Halloween

Halloween

October 26 – October 28

We celebrated Halloween twice in the American Corner! The first was with the English Discussion Club with high school students. We watched Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and shared scary stories with each other – either from real life or scary movies, while enjoying pizza, cookies and juice! A few of us were in costumes as well. It was a relaxing and fun event where the students practiced their English skills while celebrating Halloween J

In addition, we had a big event for the Children’s English Club. The week before, we prepared for our Halloween party by decorating the American Corner with bats, jack-o-lanterns, cats, and ghosts. The children were very creative with their work! We also watched the Nightmare Before Christmas while decorating. It was a very fun day.

We made bats, jack-o-lanterns, spiders and witches

Getting ready for Halloween!

For Halloween, as much as 20 children showed up to participate in our games. First we blew balloons and drew scary faces on them. Next, we played the game Bobbing for Apples, and the kids had to pick up the apples on the water only using their mouths. Then, we had an Egg and Spoon Race, and we competed against each other to see which team is the best!

Balloon Faces!

The Witch and her Jack-o-Lantern :)

Bobbing for Apples

Egg and Spoon Race!

Of course, we also made Mummies using toilet paper! Can you pick who’s the best looking Mummy?

The last and most enjoyable activity was the American Halloween tradition of Trick or Treat. The children went into all the library rooms to get candy from their librarians! Each child came to the librarians and had to say, “Trick or treat!!” to get candy. It was exciting for them to run around getting candy from different sections in the library.

Trick or Treat!

This library version of trick or treating was based on the Halloween customs in America, where children would dress up in costumes, walk around the neighborhood and knock on people’s homes and say, “trick or treat!” so that they will get candy or money from adults. It is a fun tradition every Halloween which the American Corner was happy to share with children!

From us in the American Corner, we want to say a big “Happy Halloween” to Ceadir-Lunga!!!

Educational Advising Center Moldova and the FLEX Program

September 26 – September 27, 2017

Representatives from FLEX Moldova visited the Liceul M. Guboglo School in Ceadir Lunga and conducted the first round of interviews for the new FLEX Candidates. This was one of the three tests designed to test the candidates’ knowledge of English and their ability to think creatively.

About 30 students in Ceadir Lunga came to the school to take the first two tests. The first was a multiple choice exam and was intended to gauge the candidate’s proficiency in English grammar and vocabulary. Those who passed the first exam then had to write a short response to three questions. These questions could be about any topics: talk about the first time you were disappointed with a friend, what do you expect from FLEX, what would you do if you were an Adidas shoe for a day, and other questions. Students must be able to showcase their creativity or ability to use their imagination and storytelling in order to pass on to the final round.

After the essays have been checked, the students who pass to the final round will be interviewed by a representative from FLEX Moldova. This is a behavioral interview and the candidate will have to explain why they wish to study in America, how they can succeed, and what they hope to gain from living in America. If the candidate passed the final round, they are then eligible to study and live in America for one academic year.

If you wish to know more, this article explains the background of the FLEX Program.

So, why should you apply to FLEX?

Students will be able to study and live in the United States of America for free. It is a government sponsored program, and the airline ticket, health insurance, and living stipend will be provided for the student. The only costs that the student and their family needs to pay will be the passport costs, vaccinations and medications, and of course, gifts for their host family in America.

Students from Ceadir Lunga take the English Exam for FLEX

Students will come to America and can be sent to live in any state: California, New York, Vermont, Nevada, and others! They will live with American host families, be immersed in the English language and American culture, and they will be able to bring their new experiences in America back to Moldova after their academic year is over. And after, many of the FLEX Alumni go on to universities in Moldova, and abroad.

The FLEX Program provides a wonderful opportunity for any hardworking students to study and live in America for free!

Of course, they will have to pass a competitive application process. Many students from all over Moldova will apply for a chance to study for America, but only around 50 students will be chosen.

But don’t let this scare you! If you are hardworking, open, creative and willing to learn, you will have a chance of being accepted! Even if you are rejected by FLEX, you can always apply next year! And we in the American Corner will be more than happy to help.

Otilia Colac from EAC speaks to students

In addition, the American Corner was visited by Ms. Otilia Colac, a representative from the Educational Advising Center (EAC) in Moldova, an organization partnered with the US Embassy and serves as a resource center regarding comprehensive information for studying in American universities. During her visit, Ms. Colac gave a presentation to students ranging from 9^th to 12^th forms who are interested in pursuing their studies in America after high school. 

In her presentation, the students learned about the college application process in America, how to navigate the college examinations, essays, and scholarships, as well as the academic structure of US universities. Ms. Colac and the EAC are dedicated in helping with college search and guiding students through the process. Many Moldovan students have consulted with the EAC and have gone to America to study in well renowned schools such as Harvard, Princeton, Cornell, Columbia, and more.

It was an informative event, and the students afterwards expressed their interest in pursuing their studies in America!

For more information about studying abroad, please visit us at the American Corner in the Public Library.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!