In Chișinău, the American Language Center (ALC), a division of American Councils for International Education, leads this effort. Since 1998, the ALC has delivered learner-centered English instruction that advances strategic objectives: preparing current governments, corporations, and future generations for global collaboration, and developing the skills needed to succeed in an interconnected world. The ALC has also served a key humanitarian role recently, helping integrate displaced Ukrainians.
English Language Access for Displaced Ukrainians
Following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moldova became a refuge for those fleeing the war. More than 1.1 million displaced Ukrainians crossed the border, placing pressure on Moldova’s limited housing, education, and humanitarian services. In response, the ALC expanded its programming to meet the needs of both displaced populations and host communities through targeted English language instruction.
In partnership with the Italian NGO WeWorld, ALC implemented the “Quality Education and Protection for Conflict-Affected People and Vulnerable Groups in Moldova” initiative. The project provided English courses to displaced Ukrainians, Roma community members, and Moldovan residents. Participants, aged 15 and older, were selected from WeWorld’s network of Ukrainian beneficiaries.
The courses consisted of 72 academic hours and emphasized practical communication for linguistic development and social integration. Classes were held in neighborhood libraries, offering safe, accessible spaces for language learning and community building.
Forty learners completed the program with many describing the course as a step toward rebuilding their lives post-displacement. Vitalii Sukhorukov, a Ukrainian refugee in Chișinău, said the course helped him “dive into the wonderful world of English.” Another participant, Elana Todirash, shared that it helped her “feel more prepared for what the future holds.”
During the 2025-2026 academic year, the ALC will continue this work through support from the Norwegian Refugee Council, providing work skills and hope to Ukraine’s displaced population as they prepare for the future.
Faculty Training and International Academic Engagement
At the national level, ALC is contributing to the internationalization of Moldova’s higher education system. In July 2025, 13 professors from Moldova State University completed a 150-hour English language training program as part of the “Higher Education Professional Development Program.” The initiative is part of the Moldova Higher Education Project (MHEP), funded by a $39.4 million investment from the World Bank and implemented by Moldova’s Ministry of Education and Research.
The program was designed to build the English proficiency needed for academic publication, cross-border research collaboration, and participation in global conferences. Instruction prioritized American English, professional communication, and practical strategies for engaging in international academic discourse. Following the initial placement testing conducted by instructors from ALC, 288 university teachers were distributed across 20 groups. One group from Moldova State University (USM) opted for an intensive course format and successfully completed the full 150-hour course.
Evaluation results to date show that the majority of participants have advanced by one full proficiency level in English, confirming the program’s positive impact on language development. All participants of the Higher Education Professional Development Project group received certificates of completion, with an average final exam score reflecting their strong engagement and significant language acquisition.
By equipping professors with the skills to engage in global academic discourse, the program expands opportunities for collaboration between Moldovan universities and international research institutions.
Shared Commitment to Stability and Growth
With more than 14,000 graduates and over two decades of experience, the ALC equips Moldova’s students, professionals, and those in need to meet global challenges with confidence.
Amid ongoing pressure from the Russian Federation, the American Language Center’s efforts support Moldova’s citizens and newcomers alike — placing language education at the forefront as both a humanitarian lifeline for those uprooted by conflict and a pillar of regional stability and engagement. Through American English education, ALC actively fosters the integration of displaced persons, refugee communities, and others in need, while fortifying Moldova’s role as a trusted U.S. partner in education, research, and economic cooperation.
American Councils is grateful for the support of WeWorld, the World Bank, and Moldova’s Ministry of Education, whose partnership ensures ALC can continue to amplify its impact and contribute to a stable and prosperous future for Eastern Europe.