Dr. Dan E. Davidson, President of American Councils for International Education led an American Councils delegation to Mongolia on March 5 - 7, 2013, to meet the President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj and his key cabinet ministers. President Elbegdorj expressed his gratitude to American Councils for organizing "The Media & Presidential Politics: Spotlight on the 2013 Inauguration," an executive training and content-based language acquisition course for a Mongolian media group in Washington, D.C. in January-February 2013. The President emphasized his commitment to increase the number of journalists from Mongolia taking part in American Councils professional programs in the US, as well as other potential areas of cooperation in education and professional development.
Reflecting on this visit, Dr. Davidson said, "American Councils has been greatly impressed by the commitment of the President of Mongolia and his government to the improvement of education and the strengthening of institutions through the active professional development of staff, particularly in the field of journalism and English language. We look forward to expanded cooperation with Mongolia in the education sector."
The trip also included meetings with Mr. Puntsag Tsagaan, the President's Chief of Staff; Mr. Purevsuren Lundeg, National Security/Foreign Policy Advisor; Mr. Ganbaatar Amgalanbaatar, Public Relations/Public Policy Advisor; Mr. Luvsannyam Gantumur, Minister of Education; Ms. Oyungerel Tsedevdamba, Member of Parliament, and Minister of Culture, Sport, and Tourism; and Mr. Dashjamts Battulga, Chairman of the Ulaanbaatar City Council.
Alumni of the first journalist study tour hosted American Councils over a Mongolian traditional dinner, and shared their impressions of the US visit, as well as latest developments in their professional careers.
Reporting from the Field: Mongolian Journalists Explore Approaches to Media in D.C.
Throughout the month of April, the second group of 18 media professionals from Mongolia visited Washington, D.C. to gain perspectives on the intersection of the media and US politics while improving their professional English-language skills. Daily classroom instruction in general English and English for journalism was complemented by interactive meetings with US journalists, political analysts, and current affairs experts at media outlets, think tanks, and NGOs in Washington, D.C.
English-language instruction was provided through intensive training at the International Language Institute (ILI). Courses were tailored to meet the needs of each participant's level of English comprehension.
American Councils partnered with the Osgood Center for International Studies to administer the professional development component of the program. The Osgood Center organized various speakers to provide insight into the current trends shaping US journalism. Participants also visited C-SPAN, the Brookings Institution, the Washingtonian, and China Central Television (CCTV), which is China's largest English-language news channel, to explore various approaches to media in the US Another highlight of the program included a visit to the Mongolian Embassy, where participants were welcomed by Ambassador Baatar Choisuren.
About American Councils
A leader in international education, academic exchange, and overseas language immersion, American Councils for International Education creates opportunities that prepare individuals and institutions for success in an increasingly interconnected world. American Councils provides learning in key world languages, cultures and regions, helping individuals to achieve personal and intellectual growth through education, and creating the conditions for mutual respect among the peoples of the world. In over 35 years of educational exchange programs for high school students, teachers, professionals, and scholars, American Councils has helped thousands of people worldwide achieve language proficiency and cultural immersion through study abroad programs, training opportunities, and cross-cultural exchanges from the countries of Russia, Eurasia, China, Afghanistan, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe.