Ac newsletter september 2013 en

American Councils Moldova Newsletter, September 2013
American Councils Moldova
Newsletter, September 2013
Bridge, and Independence Hall. Party guests
also discussed their interest in various as-
pects of American history and culture. Some
Access students even dressed up as Ameri-
can presidents like Abraham Lincoln and
Thomas Jefferson; delivering excerpts from
the Gettysburg Address and the Declaration
of Independence. To close out the celebra-
tion, Access students learned the lyrics to
"God Bless America" and pulled confetti pop-
pers!
July 6th was a special day for American
Councils in Moldova. Over 50 alumni from
the Open World Program, the Professional
Fellows Program (PFP), the Future Leaders
Exchange (FLEX) Program, and the English
Access Microscholarship Program (Access)
gathered to celebrate U.S. Independence
Day, honor active alumni, share success
stories, and thank American Councils
Moldova’s strategic partners.
American Councils Moldova county direc-
tor David Jesse kicked off the official cere-
mony, handing out “Thank You” awards to
our most active alumni and strategic part-
ners, such as the Ministry of Education,
Ministry of Justice, English Teaching Re-
source Center, Radio Moldova, State Uni-
versity of Moldova, and many others.
Daniela Munca-Aftenev, Open World/PFP
program officer, moderated a Jeopardy!–
inspired game on American culture, sym-
bols, and lifestyle. Access coordinator Olga
Morozan later presented Web 2.0 tools that
can aid international education projects.
Our guests participated in an Independ-
ence Day lottery, and won various prizes
offered by American Councils Moldova
strategic partners, including free English
language courses and professional devel-
opment opportunities.
Running parallel to the alumni event, the
American Language Center organized a
free English Speaking Club session, also
based on the Independence Day theme.
Two special guests were the American
participants in the Eurasia Regional Lan-
guage Program, who organized tradi-
tional American games and contests for
the young students. The two also spoke to
participants using various English accents
to reflect the way English is spoken in
New York versus Texas.
Also on July 6th, over 30 Access students
and teachers involved in the annual EFL
summer camp, joined by FLEX and e-
Winning participants, celebrated Inde-
pendence Day with a special afternoon
party where they sang American songs,
organized team-building activities, cre-
ated Independence Day posters and
crafts, and assembled 3-D puzzles depict-
ing the Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate
Country Director David Jesse opening speech
American Councils Moldova Celebrates US Independence Day
Independence Day Photo Gallery
Inside this issue:
Calebrating Independ-
ence Day
2
FLEX 3
ACCESS Microscholarship
Program
4-5
OPEN WORLD Program 6-7
Professional Fellows
Program
8
American Language
Center
9
Best alumni of the month 10-11

American Councils Moldova support Orhei Youth
Page 2
On May 30th American Councils Moldova collaborated with
Orhei Youth Council and two alumni : Vitalie Colun, Orhei
City Mayor (Open World) and Alina Zestrea (FLEX) to imple-
ment a community development project to involve the newly
formed regional youth council. The motto of the event was
„The BEST moment to take action is NOW" and its beneficiary
„Miorita" Summer Camp which hosts over 1000 children
from various corners of Moldova every summer. The project
aimed to encourage the spirit of volunteering among Orhei
youth and to initiate partnerships with local public organisa-
tions in order to implement various community development
projects targeting children and yound adults in the district.
The special guests of the event were Mr Colun Vitalie, Orhei
City Mayor, Open World alumnus and Alexandru Ivanov, Dep-
uty Mayor. Over 100 total participants involved in the project
were coordinated by FLEX alumna Alina Zestrea and Corina
Erhan, Youth Center Orhei Director. The activities included in
the project combined trainings on community development, workshops on civic engagement moderated by local experts from the Youth
Center Orhei and practical activities, mainly redecoration of the „Miorita" summer camp recreational areas. Over 1000 children will be
hosted by the camp this summer, so the participants made sure the camp looks fresh and colorful! Orhei Youth Council Director Corina
Erhan is also one of the participants of the Inspir-O National Mentorship Project initiated by Open World alumna Olga Melniciuc.
July 7-8 the Academy of Science Lyceum hosted a two day workshop organ-
ized for 18 teachers from various regions of Moldova, all members of the eT-
winning network, a free and safe platform for teachers to connect, develop
collaborative projects and share ideas in Europe. Two American Councils
Moldova experts in online tools in education: Morozan Olga and Daniela
Munca-Aftenev moderated a series of sessions aiming to initiate Moldovan
teachers who have recently joined the network in integrating Web 2.0 tools in
educational projects. The participants had the opportunity to practice their
newly acquired IT skills in the computer lab—all sessions integrated a practi-
cal component, so by the end of the workshop, the participants learned how
to create a blog on Blogger and Wordpress, how to put together a movie us-
ing Windows Movie Maker and Photo Story 3, how to create online cartoons
using DVolver, how to save video and audio comments in VoiceThread. Chem-
istry, biology, physics, French and IT teachers from all corners of Moldova worked in teams to learn from the most successful American
Councils Moldova educational projects integrating web tools and engaging students in international collaboration.
“Online tools for international educational projects ” Workshop
This year the American Councils in Moldova hosted the Eurasian Regional Language
Program, which gave Stephanie Russo, a student from the USA, a unique opportunity to
enjoy learning the language and culture of Moldova. Intensive classes in Romanian had
an excellent outcome – they boosted our student’s language ability and even inspired her
to apply for a prestigious research grant program which requires a good knowledge of
the language. Learning a language successfully is guaranteed when you are immersed
into the culture of the language. The program provides the ideal environment for enrich-
ing one’s linguistic and cultural knowledge. Along with one-to-one Romanian language
teaching Stephanie was actively involved in a number of events and summer projects
organized by the American Councils where she practiced her language skills and ex-
changed cultural experiences with Moldovan students. Living in a host family, visiting
museums and art-galleries, roaming around historical sites and spending lazy summer
afternoons in a local library are some of the things our participant has experienced. This
is what Stephanie said when she was leaving Moldova: “If I win a scholarship to study
Romanian, I would love to come back here!”
American Councils in Moldova hosted the Eurasian Regional Language

On June 19, 2013, American Councils and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Edu-
cational and Cultural Affairs announced eight winners of the 12th annual “Faces of
FLEX” photo and video contest. Natia Sirdadze ‘08 of Georgia and Olga Fisakova ‘09 of
Russia took first place in the photo and video categories, the prize for which is an iPad2.
The winning photo features FLEX alumni releasing into the air a paper lantern in mem-
ory of the 9/11 tragedy, one decade later. The first place video highlights the “I volun-
teer” FLEX Grants project, which involved orphans in a community service initiative for a
St. Petersburg nursing home. Other winners included the photo “Cancer Center,” by Yrys
Abdieva ‘12 of Kyrgyzstan and the video “We Can Change the World,” by Asylgul Kenzhe-
baeva ‘11 of Kyrgyzstan (second place); the photo “Making Children Smile,” by Nicu
Gaibu ‘12 of Molodva (third place); the photo “Dashoguz Children Learn New Things
with Alisa Ilyasova,” by Aknur Saparova ‘12 of Turkmenistan (Honorable Mention); and
the photo “The Victory Day,” by Alexey Philippov ‘11 of Russia and the video “We Can
Make It Happen…,” by Asylgul Kenzhebaeva ‘11 of Kyrgyzstan (Alumni Choice
Awards). These winners were selected from 190 submissions. Additional contests in
celebration of the FLEX Program’s 20th Anniversary will continue throughout the sum-
mer, including the “Share Your FLEX Story” audio and video clip competitions. FLEX
alumni, FLEX participants, host families, Placement Organizations and other friends of
the program are all welcome to participate!
Faces of FLEX Contest Winners Announced: MOLDOVA III PLACE !
Page 3
Making Children Smile,” by Nicu Gaibu ,
FLEX Alumnus 2012
FLEX alumna from Moldova attends Civic Education Workshop in DC
of my duties was to make a presentation
about projects I implemented upon my
return back home and the advantages of
being an active alum. I must say, however,
this information just fortified the tons of
ideas these spectacular teens already had
in their heads. All of them developed
group projects at the end of the week.
Although for the most part we had a differ-
ent schedule than FLEX students, we
joined the participants at US Department
of State meeting. We got a chance to listen
to Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of
State for Education& Cultural Affairs,
Adam Ereli. One of his examples of suc-
cessful alumna was Elena Milashina,
FLEX’94, one of the nine women who was
recently recognized with the U.S. Secretary
of State's International Women of Courage
Award for her work as a journalist and
human rights activist. An example that
would motivate anyone to strive for the
better. This one week I had the chance to
meet amazing people and experience un-
forgettable things.
Marina Buciuc, FLEX alumna
Three weeks ago I was honored to be one of
the three representatives of 20,000-big
Eurasia-wide FLEX alumni community at
Civic Education Workshop 2013. I must say
this was the first time when Moldova wasn’t
underrepresented neither from participants’
part me inclusive, nor from the US Depart-
ment of State officials. From the very first
day we made a good team with my fellow
representatives: Anna Safronova from Rus-
sia and Yerassyl Toleugazinov from Kazakh-
stan, all three of us wisely guided by Mary
Shea, FLEX Eurasia Alumni Manager. I per-
sonally was delighted to see so many bright
minds among the around 100 participants
amongst who I believe I spotted 6 Moldo-
vans, some of them familiar from PDO. Vlad
Ciuperca, current FLEX student, besides be-
ing a participant also had a position of Social
Media Specialist with few other fellows. One
team from the activEco organization and ’09 alumnus
Dorin Hamuraru opened a Bike Point in downtown
Chisinau which is meant to provide free technical
support for city bikers and parking space. This is an
eco-friendly, sustainable project which is meant to
benefit the biker community from the capital of
Moldova.
Kite Sale at Cimislia: On August 30th, Maria Mocanu
’13, organized together with Peace Corps volunteers
a local Kite Sale Fundraiser. The money raised will go
to organizing a Back to School celebration at the Edu-
cational Center for children diagnosed with cancer.
Maria’s activity is viewed as one of leadership which
sets a benchmark for her fellow alumni- friends and
not only to make a difference in their communities.
Theater Play Costume Sewing: On the 21st
of August, Ruxanda Barba ’08 organized a
meeting with other 4 FLEX alumni and 1 non-
alumna (Gabriela Cernalev ’11, Maria Mocanu
’13, Olga Gustiuc ’13, Victoria Lungu ’13, and
Daniela Lungu) volunteers to sew costumes
for ‘The Vegetable Garden’ theater play. It was
important to engage alumni in the process of
sewing the costumes to emotionally involve
them in the cause, which is: having a small
celebration for children who do not have the
means or privilege to see a theater play or
have a celebration.
Bike Point Opening in Chisinau: On the 21st
of August, Valeria Svart ’07, together with her
FLEX Moldova Alumni Activities

English Access Microscholarship Program Successfully Expands to New Areas
Page 4
enjoy watching a lot of authentic movies; illustrate their excellence in artistic crafts; learn how to play musical instruments; experience
mount climbing; get surprisingly involved in City Quest; meet new friends from EFL program, and of course, receive highly honorable
guests - Mr. Brent Israelsen, Assistant Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy Moldova, and Mr. Senator Mike Brubaker, Pennsylvania, USA with
his wife, Mrs. Cindy Brubaker. Among excellent trainers who succeeded in teaching and training 5 groups of students were Olga Morozan,
Diana Retcu, Corina Ceban, Aliona Bragaru, Nadejda Tucicova, Svetlana Lungu, Doina Morari, Lozinschi Alexandru, Valentina Cornescu,
Nicoleta Gadarenco, Mihail Filipenco, Iana Basarab, Nicoleta Nichifor, Jesse Pluim, and 3 volunteers from Leadership Academy Program.
From June, 25 to August 8, 2013 Access Micro-Scholarship Program organized Sum-
mer Camp for 75 teenagers from vulnerable families living in Ungheni, Balti, Cahul,
Comrat, Varnita/Bender, and15 Special Education Needs adolescents from Chisinau.
During almost 8 weeks, children attended a intensive instructive-educational program
where participants had the chance to: develop their group spirit during teambuilding
sessions; enrich their lexicon during Vocabulary classes; develop their language skills
at Integrated Skills lessons; collaborate in many classroom projects during Project
Work; initiate themselves in Project Writing issues; implement successfully some com-
munity service projects; have fun while celebrating the “Independence Day Picnic”;
and study programs. During the past six months, Access Prgram students have been involved in numerous community development
projects across the country. From September 2012 to January, 2013 they participated in IEARN’s Computer Chronicles Learning Circles,
where they showcased their creative thoughts and ideas onsocial issues with projects such as, “Words Govern the World”, “The History
of Money: In God We Trust”, and “People Who Write The History.” They joined the"Talking Kites Around the World" iEARN project in
March where they created kites as a symbol of bridging the gap and understanding of the "other.” And, in Ungheni, students organized a
“Horse Alert!!!” flash mob in April to raise awareness about the poor treatment of horses at racing venues inside the country.One of the
most successful collaborative activities included the “Access Youth in Action” flash mob, performed by current students and program
alumni in the six regions. A total of 400 participants joined together to encourage Moldovan youth look for opportunities to participate
in U.S. exchange and study programs through dance performances, posters, flags, and thematic songs. Aside from collaborative projects,
Access programs students had the opportunity to receive several distinguished U.S. official guests, such as, Bay Fang, U.S. Deputy Assis-
tant Secretary of State for Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and U.S. Ambassador to Moldova William H. Moser.
Since September 2012, the English Access Microscholarship (Access) Program in Moldova
has extended to six new regions of the country: Soroca, Balti, Ungheni, Comrat, Varnita/
Bender, and Chisinau. With this expansion, the number of total enrolled students has in-
creased from 80 to 120 in the program. Established in 2010, the English Access Microschol-
arship Program in Moldova aims to provide a foundation of English language skills to tal-
ented 14-18 year-olds from economically disadvantaged sectors through after-school classes
and intensive sessions. Access students gain an appreciation for American culture and de-
mocratic values, increase their ability to participate in the socio-economic development of
Moldova, and improve their chances to compete for, and participate in, future U.S. exchange
Access Summer Camp, 2013: 8 Weeks of Activism and Joy
"Buy, Use, Recycle It!" Project within International Outreach Fund
"As a part of the International Outreach Fund, 20 students from Access -
Ungheni developed and implemented a community-service project "Buy,
Use, Recycle It!", meant to arise the community spirit on saving the
natural resources by rationally using daily life goods through recycling.
The project impressed people from the central park of the town through
informative posters and participants' activism. The most representative
moment was the Recycle Cloth Parade, which offered original ideas for
the ecologist cloth designers and got a real sense of happiness and hu-
mor among all project beneficiaries and curios passers-by from Ung-
heni."
Olga Morozan,
Access Microscholarship Program Coordinator
American Councils Moldova

Senator Brubaker Visits Access Students
from Balti and Varnita/Bender
Page 5
you live in about a local issue they
have to deal with. So, I looked up an
interesting project "The Millenium
Project", specifically "15 Global Chal-
lenges" that I really wanted to stress
because they deal with the problems
the humans are facing every day. I sent
a picture of the project to the ACCESS
group and told them to discuss the
topics and to come with some info
about the Moldova's situation on those
issues like democratization or the gap
between the rich and poor, and to talk
to American members of NYG (Net
Youth Generation) Ambassadors Club.
This club is also led by Cyndi Oberle-
Dahm.
The Skype conference took place on
26th of April, 2013. The purpose of it
was to make both American youth and
the students from Moldova to meet an-
other culture and just to talk about stuff
that matters for both sides. I think that
mainly the language (accents and vo-
cabulary), as well as different opinions
on issues, was the main experience that
they achieved from it. I was very excited
about it as were Mrs. Oberle-Dahm and
the American teenagers that came to
talk with foreign people. I was really
impressed by the high preparation on
topics of the ACCESS group from Ung-
heni. I was pleased by the way they gathered infor-
mation about Moldova on several issues. The Ameri-
can youth that participated in the conference were
impressed as well. I think that the accent of the
Moldovan teenagers was really attractive for them. I
would hope that this was a good experience for the
ACCESS group in Ungheni as well as for the Ameri-
can students, because even when we were discuss-
ing global topics and issues, I could make a differ-
ence between two different mentalities, points of
view and opinions. Regardless of it, those thoughts
led to one common idea of how we may improve the
society - the aspect of living - in order to change our
lives for good. I was fortunate to have the opportu-
nity to do a project like this. It really was amazing to
work with the Ungheni ACCESS program. Those
students have brilliant minds that can change the
world.
On April, 26 , Vlad Ciuperca, Access
Alumni 2012 and Flex Program student,
2012-2013, inititated a Skype Confer-
ence on cultural, social and educational
topics between the Access group from
Ungheni and Belleville West High
School, Belleville, the USA.
"Hey, my name is Vladislav Ciuperca. I
am from Ungheni, Modova. I am a FLEX
exchange student who currently is living
in the USA for the period of the program.
I also graduated the Ungheni ACCESS
program coordinated by the US Embassy
in Moldova. So, I organized a Skype con-
versation with the new ACCESS group
from Ungheni. I did it with the support
of the ACCESS program in Ungheni
and my FLEX coordinator Cyndi Oberle-
Dahm . Mrs. Oberle-Dahm is a qualified
professional with a masters degree as a
teacher. She a Social Studies teacher
at Belleville West High School in Belle-
ville, Illinois where I go as well. She is a
local coordinator for the World Link
Placement Organization, the organiza-
tion that placed me in the USA.
I wanted to do this Skype conversation
because of GYSD (Global Youth Service
Day) which is widely encouraged among
exchange students. GYSD projects are to
improve or to inform the community
On July 25, 2013 Senator Mike Brubaker, Pennsylvania, and his wife, Mrs. Cindy Brubaker
visited 20 Access students from Balti and Varnita/Bender at the Access Summer Camp.
The guests enjoyed 3 hours of lively communication with Moldovan teens; learnt many inter-
esting things about the Access Micro-Scholarship Program from Moldova; got impressed from
many students’ online community-service projects; collaboratively built 3-D puzzles of fa-
mous American buildings; shared a lot of interesting facts about U.S. life and culture; and got
actively involved in many teambuilding activities. During the whole meeting, the honorable
guests together with students tried their skills
in various games, obtaining perfect results.
Additionally to this, Vlad Ciuperca, one of the
ACCESS Alumni that has recently come back
from the USA as a FLEX Alumna shared to eve-
rybody how the Access program contributed to his personal development and helped him to
become a Flex student. Also, he illustrated many pictures on his life and study in the USA, and
impressed everybody with beautiful traditions the Americans have. The cherry on the cake
was the "Q & A" session that captivated all participants in an active discussion on topics re-
lated to impressions about Moldova, Access program, and of course, the life of a Senator of
Pennsylvania, USA. The most impressive moment for Mr. Senator and his wife was the pre-
sent they got from the Access students - hand-made US flags and "4th of July" cards, which
they crafted for "4th of July" holiday.
Skype Conference between the Access group from Ungheni and
Belleville West High School, Belleville, USA

June 25-29 Sandy and David Campbell, who had been hosting Moldovan delegates travelling to
North Carolina for several years, travelled to Moldova as part of a post program visit organized
in collaboration with OW alumni and facilitators: Olesea Fortuna, Igor Mardari, Olga Melniciuc.
The Campbells took a tour of the Cricova Winery, organized by OW 2013 delegate Ghenadie
Lisii and attended Taostmaster's International Club, a meeting organized by OW 2011 alumna
Olga Melniciuc. They also travelled to Balti and Soroca, in the north of Moldova, a trip organ-
ized by OW 2013 alumnus Alexandru and had the opportunity to visit the Roma community.
OW 2012 alumnus Lilian Zaporojan, MP, took them to Glodeni City where they stayed in a tra-
ditional Moldovan home and met Mr Zaporojan's parents. OW 2013 alumna Lilia Turcan and
OW 2011 alumna Olga Melniciuc organized a trip to several Moldovan monasteries, as well as
to a traditional Ukrainian - Catsapi community. The trip ended up with a Farewell Party organ-
ised by Dinu Armașu and Olga Melniciuc.
American host family from North Carolina visits Moldova
Page 6
Stela Bucur is promoting volunteering in Bobeica village
how to organise and implement
a community development pro-
ject. These volunteers have
recruited other fifteen volun-
teers and worked together on a
project to benefit the local kin-
dergarden. "Always Together"
NGO, whose President is Mrs
Bucur, high school administra-
tion and local public authorities
and business people have been
involved in the project. Another
activity organized by the volun-
teers was the "Fairy Day" at the
local kindergarden - they read
stories and organised games for
OW 2012 alumna Sela Bucur
won the Small Alumni Grants
competition in spring 2013 and
received financial support from
US Embassy in Moldova to im-
plement a five month long
"Inspiring Youth: Learning
Community Involvement
through Action" project. Mrs
Bucur's initiative aims to in-
volve Bobeica youth in various
community development pro-
jects and support the local Vol-
unteers Club. Ten volunteers
have been recruited from the
local high school and trained on
the children. The final compo-
nent of the project was the
establishment of the Volunteer
Corner in the local high school.
This became a place where
volunteers posted useful an-
nouncements, news blasts,
pictures, reports, flyers, post-
ers and informed the commu-
nity of their activites. The par-
ticipants also participated in a
small grants competition, sub-
mitted project proposals on
how to create a local play-
ground. and received diplomas
from project coordinators.
Ludmila Mitioglo launches the ”Gender development in Gagauzia” project
OW 2011 alumna Ludmila Mitioglo has initiated the ”Gender development in Gagauzia” Pro-
ject (”Гендерное развитие общества АТО Гагаузия”) aimed at raising women’s awareness
and understanding about their rights, as well as public awareness of the role and importance
of women for an active and full participation in the community life. The project was launched
in Comrat, in the Gagauzia region in the South of Moldova April 17th– May 17th 2013. Success-
ful women from the region were invited to various events which discussed the importance of
women's active involvement in various spheres of the community and shared examples from
their own experience. Discussions on
gender equality have been broadcasted
through television programs, newspa-
per articles and informational videos.
The information campaign "Gender development in Gagauzia" attracted women’s at-
tention and encouraged them to make the best of their skills and achievements. Spe-
cial guests and succesful women who participated in the project: Valentina Todorova,
Head of the CB ”FinComBank” JSC branch in Comrat, Maria Parfionova, Director of the
Gagauz Radio community, Svet-
lana Mironova, reporter of the ”Focus of
the week” («В фокусе недели»), Direc-
tor of the Human Rights Centre in Ga-
gauzia, Chairman of the Central Election
Commission on Elections of Deputies of the National Assembly 2012, Liubovi Zaharia, Deputy
Mayor of Ceadir-Lunga The purpose of the project: Promoting women rights, democracy
and gender equality, the integration of the above values into the public consciousness by in-
forming the public about the problems of gender inequality in the Gagauz community.

OW 2009 National media alumna Iulia Buzenco has just won the small alujmni grants offered by US
Embassy in Moldova to implement her Online Network for Human Rights Expression Project.The pur-
pose of the project is to instruct 30 young bloggers on how to create and publish professional blogs on
human rights issues. One of Mrs Buzenco's partners is another OW alumna, Natalia Ghilascu, who will
be actively involved in the project as an instructor. Project partner: CIDO (Resource Center for Human
Rights). As a result of the project, participants will interview local politicians, NGO leaders, social activ-
ists, etc and create 30 blogs which will discuss various issues related to human rights in Moldova. Mrs
Buzenco will also broadcast 5 radio shows on the national radio to report on the project successes. "In
2009, when I traveled to US as an open World delegate, there were no talk shows in Moldova, blogging was
just at its starting stage and no national television had public ways to connect online to their audience and
offer the opportunity to leave online comments, questions and feedback. While visiting media channels in
US, I was impressed by how they used the digital world as a means to connect to citizens and involve them in the discussion of major
social, economic and political issues. today, I am happy to see how Moldovan media evolved and I try to actively connect Web 2.0
tools to my projects, including my most recent initiative: "Online Network for Human Rights Expression".
OW alumna Iulia Buzenco
launches the ”Online Network for Human Rights Expression” Project
Page 7
OW alumna Stela Bucur partnerships with Peace Corps to organize
Moldova Volunteering Tour 2013
"Always Together", the NGO I reprezent,
would like to thank volunteers from Peace
Corps Moldova: Romy Solomon, Elsa Leal
and Sue Murphy for a successful collabora-
tion as part of such a wonderful project. We
registered as national partners, included
our Volunteers Club in Bobeica (about 23
people), and organized this national event,
each of us having defined roles. Our Ameri-
can volunteer came up with the idea and of
course I accepted immediately. As a re-
gional partner organization, we had a very
special guest visiting our NGO: US Ambassa-
dor in Moldova Mr William Moser."
Stela Bucur,
Open World alumna,
Always Together NGO President
In honor of Peace Corps Moldova's 20th
anniversary, OW alumna Stela Bucur col-
laborated with Peace Corps volunteers as a
regional partner to lead a tour across
Moldova in June, 2013 addressing the Peace
Corps mission to promote peace and friend-
ship. The Tour involved stopping for over-
nights at communities along the way and
organizing events with local NGOs, schools,
or the city halls at each stop. There were 2
routes, both starting on the 15th of June and
finishing on the 30th. One of the routes
started in the North of Moldova, the other in
a location in the South with both finishing in
Chisinau. Project Goals: to promote volun-
teerism in Moldova, to promote healthy
living and an active lifestyle and to provide
opportunities to engage in community im-
provement and youth.
OW alumna Olga Melniciuc hosts American Eurasia
Regional Language Program fellow
wonderful young Moldovan ladies sharing
the same age and dreams. We attended a
Toastamsters Club night, where Isabella
met other Americans and observed how
Moldovan invest in their professional
development. I encouraged Isabella to
travel, I guided her around Chisinau, and
even suggested to visit Odesa, where she
spent a couple of days by the seaside. I am
sure Isabella loved Moldova and we will
have a soft spot in her heart for us. I loved
being a host and can recommend it to
anyone!"
Olga Melniciuc,
Open World alumna
JCI Chisinau President
INVENTO President
"It is for the first time in my life that I
became a host for an American guest. I
was very nervous at first - my working
schedule is very tight and I didn't know
how much time I would need to spend
with my guest, what kind of person she
would be and if we would get along. Isa-
bella was a wonderful surprise - a young
18 year old lady, who turned up at my
doorsteps in July, a little shy and tired. We
spent two wonderful months together!
Every night, at dinner, we would share
stories about what we did on that day,
plans we had for the followig day and also
funny stories. I tried to explain Isabella
what I do as a program coordinator and
invited her to attend the closing event for
the LeaderSHE Project, where she met

Moldova PFP alumna Veronica Vragaleva hosts US Senator Brubaker
Page 8
ing the Deputy President of the Parliament
and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of
Moldova,top management of the hosting or-
ganization and the top management of the
Ministry of Finance (Deputy Minister of Fi-
nance and Head of Taxes and Customs Policy
and Legislation General Department), Acad-
emy of Sciences and National Institute of Eco-
nomic Research. Also, they met local authori-
ties in one of Moldovan’s Districts in the North
part of the country at Soroca District Tax Of-
fice and to the Soroca Territorial House of
Social Security.
The visit also included meetings with repre-
sentatives from US Embassy, American Re-
source Center, American Councils, Access
Summer Camp Coordinators, U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID) and
American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova.
For a better understanding of Moldovans and
Moldovan culture, Ms Vragaleva also organ-
ized a trip to the North of Moldova, where the
Brubakers had the opportunity to visit some
of our oldest monuments and monasteries,
such as Soroca Fortress, Curchi Monastery
Complex and Old Orhei archeological complex.
Also, they visited the Moldovan Historical
Museum as well as Milestii Mici, the biggest
wine cellar in the world according to Guin-
ness Records Book.
To quote Senator Brubaker, “This experience
would not be possible without the US State
Dept sponsored program and without them
selecting young professionals that are ready
and willing to grow in their knowledge of
America as well as teach Americans about
their Home Country. I can not compliment
Veronica, and the program coordinators
enough. The experience we both shared
changed our view of Moldova forever, and for
the better.”
22-28 July, 2013 LFP/PFP alumna Veronica
Vragaleva organized a post program visit to
Moldova for her US hosts, Senator Mike
Brubaker and his wife Cindy, as part of her
outbound project entitled “Legal aspects of
the state financial system: Moldovan-
American intercultural exchange”. The pro-
ject aimed to introduce Senator Brubaker
to the tax system of the Republic of
Moldova and its connection to other finan-
cial and non-financial organizations. The
project official host organization was The
Main State Tax Inspectorate of the Republic
of Moldova. The Senator and his wife met
various local high level authorities, includ-
Moldova PFP alumna Veronica Natalia Vilcu-Bajurean invited her American
hosts to Moldova for her outbound project
trative system, still in Moldova the state is rep-
resented by prosecutors and other different
bodies according to the field in which they
work. ”
The main goals of the Outbound Project were
to familiarize US visitors with judicial system
of the Republic of Moldova, to identify oppor-
tunities for cooperation and exchange pro-
grams, to promote the best practices of the US
and initiate Moldovan colleagues into the US
judicial system and to establish a bridge of
cooperation between Department of the At-
torney General of Hawaii and Ministry of Jus-
tice of RM.
Donna H. Kalama: "I am so grateful for the
opportunity we had to visit Moldova and learn
about its history, its people, and its legal sys-
tem. There is tremendous value in participating
in this type of professional/cultural exchange.
Natalia was a marvelous host. She obviously
put a great deal of time and effort into arrang-
ing for our meetings, which is why we were able
to do so much and learn from so many people in
the short time we were in Moldova. Mahalo
(thank you) to the State Department, American
Councils, our amazing host family Iurie and
Olga, Natalia and Ruslan, and all those who
helped make this experience one I will never
forget."
Wilma Sur: „I had a wonderful time and
now have a true interest in Eastern Europe
and an appreciation of the legal and social
problems that you are going through. I do
want to follow through with setting up some
kind of exchange program. Thank you again
for your tremendous effort and hospitality.”
Natalia VÎLCU-BAJUREAN, PFP 2012
alumna implemented her outbound project
Titentitled “Enhancing capacities of the
Ministry of Justice and other public authori-
ties of the Republic of Moldova related to
representing the State in national and inter-
national courts, through the experience of
the United States Department of the Attor-
ney General”, May 5 – 19, 2013. The special
guests of the project were Donna
H.KALAMA, Supervising Deputy Attorney
General, State of Hawaii, Department of the
Attorney General, Land/Transportation
Division and Wilma SUR, practicing attor-
ney, member of California and Hawaii bars.
“Being an intern at the Department of the
Attorney General in Hawaii as part of the
LFP/PFP Program I had the chance and
opportunity to study how this subdivision of
the executive works, what are the duties and
responsibilities of deputy Attorney General
staff working in different divisions. I realized
that in the Republic of Moldova we perform
the same activities but in a different way. We
do not have a separated body that will rep-
resent the state’s interests as in US adminis-

American Councils Moldova Launches English Teaching Certificate Course
Page 9
American Councils Moldova Joins eTwinning Network
following feedback. Seven highly experi-
enced instructors from American Coun-
cils Moldova led sessions, covering top-
ics from classroom management and
error correction strategies to adapting
teaching methods for different levels.
Participants also were able to attend
classes taught at the American Language
Center, one of American Councils
Moldova subdivisions. The English Lan-
guage Teaching Certificate course
closely follows the Common European
Framework of Reference for Teaching
Languages.
American Councils Moldova recently de-
buted Moldova’s very first English Teaching
Certificate Course under the guidance of
Dorina Calinovscaia, American Language
Center Director of Studies. Based on the
Cambridge Teaching Certification, this pro-
vides advanced, practical teacher training in
the areas of methodology, techniques, and
language awareness to English language
instructors with different professional back-
grounds from all over Moldova: Causeni,
Comrat, Cimislia and Varnita. The course
comprised 120 academic hours of class
training and individual work combined with
classroom observation, input hours and
April 30, American Councils Moldova Country Director David Jesse met with Mihai Calalb, Or-
ganization for Reform and Development in Educational System (ORDSE) Chairman and eTwin-
ning Project Coordinator in Moldova, to agree on an official partnership between American
Councils Moldova and the eTwinning network. The eTwinning network is an exciting learning
community that promotes school collaboration in Europe, through the use of Information and
Communication Technologies (ICT). Launched in 2005 through the European Commission’s
eLearning Programme, eTwinning is available in twenty-five languages and has the involvement
of nearly 170,000 members and over 5,324 projects between two or more schools across
Europe. American Councils Moldova will provide logistical support to the eTwinning network,
employing its most experienced educators and students in online projects as mentors, trainers,
and curriculum developers. With this new partnership, eTwinning members will be connected
to Access Microscholarship Program teachers and students from over 6 regions around
Moldova, with whom they will have the opportunity to share resources, tools, and best educa-
tional practices. The most active eTwinning members will have the opportunity to travel to
Chișinău to participate in American Councils summer projects, such as, the Future Leaders Ex-
change (FLEX) English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and Access Microscholarship Program.
ALC Discussion Club
brations and also covered the
topic of the origin of the Fall
holidays and its meaning in
modern life, which arose inter-
est and lively discussion.
The sessions will take place
every other Saturday, three of
which will be dedicated to tradi-
tions of Halloween, Thanksgiv-
ing and Christmas.
ALC Discussion Club launched its Fall ses-
sion on 28 September 2013 which at-
tracted 18 current, former and prospec-
tive ALC students.
Amy Samuelson, Fulbright and ALC In-
structor, together with the help of the
students made an introduction and ex-
pressed the insight view of the Fall holi-
days in the USA and Moldova, made com-
parison between local and national cele-
What else is a student's feedback if not always rewarding...?
Wondering what would brighten up the routine and would be useful, captivating, entertaining, what would
develop your way of thinking, of writing and speaking in a foreign language (English, for example)? Me too!
Better said, I was, until I started attending English language courses at American Language Center with the
American Councils Moldova. I’ve got now a totally different idea of what studying is. When coming home, after
the lesson, you realize that all those bunches of grammar rules and vocabulary words you used to learn by
heart are already there, in your head, you know it’s the right way of teaching and studying. I enjoyed every
single lesson, no kidding. I loved the atmosphere, it makes you feel free and comfortable, no pressure,
everything’s very liberal, but at the same time well-organized and thought thoroughly. I had my courses in the
morning, so I was very pleased to be able to make a cup of tea and just drink it during the lesson; it creates a
warm and lovely ambiance. Thanks to this course I got to know many awesome people and this is the thing I’m
intellectual freedom; it smells like friendship and has the sound of a child’s laughter. Valeria Cernei

Stela Bucur, Open World alumna of 2012, has become an active promoter of gender equality and
volunteering after her visit in US. NGO president, business woman, political activist and an ac-
tive volunteer, Mrs Bucur is constantly engaged in various community development projects.
 Her mosr recent project entitled "Inspiring Youth: Community Involvement through Action
Learning" was financed by the US Embassy in Moldova and aims to promote volunteering
and active participation of youth in the Bobeica community.
 In July 30, 2013, she became an official Peace Corps Moldova strategic partner and collabo-
rated with American volunteers to organize its 20 anniversary together with Jennifer Solo-
mon, Elsa Leal, Sue Murphy and other Peace Corps volunteers.
 The tour included 30 villages around Moldova and William Moser, US Ambassador to
Moldova and Janet Utecht, Peace Corps
Director visited Bobeica as project special
guests.
 Mrs Bucur has collaborated with and has
been financed by such organisations as
Soros Foundation and East European
Foundation.
Among her most recent projects can be men-
tioned: ”Your vote does count!”, , ”Let's pro-
mote volunteering in Bobeica”, "I am going to
vote, and you?", "Involving women leaders in
the local decision making process", "Building a
playground in Bobeica community"
Natalia Vîlcu-Bajurean—PFP honorary alumna of the month of May
there were identified several ways for further
collaboration for the strengthening of the capaci-
ties of the Young Lawyers’ Association and the
Council for Mediation of the Republic of Moldova.
Upon her return Mrs. Vilcu-Bajurean was pro-
moted to the position of Head of the Division
within the Department of Legal Professions and
Services, a newly created body within the Minis-
try of Justice. She is now responsible for the pro-
motion of the policies in the field of legal profes-
sions, namely for the authorized translators and
interpreters.
Recently she has been involved with the drafting
of the amendments to the Law regulating author-
ized translators and interpreters. She is also a
member of the Committee for Authorization of
Translators and Interpreters. She participated in
the working group responsible for the elaboration
of the draft laws “On Normative Acts”, “On Media-
tion”, “On State Guaranteed Legal Aid”.
Natalia Vilcu-Bajurean, PFP 2012 Alumni spent
her 4 week internship in the Department of the
Attorney General, State of Hawaii, where she
studied the structure of this governmental body,
duties of the attorneys within the Departments,
and participated in official meetings and various
court trials. Upon her return to Moldova, Mrs.
Vilcu-Bajurean was eager to share the knowledge
she acquired in the US with the students from the
National Institute of Justice of the Republic of
Moldova, delivering a presentation on the US sys-
tem of Attorneys General, their role in the judici-
ary, corresponding functions in our system of
justice.
Mrs. Vilcu-Bajurean organized the visit of two
experts from the State of Hawaii within LFP/PFP
outbound project, in the period May 5 – May 19
which aimed to introduce American legislative
experts to Moldovan judicial system and con-
sisted of visits to important governmental institu-
tions and meetings with legal professionals from
Ministry of Justice, National Institute of Justice,
Supreme Court, General Prosecutor’s Office, etc.
During this visit together with the US experts
Page 10
Stela Bucur - Open World honorary alumna of the month of July
Stela Bucur
“Always Together”
NGO President
Head of Division
Department of
Legal Professions
and Services
Ministry of Justice

Vlad Ciuperca, Access Alumna, 2012 and Flex Alumna, 2013 is a good example of how active
and continuously inspired might be a teenager who sensed the values of the Access Micro-
Scholarship Program and the opportunities of being a Flex student.
The experience he got in Access helped him to feel a continuous desire to discover new and
new domains and to use all the chances the life offers to a teenager who wants to change
something in his own world and in the world of the others. This way, having been selected in
the FLEX Program, he lived unique moments in the USA as a volunteer, receiving a certificate
from the US Department of State for more than 100 hours of volunteering in my community
in US. He did that because he considers that “volunteering is a good way to help the society
and to learn new things about it or even to make new friends”. He was also chosen to partici-
pate in Civic Education Week in Washington DC in March 2013 through an essay competi-
tion. This is a workshop that brings FLEX and other exchange programs' students in Wash-
ington DC for a week to study about the USA (government, history, society, etc.) and to visit
some of the national and historical sites, monuments, museums, etc.
One of his collaborative projects was the Millennium Project- 15 Global Challenges facing
humanity; a Skype Conference between Access students from Ungheni and interested stu-
dents from Belleville West High School, US, who virtually shared their opinions on cultural,
social and educational topics, such as differences, similarities and situation today on some
global problems like democratization or clean water.
Returned back to Moldova, Vlad Ciuperca wanted to continue to help and share his compe-
tences acquired as a Access and Flex Alumna. Thus, he joined the new ACCESS group to work
as a teacher-assistant to motivate new generation of Access Micro-Scholarship Program to
improve their English level and to acquire social and civic attitudes through projects coming
ahead. Only in such a way, together he and his students are developing the society, moving it
to another level.
Tatiana is an an active and highly- motivated lady who decided to study English
after visiting USA in 2011. She became an ALC student in November 2011 by en-
rolling into the elementary level for two months and then continued studies up to
the advanced level in July 2013.Tatiana never ceased learning English and worked
hard to practice her speaking and listening skills during the Conversation Club
meetings organized by ALC, debate clubs at the American Resource Center and
other events organized by American Councils in Moldova. Tatiana is very positive,
tolerant, industrious, curious, creative, punctual and conscientious!
I remember the day when my son got his visa to study in the USA. The counselor told
him, "Remember this day, it will change all your life". I can say the same about my
enrolling at ALC- that day surely changed my life as well. Thanks to English courses
at ALC I got to know a lot of interesting and absolutely amazing people, I had an
opportunity to meet and to communicate with the native speakers even at the low
levels, I learned a lot of things about the United States and Britain which sometimes
surprised and charmed me. I fell in love with this language, with the ALC and the
skilled teachers who work hard because the learners have the best conditions, the
best methods, the largest possibilities to use and to enrich their language skills
through the Discussion Club, different other extra activities as a meeting with an
American senator etc. Undoubtedly, I will continue my courses for progressing, for
meeting again the team of ALC who definitely possess the secret of motivating the
learners to study this charming language thanks to (not in the last place) a very like-
able and friendly country director of American Councils, David Jesse.I am sure learn-
ing a language has only a beginning; you can never be bored with it and certainly
find out more and more new exciting things about it even at advanced level. I wish
good luck to everybody who is on their path of learning English!"
Tatiana Daniliuc
Page 11
Tatiana Daniliuc - American Language Center Honorary Student
Vlad Ciuperca - Access and FLEX honorary alumnus

76 Kogalniceanu St.
Chisinau, Moldova
MD-2009
Phone: (+373 22) 22-58-60
Fax: (+373 22) 23-48-73
E-mail: daniela@americancouncils.md
American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS is an international not-
for-profit organization leading the development and exchange of knowledge between
the US and Eastern Europe/Eurasia. Its mission is to foster independence and democ-
ratic development by advancing education and research, cultivating leadership, and
empowering individuals and institutions through learning.
Founded in 1974 as an association for area and language professionals, American
Councils has focused its expertise on the design and implementation of academic ex-
change, professional training, distance learning, curriculum and test development, de-
livery of technical assistance and consulting services, research and evaluation, and insti-
tution building.
The American Councils office in Moldova has been active since 1992, and is proud to
work together with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs in the administration of various exchange programs and programs for alumni
development. Currently, Moldovan program participants have been to forty-six states in
the United States of America.
In addition, our American Language Center offers high-quality English instruction to
groups of professionals and to the public in general, based upon a unique curriculum
developed by American TEFL specialists.
American Councils Moldova Newsletter, October 2013
We are on the web!
www.americancouncils.md

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