Asad Shodiev is currently a third-year student at Webster University Tashkent majoring in Business Administration (B.S.). In summer 2021, Asad was selected among hundreds of applicants as one of the finalists for the Young Professional Internship Program (YPIP) organized by the American Councils for International Education in partnership with the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent. At his host company, Wings Distribution, Asad was placed into the sales department to conduct a statistical analysis within the database and compile reports on sales figures.

During his two-month internship, Asad had an opportunity to work on himself on both personal and professional levels. He believes that his internship experience encouraged him to hone his interpersonal skills. This helped overcome his communication barrier and served as a further incentive for him to continue learning and exploring new areas. “At the very outset,” he reflects, “it was a big challenge to go beyond the usual work environment and interact with new colleagues, but with some effort and practice, it was possible to work more flexibly and gain more confidence in what I was doing. Our weekly reflection sessions were of great help in polishing some of our professional skills, too, as we could attend lecture events hosted by well-experienced mentors. The internship program exposed me to a wide network of bright and exciting individuals willing to contribute to society.”

As a whole, Asad enjoyed his time as an intern and feels grateful for having had a chance to work with supportive colleagues and approachable mentors. Asad is still unsure about his future course, but the experience he derived from this program as an intern will put him one step closer to becoming the person he sees himself as in the years to come.

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The FEP fellow Dr. Ravshan Shamsitdinov contributed to signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on academic and scientific cooperation between the Andijan State University and the University of North Georgia in the USA.

On November 3, after receiving the signed MOU between Bonita C. Jacobs, President of the University of North Georgia (UNG), and Akramjon Yuldashev, Rector of the Andijan State University (ASU), Dr. Shamsitdinov participated in the formal ceremony with Dr. Christopher Jespersen, Dean of the College of Arts and Letters.

Memorandum envisions conducting Russian history lectures for UNG students learning Russian. Senior lecturer of the World History Department of the History Faculty of ASU A.Turgunov will lead the course. John Romero, Senior Lecturer of the Art & Letters Department of the University of North Georgia will cover the course of History of Russia for the Russian groups of the History Faculty of Andijan State University.

During his professional exchange in the USA, Dr. Shamsitdinov gave several lectures on World History II and Political Science and Foreign Affairs Departments. Lectures were related to the History of Uzbekistan and its foreign policy in the USA.

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SIT Graduate Institute and Nukus State Pedagogical Institute

Exchanging English-Language Curriculum on Plurilingualism and Multiculturalism

Students across Uzbekistan have expressed interest and growing demand for modern English-language curriculum. Through the Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN), administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, the SIT Graduate Institute partnered with Nukus State Pedagogical Institute to advance English language teaching and Curriculum Design. The emphasis of the collaboration centered around plurilingualism and multiculturalism.

During three two-hour synchronous sessions beginning in November 2020, 14 faculty and graduate students from Nukus State Pedagogical Institute and four from SIT Graduate Institute evaluated syllabi in detail. In the first quarter of 2021, the partners reviewed English-language syllabi to integrate optimal learning, communicative competence, grammar, hands-on discussion, and reflection. NSPI then posted the revised syllabi on a specially designed Canvas site. NSPI faculty learned from STI first-hand how to interact with students.

As a result of collaboration, NSPI successfully completed its re-accreditation process. Input from SIT contributed to curriculum design, which led to effective reporting and reconceptualization of English-language education offered to future teachers.

In April-June 2021, five professors from SIT Graduate Institute organized and conducted five 90-120-minute seminars for fourteen faculty members from Nukus State Pedagogical Institute. SIT continues to share resources on the Canvas site, as well as publications and research conducted in neighboring Central Asian countries. This new information will be incorporated into multiple short- and long-term courses in the department.

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Learn more about UniCEN: https://unicen.americancouncils.org/

Our YPIP alumnus Temur Isroilov finished IT courses in early 2021. However, he immediately faced a challenge to find an open position since he did not have sufficient production work experience. Fortunately, his friend recommended applying for the YPIP program that has given him a chance to boost his career and get the desired production skills. As a part of his professional internship, Temur was interning in Super Dispatch. This fast-growing company helps solve problems related to goods transportation in the USA and Canada. "While working for Super Dispatch, I developed complex IT solutions, broadened my horizons, and expanded my professional and personal network," - says Temur. Shortly after finishing the YPIP program, he has received an offer from an outsourcing company with well-known clients – Akvelon, where he is successfully working today.

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Learn more about YPIP: https://uzbekistan.americancouncils.org/ypi-en

Kettering University and Andijan Machine-Building Institute (AndMI)

Supporting University-Industry Relations in Automotive Engineering

A new generation of qualified workers is essential for Uzbekistan’s automotive industry, based in Andijan. Through the Central Asia University Partnerships Program (UniCEN), administered by American Councils for International Education and funded by the U.S. State Department through the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Kettering University and Andijan Machine-Building Institute (AndMI) co-developed a master’s certificate program to support workforce development in engineering.

To launch the cooperation, partners decided to focus on Maintenance Engineering, Material Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering. In September 2020, Kettering University organized 40 hours of online English courses on the topics of English for Automotive Trends, English for Co-ops and Internships, and English for Study Abroad. In April 2021, Kettering University provided faculty training to AndMI faculty and administrators on developing certificate level learning outcomes, and aligning curriculum with the skills most needed by industry.

In May and June 2021, Kettering and AndMI with the Uzbek automaker UzAutoMotors to discuss how to effectively develop a cooperative training model at AndMI and gather feedback and guidance for AndMI to further develop the co-op model. Additionally, Kettering established tools and resources on learning outcomes and skills needed to help build a graduate program that integrates corporate engagement and student preparation.

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Learn more about UniCEN: https://unicen.americancouncils.org/