American Councils for International Education

What an unforgettable milestone for the C5+O.N.E. program in Turkmenistan!

We were honored to welcome Under Secretary Sarah B. Rogers, Ambassador Elizabeth Rood, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, and colleagues from the U.S. Embassy to celebrate the graduation of Cohort 5 participants.

Their involvement highlighted a shared commitment to investing in people, workplace development, and international engagement between the United States and Turkmenistan.

Participants presented the projects they developed during the program to the distinguished guests and C5+O.N.E. peers, showcasing their English skills, creativity, and professionalism.

Many shared that C5+O.N.E. became much more than an English language program—it helped them find their voice, build confidence, expand their networks, and see new possibilities for their careers.

Congratulations to our graduates!

Last week, American Councils Estonia hosted another event in their U.S.-Estonia collaboration series, showcasing the important role sports play in international exchange.

From baseball and American football to Paralympic swimming, speakers shared how teamwork, coaching, and exchange create opportunities and strengthen communities.

A highlight of the evening was hearing from Aleks Koppel, who shared his journey from growing up and playing baseball in Estonia to playing for a U.S. college team—a true example of exchange in action.

As we mark Freedom 250, we celebrate the partnerships that expand opportunities for communities to participate in athletics.

Special thanks to Karl Sepp, an alumnus of the Congressional Office for International Leadership’s Open World program, for co-organizing the event.

Celebrating the close of UUTI Fiji Camp—three weeks of American-style summer camp fun paired with practical skill development! While camp may have ended, the memories made and the skills gained will continue to shape these students' futures for years to come.

Alumni in Action: Bringing Communities Together Through Movement

In April, FLEX alumnus Patrik N. (‘25) led a team of 30 peers to organize a charity run in Považská Bystrica, Slovakia, for a day of movement, community, and giving back.

Blending sport with cultural engagement, the event featured races for all ages along with activities celebrating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, including a trivia challenge and games about the United States.

Nearly 200 people participated in the run, raising $1,560 to support a local school for students with disabilities.

Inspired by his exchange experience in New York, Patrik designed the event to combine health, leadership, and community impact.

“Being part of my [U.S.] high school’s cross country and track teams gave me the athletic foundation, while the U.S. culture showed me how to approach community engagement in creative and impactful ways,” shared Patrik.

We're thrilled to share that American Councils Study & Research Abroad has been named the winner of the 2026 GoAbroad Innovation Award in the People's Choice: Study Abroad category at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo!

This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from a community that believes in the power of study abroad. Thank you to everyone who voted for us!

As we celebrate, we're excited to continue innovating and reimagining what study abroad can offer. Learn more about our programs at https://bit.ly/4uA3rj3.

Applications for Fall 2026 Virtual NSLI-Y program are due by 4 p.m. ET on June 8!

Virtual NSLI-Y, a program of the U.S. Department of State, is a 10-week opportunity for U.S. high school students to study , Mandarin , or online.

Designed for true beginners, the program introduces students to languages critical to U.S. national security through live classes with experienced language instructors, interactive activities, and a chance to connect with peers from across the country.

Students also gain insights into the cultures of regions where the language is spoken, increasing global competence and encouraging lifetime learning and career plans that include the use of critical foreign languages.

Learn more about the program's impact and apply at https://f.mtr.cool/auorugseut

National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

Forty FLEX and YES alumni recently attended the 10th annual IDEAL Workshop for four days of skill development and networking.

Participants worked with mentors to build skills in entrepreneurship, commercial diplomacy, financial literacy, conflict resolution, and community engagement, while strengthening their regional alumni network in Southeast Europe.

Putting their learning into action, the group then designed and led programs for 230+ students in grades 3–8 at a local international school.

The workshop also featured an alumni-led showcase of U.S. traditions and cultures, including a Super Bowl simulation complete with the National Anthem, scrimmages, and cheerleading.

We’re excited to see how these alumni bring their ideas to life through community projects and Freedom 250 celebrations in the months ahead!

FLEX Program Youth Exchange and Study (YES)

On May 15, American Councils and the Congressional Office for International Leadership hosted the Regional Open World Alumni Conference in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Nearly 50 emerging leaders from Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan came together for sessions on leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship, featuring interactive workshops, a "Shark Tank"-style simulation, and alumni-led panels.

The conference strengthened regional connections and sparked new opportunities for collaboration across the Caucasus, highlighting the impact of the Open World program and its alumni network in advancing leadership and economic growth.

The Open World Program was recently featured on TV Pirveli’s “Pirvelamde,” a Georgian talk show!
Representatives from the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) and American Councils, alongside Open World alumna Tamar Abuladze, discussed how the program strengthens U.S.-Georgia ties and fosters regional cooperation across the Caucasus.

The conversation highlighted how U.S. Government exchange programs like Open World support professional growth and build lasting international networks.

Tamar’s story served as a powerful example of how Open World experiences continue to shape alumni careers and business partnerships.

Watch the clip at https://bit.ly/4tT1UUe!