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!

Our Clubs Begin!!!

September 27, 2017

Alongside with the start of the new school year, we at the American Corner in the Ceadir Lunga Public Library also started our fun activities for our students. Every Saturday in the American Corner, we host a Children's English Club, where we help students learn new words in English while having fun! We play a lot of games and watch movies in English as we learn together. Many children from our community participate in our Saturday activities, and they enjoy spending time with us!


We understand that learning a new language is scary and difficult. Our job is to help students be comfortable with learning English, and show them that it can be a lot of fun! We play Hangman, Cowboys, Word Puzzles and even more games! We also celebrate American holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, and New Year, when we will host small parties for all who wants to come.

In addition we also offer the American Table, which is an English conversation club for students from age 14 to 18. Students from all over Ceadir Lunga visit us to improve their English speaking skills, prepare for their exams, and learn about interesting topics. We will discuss many things like our dreams, hobbies, travel, our goals in life, and learn from each other. It is a relaxed group where we can speak together as friends and tell stories!

The Children's English Club is held in the American Corner at the Public Library every Saturdays, from 1200 to 1400, or whenever we finish playing games.

The American Table Conversation Club for teenagers is also held in the American Corner every Thursdays and Fridays, from 1600 to 1730.

You want to learn English? Come and visit us! We want to meet you :)

  

Library Innovation and Novateca

Cahul

September 14, 2017

The Andrei Ciurunga Regional Library of Cahul hosted a celebration of librarians from all over Moldova in the spirit of innovation, modernization, and to promote their libraries as great institutions for social, educational, and information centers of community. This was done to showcase the progress of transforming Moldovan libraries as modern public information resources with the help of the Novateca Program, which came to Moldova in 2014 and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Our Librarian Colleagues

Novateca first assessed the conditions of the libraries in Moldova, and in building partnerships with local librarians and educators, Novateca began a modernizing program for Moldovan libraries.  Within 3 years the program equipped the libraries with modern technology and developed new services and trainings for the librarians to make them sustainable for the long term. Basic internet and computer services were set up, programs for children were started, and professional trainings and seminars were offered to adults to help with employment. In addition, Novateca worked with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Labor, Family and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Informational Technology and Communication.

And after 3 years, the positive impacts of Novateca’s initiatives on the libraries are undeniably powerful. Looking through the presentations, it is clear that Moldovan libraries have evolved as the informational and cultural hub for their communities. Each libraries offered different varieties of clubs and trainings, such as teaching computer skills to children and the elderly, promoting arts and crafts, music, and other activities. It was so exciting for the librarians to be able to share their activities and learn from each other. Many librarians hugged and greeted each other affectionately, and in seeing the many different programs their colleagues are doing in their libraries, many different ideas were exchanged in the event!

Librarians from Ceadir Lunga participated too :)

Now, libraries all over Moldova serve as not only as a source of information and communication, but also a resource for professional development. Librarians have been trained effectively to carry out trainings for their community, and the librarians have worked hard in raising the awareness in the general public about the many opportunities they offer.

Evan Tracz, Director of Novateca

During the event, many representatives from Cahul’s local administration gave speeches that praised and marveled at the wonderful transformation of Moldovan libraries. Even the director of Novateca, Evan Tracz, spoke to the librarians and praised their dedication and willingness to innovate and serve their communities, as well as recalling how they first began the program, to how far they have come. Now, the libraries of the Republic of Moldova has become true centers for their communities where everyone, regardless of occupation and age, may benefit from modern technologies and services in many fields, such as education, health, agriculture, and more.

And the librarians were so happy! There were a lot of singing and dancing in celebration. 

 

Congratulations to all our librarians! We have come so far. Let’s keep doing our best!