Christmas and New Year are Coming

On December 22, the kids of the orphanage took part in Christmas party.
They got a lot of information about Christmas and New Year around the world and knew many interesting facts about these holidays in the USA. Games and a lot of competitions were organized and participants of the event took part in different contests with sweet prizes. They declared New Year poems, sang songs and played different games.
We look forward to seeing them at the next time in our WOA center.

Seminar for English Teachers

On 20 of December Window on America center hosted an event for the teachers of English. Our guests learned about our resources and services and especially about events that are organized in our center for English learners. We also acquainted our guests with iPads and Kindle, with the books collection, devoted to the methods of teaching English as a Second Language and presented the newest Internet-resources available to the teachers.
Our guests expressed great interest in learning about Window on America program, our resources and of course Window on America Center events.

Drawing Competition.

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed: 1.11 Birthday Party, 8.11 How do you feel, 15.11 Idioms and Set Expressions, 22.11 Thanksgiving Day, 29.11 Drawing Competition.
Are you found of drawing? Have you got imagination? You can come and show your drawing skills. Our participants worked in pairs and the task was to copy the picture but….without seeing it! One of the partners was given the picture and he gave instructions to the other partner, so that he could draw the picture without looking at it. In the end we presented our pieces of art and results were amusing!

Conversation Circle

Window on American Center hosted this month meetings of Conversation Circle for our patrons. In November the sessions devoted to various topics “Halloween”, “Developing countries”, “Creation of a magazine”, “AIDS”, “Thanksgiving Day”, were conducted by Jennifer Alton, US Peace Corps TEFL Volunteer. Discussions were very lively, useful and insightful. Our patrons asked many questions, shared their views, participated in several quizzes and games. All participants were glad to improve their English in such a wonderful way.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3 December 2011

Book exhibition devoted to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities with theme for 2011: “Together for a better world for all:
Including persons with disabilities in development”
was organized in Sumy Oblast Research Library. This exhibition attracted special interest thanks to documentary film about people with disabilities titled: “First of all we are people” This film helps to increase the understanding of the issues around disabilities and pays attention to the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

Online English Language Teaching Resources

On 30 of November the English school teachers of Sumy and Sumy region gathered at WOA center. We conducted a presentation on “Online English Language Teaching Resources” for 14 teachers. Our guests were exposed to the WOA book collection and trained to use Kindle and iPads. All educators enjoyed the meeting.

Undergraduate Exchange Program

On November 11 Window on America center hosted the presentation of program of the Open Society Institute Undergraduate Exchange Program for students of Sumy universities.
The presentation was held by Nataliya Bulgakova the director of the Kharkiv Educational Advising Center Osvita. The Undergraduate Exchange Program is a two- year fellowship involving one year, non-degree liberal arts study in the USA and one-year community service leadership in home country.
The students were informed about content of the program, its opportunities, application and selection process.
The presentation revealed a great interest of the students to the studying in the universities of the USA.
For more details and On-line Application Form please visit: www.soros.org/initiatives/scholarship/focus_areas/undergraduate_exchange.

Innovative technologies in the library work

On November 10th a meeting with librarians of district libraries of Sumy Region took place in Sumy Oblast Research Library.
The librarians learnt the specificity of the department work, its books and DVD collections.
For the specialists of library science was presented information about department’s work with the Internet resources: website of the department, literature blog, Facebook page and EBSCO resources which help in the work of professionals.
The most interesting information for the librarians was the information about work of the Window on America Centre.
At the end of the meeting our guests worked with the new gadgets: iPad and Kindle. Meeting took place in a warm atmosphere, the librarians were very much interested and at the same time admired by the work and opportunities of our center.

What would you do to make our city better?

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:
4.10 I’d like to make my city better.
Sumy is a wonderful city with a plenty of places of interest, but still it needs improvements. Today our guests tried to answer the question what would you do to make our city better? They played the game “Mayor election”. Each candidate presented his program on Sumy improvement and spoke about the problems to be solved in our city. At the end participants of our club had to vote for the best candidate.
11.10 Describing a Picture
18.10 Writing a letter to your friend
25.10 Synonyms and antonyms

Mobile Technologies for Libraries

On October 20, a presentation on Kindle and iPad technologies for libraries for directors of regional libraries was held in Putivl (Sumy region). iPads and Kindle are now available for in-library use thanks to a generous contribution from the American Embassy in Kiev. Director of WOA center demonstrated how to use iPad and Kindle, how to install different applications. All librarians enjoyed the presentation and confessed that
when we will have enough users using this technology – we (libraries) can offer new services, and make e-book’s more accessible

Conversation Circle

Window on America center is pleased to announce that it hosts a weekly Conversation Circle.
You will:
- practice conversational English;
- take part in a number of activities and games;
- get interesting materials for discussion.
The Conversation Circle is led in a form of a natural conversation among friends.
The best way to practice a language is to speak it!

Every Wednesday at 17.00
Looking forward to welcome you here!

System of education in the USA and Ukraine

On October 13, teachers of the Sumy Branch of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs discussed with the Peace Corps Volunteer Arden Stone system of education in the USA and Ukraine, higher education in our countries They also were acquainted with new technology – iPad. Only time will tell the extent of the iPad’s influence, but it is undoubtedly an emerging technology worth teachers and librarians attention.

US Government English Language Teaching and Learning Online Resources

On 12 of October Sumy WOA center was happy to host the meeting for 14 teachers of English language of Sumy and Sumy region. We presented US Government English Language Teaching and Learning Online Resources and also acquainted our guests with iPads and Kindle and spoke how they could use such devices for beginning foreign language learners. The tablet computer is capable of running many different applications, several of which are quite useful for learning a new language.

iPads and Kindle in Sumy WOA.

On 6 of October Sumy WOA center hosted meeting for first year students of Sumy State University. We gave them a brief demonstration on something how to use iPad and Kindle such as how to locate ebooks, how to make photos, how to install new application, how to search the library catalog.
Our guests agreed that library is the perfect place to use an iPad much more than a classroom because we have Wi-Fi.

Social issues round-table discussion.

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:
6.09 Summer vacation.
13.09 What would I do if I received 1 million dollars.
20.09 Brasilia.
27.09 Social issues round-table discussion.
At the meetings of our English-speaking club we’ve made plenty of various interesting activities. We’ve talked about summer most remarkable events, foreign countries and their culture. One of our meetings was devoted to the social issues and undoubtedly it was of great interest for all of us. We were to express our opinion on the following topics: whether it’s necessary to wear a uniform in Ukrainian schools, whether it’s necessary to tell a child that he or she is adopted, what influence mass media have on children and many others.

American Movie Night

Come and watch the best American movies in our department! You’ll be pleasantly surprised with our collection of films! Every Sunday at 3 p.m.

Flex Alumni Meeting

On 5 of August Flex alumni of Sumy and Sumy region gathered in WOA Center for a one-day seminar after one year of study in the US. They have a great opportunity to meet other alumni and share their thoughts, to learn more about each other and become friends. Everyone felt free to share their impressions of various states they lived in and visited, of school, school subject, teenager relationship and everyday life of American families. They spoke about some difficulties in the beginning of their staying in the USA and about an important and useful experience.We welcomed guests and told about the opportunities that the WOA center can offer to them, about our resources, events and programs which are conducted here.
We hope to see them in WOA Center again.

American English Online portal

We’d like to present you American English Online portal http://americanenglish.state.gov/ that will be useful for those who teaches and learns English as a foreign language. Here you’ll find various words and grammar games, reference materials, classroom activities, lesson plans and other useful information about American life, history, culture.

English courses for beginners

In June we hosted not only English – Speaking Club (7.06 Idioms, 14.06 Playing the Game “Scramble”) but also English courses for beginners. Our PCV Arden organized the courses for beginners. The main goal was to help our users whose level of English was not enough for participating in the meetings of English – Speaking Club. We had few classes which were extremely popular among people of different age and professions because of effective teaching strategies and methods.

Native American Indian Wisdom

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:17.05 Liberia
24।05 Native Americans – history of USA
31.05 Native American Indian Wisdom
Today’s topic was devoted to the sayings of native American Indians.
“One rain does not make a crop”
“If we wonder often, the gift of knowledge will come”
“Each person is his own judge”
These and many other sayings really keep much sense and undoubtedly could be applied to our today’s life notwithstanding they appeared long time ago. Our participants got acquainted with the offered material and discussed the meaning of each saying.

American and Ukrainian Educational Systems

On May 24, WOA center was happy to host meeting with Turkey pupils, pupils from Sumy gymnasium and told them about the peculiarities of American and Ukrainian educational systems, dwelled on the advantages and disadvantages of each system. Americans place a high value on education. All participants remembered Kennedy’s words: "Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education". Our guests showed a great interest and asked a lot of questions about the opportunities of getting education and internships in the U.S.

India. Watching the photo exhibition about India

Welcome to English-Speaking Club। Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:5।04 “India. Watching the photo exhibition about India”

The participants of our English-speaking club were suggested watching the photo-exhibition “India. Culture. Traditions”. After that they were asked to share their impressions on what they had seen. Each of the participants expressed his or her opinion about what the life in India was like. After that they read an article about India and had a discussion about it.
12.04 “Interesting Facts about India”
19.04 Playing the Game “Scrabble”
26.04 Ethic Questions

Project Window on America centers in Sumy

On April 29, Regional Interagency Scientific Conference"Innovation as a factor of Library Development” took place at Sumy Oblast Research Library. There was a presentation of the project of the US Embassy in Ukraine «Window on America Centers». The director of Sumy WOA center acquainted librarians with collections, services and activities of WOA center in Sumy. She provided the audience with information how we use new media tools: Facebook, YouTube, LibraryThing, blogs, online resources, host different clubs, games and innovative programs.

USA Quiz

On April 20, the pupils from school № 8 visited WOA center. They were presented to WOA center’s resources, encyclopedias Americana and Britannica, dictionaries.
The main topic of our meeting was to know a lot of interesting facts about the USA, its geography, history, the presidents, it’s people. We had gathered together to hold the quiz. It was dedicated to the USA. We travelled about the USA, our trip was merry and interesting. This competition showed achievements and good knowledge of pupils.

Family Law in the USA and Ukraine

On April 12, the students of the Sumy Branch of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs had a chance to take part in the discussion with the native speaker, PCV Arden Stone on family law in the USA and Ukraine. The discussion was very informative and touched on marriages, divorces, adoption, prenuptial agreements, child custody, and property settlements. Historically, in the United States, family law was based on European feudalism. Marriage, as defined by law before the beginning of the 20th century, enabled the husband to become the owner of the wife property’s as well as her legal guardian, despite property laws that gave women more rights regarding property ownership.
It was interesting to know that child custody had been traditionally awarded to mothers from the onset of the 20th century, but as the father's role in the family evolved, laws changed to allow fathers custody, and eventually, the concept of joint custody was created. In joint custody, both parents share the responsibility of taking care of the child. Court decisions do not always make both parents happy.
Students got their interest in the event and expressed a great wish to meet again.

Speaking about Social Issues

Welcome to English-Speaking Club। Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:15.03 “Idioms. World News” 22.03 “Eating Habits” 29.03 “Speaking about Social Issues” Is it possible for a man and a woman to be friends? Is it obligatory to wear a school uniform in Ukrainian schools? What musical style would you prefer if you could play a musical instrument? What school subjects should be added to the curriculum? These and other matters concerning social issues were discussed at the meeting of our English-speaking club. The participants were given various questions and talked them over in the groups of two. After that each participant had a chance to share his opinion with the whole group and to tell his pros and corns.

Discover America

On March 21, WOA center organized a meeting devoted to the USA at the Sumy Branch of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs. The PCV Arden Stone told about history, traditions, education of the USA and answered student’s questions. More than 30 students took part in the event.

US Peace Corps

A very special event took place in WOA center on 3 of March. Teachers of English of Sumy and Sumy region were welcomed by our guest, the Peace Corps Volunteer, Arden Stone. She told about the history of establishment of the Peace Corps, about its 50th anniversary, about US Peace Corps in Ukraine and activities of the volunteers in Sumy. Our volunteers teach English in Secondary Schools, Universities, and Pedagogical Colleges, organize Camps–Excite, programs for teacher, English – Speaking Clubs. Arden Stone invited our teachers to take part in all these events.

50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps

In 2011, the Peace Corps will commemorate 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world.
In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed an Executive Order establishing the Peace Corps. Over the past five decades, Peace Corps Volunteers have served in nearly 140 countries.
Peace Corps was established in Ukraine in 1992 when Ukrainian President Leonid Kravchuk and American President George Bush signed a bilateral agreement to establish a Peace Corps program in Ukraine.Since that time the United States Peace Corps has cooperated with numerous progressive organizations. American Volunteers work and live side by side with Ukrainian colleagues for two years sharing experiences.
If your organization wishes to invite a Peace Corps Volunteer to work with you, please contact Peace Corps to request an application.
Contact Information
Peace Corps Ukraine01032 Kyiv, PO BOX 204 Saksahanskoho 111A St.Telephone: 8 (044) 391 66 20Fax: 8 (044) 391 66 21

American movies

American movies have entertained and enlightened audiences for more than 100 years. Westerns, thrillers, melodramas, comedies, special effects blockbusters from America have captivated people worldwide.
Our English-speaking club suggested learning more about “Hollywood” and American movie industry. The participants had also a chance to watch few American movies and to enjoy the skillful acting and fascinating plots on 2, 9, 16, 23 of February.

Language learning with Rosetta Stone

On February 10, 18 students of Sumy Arts College visited the WOA for the first time. They were interested in the WOA center information resources and what public events related to the English language they can attend. The WOA coordinator made a presentation and acquainted them with the Rosetta Stone for learning English, the most popular world multi-media English language leaning software. It teaches language in a very dynamic way and help to teach what words mean without dull and boring.

Homes. Interiors. Traditions.

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:
11.01 New Year Celebration
18.01 Homes.Interiors. Traditions.

A home is a place where a person lives. And it’s also a good chance to get acquainted not only with the personality of its owner, but also with the customs and traditions of his country. A home can tell much about the way people think, live, spend their free time. Today we’ve made a virtual trip to American homes. We’ve visited few apartments and houses. Some of them were typical American homes. We’ve seen the way American people furnish their apartments and what color gamut they prefer. We’ve paid special attention to details of the interiors and various accessories that make homes more comfortable.

25.01 Belgium

Great thanks!

We are very much glad to inform that Window on America Center had received nearly 50 new books. These books were donated by the Book Darien Aid Plan and the Cobb County Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The AAUW is a national women's organization that does a great deal to advance women's rights and promotes the higher education of women through the granting of scholarships.
The necessity of fiction books is very high here and they are very popular among our customers.
Thank you so much and if there’s an opportunity we are always welcome efforts of people sending us books.
Please come to view our display!

The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA)

The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) provides international teachers with unique opportunities to develop expertise in their subject areas, enhance their teaching skills and increase their knowledge about the United States. The international participants will travel to the United States in spring or fall 2012.
Application deadline: 4 April, 2011.
More about the program:
http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/programs-grants/current-programs-and-grants.html

Study in the USA

Academic ProgramThe Global Undergraduate Exchange Program provides opportunities for undergraduate students from Ukraine for one year of full-time, non-degree study in the United States. First-year students will attend two-year community colleges and live in campus housing (dormitories) or with American host families. All other students will attend four-year universities and colleges and will live in campus housing.
Information on the program, criteria and application process are below, as well as at the IREX website (http://irex.ua/en/education/ugrad).
Applicants are urged to apply online at http://oas.irex.org/ugrad.
Deadline January 14, 2011