U.S. GOVERNMENT ACADEMIC EXCHANGES PROGRAM COMPETITIONS FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2005-2006

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine is pleased to announce the beginning of the annual competitions for Ukrainians interested in taking part in U.S./Ukraine academic exchange programs. These programs offer educational and scholarly opportunities for Ukrainians in the humanities and social sciences at the high school, undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels and professional enhancement in selected fields.

These programs are sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State. The Bureau fosters mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through education and training programs. These programs also support the economic and democratic development of the emerging democracies of Eurasia. Since 1992, twenty thousand Ukrainians have participated in U.S. government exchange programs.

Competition for the programs is merit-based, and selection will be made on the basis of academic excellence, leadership potential, knowledge of English and the designated fields of study, and preparedness for study in the United States.

Applications are available at no charge at participating recruitment organizations, educational advising centers, and the U.S. Embassy's website.

Recruitment of Ukrainian participants and administration of these exchanges is carried out by American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS (American Councils), the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), and the U.S. Embassy's Fulbright/JFDP Office. The U.S. Embassy's Public Affairs Section works closely with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine in carrying out these programs.

The following programs are being announced:

Program title	Eligibility	Description
Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX)	Secondary school students of the 9th and 10th grades. Administered by American Councils.	Academic year at a U.S. high school
U.S.-Ukrainian Awards for Excellence in Teaching	Secondary School Teachers of English and American Studies. Administered by American Councils.	Awards for schools and teachers, 6-week training in the U.S.
Eurasian Undergraduate Exchange Program	University students in 1st -3rd year of study between ages 17 and 23. Administered by IREX.	Academic year at a U.S. college or university
Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program	University graduates. Administered by IREX.	Degree or non-degree one or two-year study at U.S. graduate schools
Fulbright Graduate Student Program	University graduates under age 35. Administered by the Fulbright Office.	Degree or non-degree one or two-year study at U.S. graduate schools
Fulbright Scholar Program	Open to faculty and scholars with advanced degrees, as well as junior faculty without a terminal degree. Administered by the Fulbright Office.	One or two academic semesters to lecture or research at U.S. universities

More information on programs is available via the Internet at: http://kyiv.usembassy.gov/educult_acexchanges_eng.html, e-mail: kyivexchanges@state.gov and by telephone of specific administering organization: American Councils: (044) 246-8221, 246-8222; IREX (044) 228 36 57, 537 0604; Fulbright Office: (044) 229-1850; 229-2324; Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy Kyiv: (044) 490-4026.