american councils moldova newsletter march 2013
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American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013TRANSCRIPT
Inside this issue:
March 2013 American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013
American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013
American Councils Moldova Country Director David
Jesse’s anniversary interview on
Free Europe Radio Station
Being part of the American Councils - Moldova team all these years was exciting, and challeng-ing. We were responsible for launching new programs such as Legislative Fellows and Access mi-cro-scholarships, while keeping our larger, more established programs like Future Leaders Ex-change and Open World healthy and well-managed. This year was significant because it marked 20 years of our presence in Moldova. Over the last 20 years, I am pleased to share that American Councils - Moldova has established and maintained a reputation for integrity, performance and ac-countability. We have also experienced steady, managed growth, with a current staff of almost 40 full and part-time professionals working throughout the country on eight unique programs. It has been my pleasure to be part of this team and to promote educational opportunities for almost 4 years as the Country Director, mostly because I am frequently inspired by my colleagues and our participants, so I can't wait to see what new developments will come in 2013!
American Councils Moldova cel-ebrated its 20th Anniversary
"Effective Teaching and Class-room Management for To-be Teachers of English" Project
FLEX alumna from Moldova se-lected to attend Civic Education Workshop in DC
Access Micro scholarship Anni-versary Event Access Youth in Action country wide flash mob
US Ambassador William H. Moser visits Moldovan Access students in Cahul and Ceadir-Lunga
Honorable Alumni of the Month of February
American Councils Moldova celebrated its 20th Anniversary
Page 2
American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013
On February 22nd, Moldovan university professors, school
teachers, NGO leaders, Open World, Legislative Fellows,
FLEX, Access and Carnegie alumni, US Embassy, World
Bank, IREX, USAID officials, as well as governmental
representatives were invited you to join American Coun-
cils Moldova team to celebrate its 20th Anniversary Event.
Over 160 registered participants attended the event, which
started at 12.00 pm, when Country Director David Jesse
opened the anniversary event with a welcome speech, fol-
lowed by a short presentation of our projects and activities in 2012 and the recognition of our best FLEX, LFP,
OW, Access and Carnegie alumni. At 1.00 pm the American Language Center staff introduced the first edi-
tion of the "Modern Trends and Resources for Teachers of Modern Languages" Journal and invited Moldo-
van teachers and university professors, as well as researchers in the education field to submit their contribu-
tions for the second edition due May 2013.
The event continued with a series of workshops and train-
ings moderated by American Councils Moldova staff on
teaching methodology and professional development op-
portunities for educators, entitled Best Moldovan Brands:
Facebook Business English Group Project, Overview of
Online TESOL Certification Courses, Creating a Capzles
Student Project, Teaching Advanced English through
news, Applying for a graduate scholarship - opportuni-
ties for Moldovan educators.
Two of our American Language Center (http://alc.md/)
instructors taught two parallel English Demo Classes for beginners and our Russian language instructor orga-
nized a separate workshop on non traditional methods of teaching Russian as a foreign language. FLEX, Car-
negie, LFP and OW Program Officers held informative sessions on the programs they administer, while a team
of energetic, enthusiastic volunteers wearing American Councils
- for 20 years in Moldova T-shirts helped guide visitors around
and serve refreshments to all participants.
The same day, our teenage Access English Micro scholarship stu-
dents from 6 different cities around Moldova conducted a Flash
Mob to celebrate our anniversary on a country wide scale.
Another important part if the anniversary event was the launch of
a 6 week project for 3rd and 4th year pedagogical and English
language and literature students interested to become EFL teach-
ers entitled "Effective Teaching and Classroom Management for To-be Teachers of English" under the guid-
ance of FLEX alumni community, raising the total number of beneficiaries up to around 200.
In period February-March 2013 Future Leaders Exchange Alumni Com-
munity in Moldova under American Councils for International Educa-
tion: ACTR/ACCELS organizes a six-weeks long training for 15-20
current 3rd and 4th year students of the Faculties of Foreign Languages
of the universities in Chisinau who specialize in teaching English.
The “Effective Teaching and Classroom Management for To-be
Teachers of English” project trainers list American Language Center
instructors, Muskie alumni, Fulbright scholars, as well as lecturers from
Moldovan universities.
The Project was officially opened with a welcome speech by David Jes-
se, American Councils Country Director who talked about the role of
educators, self-motivation and modern students profiles.
Trainings take place each Saturday, two seminars per day, hour and a
half each, with a break between seminars. The purpose of the training is
to equip the future teachers of English with basic class management
techniques and methodologies for effective teaching.
The start date was February 23rd. There is NO participation fee.
The topics of seminars are:
Professional ethics and teacher-student relationship
Class management and discipline
Communication, motivation and class participation
Self-evaluation, reflection and time management
Teaching basics for a novice teacher
Identifying and understanding the needs of a learner and learning
styles and how this understanding can maximize learning
Thinking Skills - what are they and how to inculcate them through-
out the classroom Active learning - methodologies to make teaching
more interactive, involving and more meaningful
Cooperative learning - how to get the best out of peer to peer inter-
actions and to multiply learning using groups
Lesson planning and teacher's resources: following curriculum and
finding a balance between required and additional material
Free 6 week training for 3rd/4th Foreign Language and Pedagogical students
Page 3
American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013
FLEX Program Alumni Community under
the American Councils for International
Education:
February-March 2013 training
"Effective Teaching and Classroom Man-
agement for To-be Teachers of English"
On March 17-23, 2013, American Councils for International Education, in partnership with the American
Civics Center, hosted 100 FLEX program exchange student for the Civic Education Workshop (CEW). CEW
is a one-week program in Washington, D.C. funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Education and
Cultural Affairs (ECA). The program gives participants, chosen through a competitive application process, an
opportunity to gain a better understanding of some of the core concepts and values of U.S. society and culture.
The participants will be joined by three FLEX program Alumni, whose academic and professional achieve-
ments and commitment to service since completing their FLEX year have distinguished them in their alumni
communities. They will accompany CEW participants to events, and discuss their experiences on the program
and the impact it has had on their lives.
Marina Buciuc ‘07
Kewaunee, Wisconsin / Chisinau, Moldova
After the FLEX program Marina became actively involved
in projects to assist people who are socially vulnerable. She
took part in the FLEX English Language Camp, she spear-
headed the Best Buddies project to connect U.S. Govern-
ment alumni with local orphans, and she led English lan-
guage classes for children with physical disabilities.
Civic Education Workshop Brings FLEX Community Together
Page 4
American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013
In 2010, Marina organized the Run against Domestic Violence FLEX Alumni Grant Project to raise aware-
ness of the issue and organizations that assist victims of domestic violence in Moldova. Marina was chosen
to study biomedical science at Minnesota State University in Mankato in 2011 as part of the Global
UGRAD program. She interned at the Arc of Minnesota Southwest where she worked with community
members with mental and developmental disabilities, noting, “This experience erased the word “disability”
from my vocabulary, since there is no limit to human abilities whether you are physically and/or mentally
challenged.” Marina is currently halfway through medical school training at Nicolae Testemiteanu State
Medical and Pharmaceutical University in Moldova. Her projects achieve positive long-term results for the
development of her community and country.
Access Micro scholarship Anniversary Event Access Youth in Action country wide flash mob
Page 5
American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013
To celebrate American Councils 20th anniversary Access Micro-
scholarship Program participants and alumni organized the “Access
Youth in Action” Flash mob in 6 regions around Moldova. On Feb-
ruary 22nd, 3p.m. 6 groups of teenagers joined by a total of almost
400 participants, gathered simultaneously in Ungheni, Balti, Cahul,
Comrat, Chisinau and Varnita/Bender to encourage Moldovan youth
look for opportunities to study, such as those offered by American
Councils and all its exchange programs: Open World, LFP, Carne-
gie, FLEX.
The event was advertised through a promotional video posted on our web site and popular social networks.
Each region organized the event in a special way, delivering a unique message through dance performances, posters,
flags and thematic songs.
In Balti the event took place simultaneously
in two places: “Vasile Alecsandri” Lyceum
and the center of the city. 25 teenagers and
primary school children joined by 20 Access
students distributed flags and posters with the
American Councils symbols and logos.
Varnita/Bender group prepared posters with
different educational and motivational mes-
sages such as “We have a chance to have a
good future, that's why we learn English at
the American Councils” or "ACCESS makes
you understand that only together people rep-
resent a very strong power".
In Cahul over 150 participants
lit Sky Lanterns carrying
names of one of the education-
al programs administered by
American Councils in Moldo-
va.
In Comrat Access students dis-
tributed posters on educational
opportunities offered by Amer-
ican Councils Moldova. The
event was a real success and
received attention from local
mass media.
In Ungheni participants formed the
puzzle USA flag as a sign of grati-
tude for the US Embassy for the
opportunity to study English within
Access Micro scholarship Program.
In Chisinau 45 teenagers from
“Mihai Eminescu” Lyceum drew
posters on the importance of educa-
tion which included American
Councils programs logos and creat-
ed handmade paper bracelets dis-
playing messages such as such
messages as “Be Active!”, “Get
Involved!”, “Study More”.
US Ambassador William H. Moser visits Moldovan Access students in Cahul and Ceadir-Lunga
the game show Jeopardy, in
which the Ambassador participat-
ed. The Ambassador later fielded
several questions from the Ac-
cess participants, who asked him
about his career and how they
can be successful in life. Access
provides after-school English in-
struction to underprivileged chil-
dren throughout Moldova. Cur-
rently, there are about 120 stu-
dents enrolled.
Ambassador William H. Moser
spent part of yesterday afternoon
with about 40 youth from Cahul
and Ceadir-Lunga who are stu-
dents and alumni of the Embassy
-funded Access micro-
scholarship program. During the
get-together, which took place at
the Sergei Rachmaninoff Lyce-
um (high school), the youth gave
several presentations on local
culture then played a version of
Page 6
American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013
On March, 20 (on the March Equinox) Access pro-
gram joined “Talking Kites Around the World”
iEARN project , a universal movement enhancing
the important values, such as tolerance, acceptance
of the "other", love, co-existence, listening, choosing
dialog over force, universal solidarity etc. among
participants from all over the world. This way, Ac-
cess students from all 6 regions made kites to fly as a
massive tribute dedicated to advancing the cultural
and social dialog, a symbol of bridging the gap and
understanding the "other."
While making kites each group has used original
shapes, a rainbow of colors and unusual decorative
materials; such way transmitting worldwide their
messages. Thus, the romantic kite of students from
Ungheni, the happiest Sponge Bob kite of Balti, the
lovable kite of Varnita/Bender students or the crea-
tive ones from Cahul, Chisinau and Comrat flew into
the sky to tell everybody how beautiful the world
should be.
Moreover, this action inspired greatly Rodica Acu-
lov, an English teacher from “Mihai Eminescu” Ly-
ceum, Cimislia, who motivated her students to deco-
rate and fly Talking Kites. The most wonderful mes-
sages were sent by the kindergarten kids from Cimis-
lia who drew valuable pictures of a world with peace
they hope, dream and want to live forever.
Access program joined “Talking Kites Around the World” iEARN project
American Councils Moldova Publishes EFL Teachers Journal
sional preparation, curriculum de-
sign and development, instruction-
al methods, materials, and tech-
niques and professional standards.
American Language Center
(ALC) staff are highly-qualified
instructors trained to integrate
Content Based Instructions, Task
Based Instruction, and Project
Based Teaching in their practices.
Some of ALC’s corporate clients
are Ministry of Education of Mol-
dova, Coca-Cola Moldova,
Moldtelecom, Chisinau City Hall,
Philip Morris International, Nestle
Moldova, and Mobias Bank.
The American Language Center,
a subsidiary of American Coun-
cils Moldova, recently published
its first edition of the English as a
Foreign Language (EFL) Teach-
ers Journal to provide Moldovan
EFL educators with a practical
teaching resource. This first edi-
tion, titled “Modern Trends and
Resources for Teachers of For-
eign Languages Journal,” aggre-
gates a collection of cross-
disciplinary articles in areas in-
cluding psychology, sociology of
language learning and teaching,
testing and evaluation, profes-
Page 7
American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013
This year American Language Center has opened
two new branch offices, in Edinet and Cahul. In Edi-
net 14 students have shown interest in taking English
courses; therefore 2 groups were created on beginner
and elementary levels, respectively. In Cahul 8 stu-
dents were registered with a beginning level; the
courses are held in the afternoon. The semester dura-
tion is 4 months, from February till May and con-
tains 64 academic hours. In Ungheni 31 student was
interested in studying English this time; the semester
also lasts 4 months. The teachers from the 3 regions
took a training focused on innovative teaching tech-
niques and usage of authentic didactic materials in-
cluding video, audio materials. The ALC teacher-
trainers emphasized that the content of the course
should be focused not only on general English study
process, but also develop students’ essential skills
for becoming successful in today’s world such as
critical thinking, problem solving, communication
and collaboration. The General English Course Pro-
gram is designed to teach students how to communi-
cate effectively and fluently in English. All of the
four skills are taught - reading, writing, listening and
speaking – with a particular emphasis on oral com-
munication. Courses cover the language aspects in
everyday situations, from basic survival skills at the
beginner's level to the fluent communication at ad-
vanced level. Taking into consideration the fact that
one of the strategic purposes of the American Lan-
guage Center is to expand its business to three more
regions: Balti, Causeni, Soroca in 2013; the Center is
continually working on opening new opportunities
for personal and professional development.
New ALC offices in Edinet (North) and Cahul (South)
In 2012 Mrs Vragaleva was
one of the three Legislative
Fellows Program’s Alumni
from the second generation
of fellows from the Repub-
lic of Moldova. During her
fellowship at the Pennsyl-
vania State Senator Mike
Brubaker’s office, Mrs
Vragaleva was involved in
a lot of activities connected
with her background educa-
tion (mainly finance) and
professional activity
(taxation) activities which
were highly mediated on
Pennsylvanian Tv stations
and in local newspapers.
After her return, Mrs
Vragaleva was promoted
from the superior tax in-
spector to Head of Direct
Taxation Administration
Department at the Main
State Tax Inspectorate of
the Republic of Moldova–
position which brought her
to the middle management
level in one of the most
powerful organization in
the country.
Her education background
includes a master degree in
economics from the Acade-
my of Economic Studies of
Moldova and one in law
from the Academy of Pub-
lic Administration under the
President of the Republic of
Moldova. Now she is a sec-
ond year Economy and
Management PhD student
at the Academy of Scienc-
es of Moldova.
Mrs Vragaleva is actively
involved in various pro-
jects– she is an active
member of Censors Com-
mittee in the Moldovan
Intellectual Games Club,
member of International
Management Research
Association (based in Lon-
don, UK), member of In-
ternational Organization of
Tax Administration (based
in Budapest, Hungary),
member of Alternative
Economic Discussion Club
(IDEA), member of Mol-
dovan Orator Club, and a
founder of Proplus Debate
Club.
Parliamentary Assembly
of the Council of Europe.
Currently, she is the Co-
Founder of Women Demo-
cratic Network Chapter
within the Parliament.
Mrs Palihovici graduated
Moldova State University
with a degree in History,
and was the first one to
bring investments in youth
projects from Moldova.
She is the author of a num-
ber of studies and reports
on youth policy, gender
policy and child rights ad-
vocacy.
In 2012 Mrs Palihovici ac-
tively collaborated with
other alumni, a great exam-
ple being her involvement
as a mentor and volunteer
in he LeaderSHE and Inspir
-o projects implemented by
Open World alumna Olga
Melniciuc http://
www.leadershe.md/; In the
second round of the project
LeaderSHE, Mrs Palihovici
is actively involved as
its Ambassador.
Starting with 2011, Mrs
Palihovici has acted as the
Head of Delegation of the
Republic of Moldova to the
As the President of the
Women Organization
within the Liberal Demo-
cratic Party, Mrs Palihovi-
ci launched a series of leg-
islative initiatives on the
social protection of chil-
dren, people with disabili-
ties, gender issues and
youth.
She is the author of the
legislative initiative to pro-
mote and encourage wom-
en participation in the po-
litical life in Moldova.
Page 8
American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013
Veronica Vragaleva,
Head Direct taxation
administration
Department, General
Department of Taxes. The
Main State Tax
Inspectorate under the
Ministry of Finance
Honorable Alumni of the Month of February
Open World Program Alumna
PFP/LFP Alumna
Liliana Palihovici,
Deputy Speaker of
Moldovan Parliament
Vice president of the
Liberal Democratic Party
of Moldova
Dr. Neagu supports and maintains IRIM’s
national and international reputation.
She is an expert in higher education poli-
cies and procedures.
Leads collaborative partnerships with US
educational institutions.
Participates in external working groups.
Designs and develops innovative educa-
tional approaches for both undergraduate
and postgraduate programs in order to
boost critical thinking, foster debate and
encourage intellectual reasoning.
Dr. Neagu is a member of the depart-
mental planning team that determines
academic programs.
She works on improving teaching meth-
odologies and content for the Foreign
Languages’ Department.
Dr. Neagu provides guidance and career
advice to students.
Identifies and investigates new areas of
research utilizing modern research
methodologies.
She mentors and guides the Model Unit-
ed Nations – an IRIM-based three-year
project.
2015;
November, 2012– active
involvement in
organization of Access
Final Award Ceremony;
November, 2012–
January, 2013– assisting
and helping new Access
students from Ungheni in
their learning and
extracurricular activities;
December, 2012– took
an active part in
organizing and
participating in the Youth
September-November,
2012– Coordinator of
Access community-
service project “Making
big changes starting with
the smallest one”,
implemented in Ungheni;
September, 2012–
member of “Ungheni
District Strategy for
Youth” Committee
aimed to elaborate the
activities for youth
development and active
involvement in
community life for 2013-
Volleyball Competition
held in Ungheni;
January, 2013–
successfully participated
in the “Georghe Asachi”
Lyceum English Contest
and won a leading place
due to acquired
knowledge and skills in
Access program;
Page 9
American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013
Honorable Alumni of the Month of February
Carnegie Alumna
Veronica Neagu,
Professor, PhD (Philology)
Vice Rector at the Institute
of International Relations of
Moldova (IRIM)
Visiting scholar in a number
of Western universities
(France, USA, UK)
Access Alumna
Chercheja Luminița,
student of “Gheorghe
Asachi “ Lyceum,
Ungheni Access Alumni,
Ungheni - Access group,
2010-2012
76 Kogalniceanu St.
Chisinau, Moldova
MD-2009
Phone: (+373 22) 22-58-60
Fax: (+373 22) 23-48-73
E-mail: [email protected]
American Councils Moldova Newsletter March 2013
In February 2013, students and teachers from Moldovan universities had the possibility
to attend the Faceconomics. Like it!, book presentation written by Aldous Mina. Face-
conomics is a theory designed in 2006 and developed in a book project in 2010. It is a
perfect example of the multiplication effect consisting of users from different countries
and training the world community for the cultural, social, business and politic develop-
ment and an international structure centered on the globalization of the markets.
Launching FACECONOMICS by Aldous Mina
We are on the web!
www.americancouncils.md
“To catch the
reader's attention,
place an interesting
sentence or quote
from the story
here.”
Aldous Mina
Author of Faceconomics, Like It!, a macro/micro economics social and
economic development adaptation utilizing social media to influence
changes in market development worldwide.
Founder and president of the Premier Global Council Group, a global
enterprise which uses the attributes and advantages of the last
generation of digital technology and internet as instruments in social
media for global affairs.
Founder of the International Business Council Foundation, an affairs
oriented organization consolidating the penetration and growth market
in the global trade.