scholarship program funded by the US Department of State. FLEX students who pass multiple rounds of testing earn a scholarship to spend an academic year in the United States living with a volunteer host family and attending a US high school.

FLEX students gain leadership skills, learn about American society and values, and teach Americans about FLEX countries and cultures. FLEX is a highly competitive program with over 25,000 alumni who have contributed over one million hours of community service in cities and towns across America. The students return home to active alumni networks that carry out inspiring activities.

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