Christmas Traditions in Ukraine

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:

4.12 English Idioms. Discussing American Music 

11.12 Playing games 

18.12 Christmas Traditions in Ukraine 

Today we spoke about Christmas in Ukraine. Our volunteer Jenny was interested in Ukrainian traditions of celebrating Christmas. The participants of our club took turns in telling about their family traditions, about what they usually cook, how they decorate their homes, what they give as a present. Jenny was pleasantly surprised to learn much new about Ukraine. The club meeting was concluded by collective singing of Christmas songs.

YOU can study in the global business and media capital of the world—New York City !

Apply for the Fordham Business Challenge '13 and compete to win one of 8 available full-tuition scholarships to study a Master of Science program at Fordham Graduate School of Business Administration (GBA) in New York City fall 2013

SOUNDS GREAT ! WHO CAN COMPETE? College seniors who will obtain their Bachelor’s degree by June 2013 OR recent university graduates and young professionals holding a university diploma WORLDWIDE

WHAT IS THE PRIZE? First place winners (8) will receive a full-tuition scholarship and an invitation to attend the prize ceremony in New York City in April 2013.

Second place winners (8) will receive a half-tuition scholarship.

WHAT ARE THE PROGRAMS? Scholarships available for the following eight Master of Science Programs:

•      Master of Science in Quantitative Finance (MSQF)

•      Master of Science in Global Finance (MSGF)

•      Master of Science in Marketing Intelligence (MSMI)

•      Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

•      Master of Science in Investor Relations (MIR)

•      Master of Science in Media Entrepreneurship (MSME)

•      3-Continent Master of Science in Global Management (3CMGM)

•      Master of Science in Business Enterprise (MBE)

There is a program for everybody !

Study Engineering? Check out the MSBA or MSQF programs.

Want to travel the world and earn two degrees? The 3CMGM program is just for you.

Read about all 8 programs at www.fordhambusinesschallenge.com and find the one that is right for you

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE? February 1, 2013

HOW CAN I COMPETE? Register at www.fordhambusinesschallenge.com and take the challenge by answering (3) multiple-choice question sets and (1) essay question

Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity that will take you to the business, finance and media capital of the world—New York City !

Gaming Day

Gaming Day continues to be quite popular at the American Center!  There are a lot of the world’s best board games available for play as well as friendly librarians who can help with the rules. On December 7, the kids of the orphanage from Sumy region (Ylyanovka) attended WOA center. We hold a variety of gaming activities including board games, role playing games, run a relay and more. They had a great fun playing board games, but the most popular were iPads. We invite our guests to come again, to play and have a good time!

“Living Library” went to Classical school

On 1 of December more than 20 volunteers and 50 students of Classical School took part in the “Living Library”. It works just like a normal library: readers choose the Book they want to read, and borrow it for a limited period of time. After reading, they return the Book to the library and, if they want, they can borrow another. The only difference is that in the “Living Library”, Books are people, and reading consists of a conversation. Our volunteers, representatives from the USA (5 different states), Norway, Slovenia, France, international students from Nigeria, Syria, Iraq have a short introduction, where then students were split into groups for a short discussion at each table with each foreigner.  At the tables volunteers had a small presentation and our "readers" students of classical school learnt more about  different countries and knew many interesting facts about the USA, Norway, France, Syria. The participants asked many questions and the conversations were very lively and positive.

Conversation Circle

In November were four meetings of the Conversation Circle. The topic of the first one on November 7^th was “Elections”. People exchanged views about election campaigns in Ukraine and in the USA and compared them. The next three meetings on November 14^th, 21^st and 28^th were mainly devoted to the Thanksgiving Day celebration. During the first one was celebration itself with the proper food and discussion of the historical background. During the next meeting Conversation circle members discussed new traditions in celebration of the Thanksgiving Day in the USA and even in other countries. The last meeting of the month was about connection of the Thanksgiving Day celebration and cinematograph. After the exchange of the opinions members of the circle watched a motion picture.  

Thanksgiving Day

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:

6.11 Dialogue

13.11 My flat

20.11 Peace Corps Volunteers: history, goals

27.11
Thanksgiving Day. Today we spoke about Thanksgiving Day traditions in the USA. Thanksgiving is a time for gifting your family and friends. The day is a time to show your gratitude and respect to your elders, friends, your siblings and also your colleagues.Our Peace Corps volunteer David presented us some interesting unusual recipes that americans used to cook on that holiday.

Scholarship opportunities for international students

JOSEF KORBEL SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The University of Denver's Josef Korbel School of International Studies, ranked #11 in the world by Foreign Policy magazine, specializes in human development, human security and human rights and their relationship to the international political system and the global economy.

School has several funding opportunities available to the international students. The average scholarship among this year's international student cohort is $21,000 and 94% of our international students were offered funding. The SIE Fellows program: a full tuition scholarship awarded to a small group of students. Merit scholarships for international students: Each international student is considered for funding at the time of admission-regardless of how well you tested on the GRE exam. Christian Updike, MD Endowed Scholarship for students interested in Global Health.

Visit website to learn more about Korbel and the scholarship opportunities.

Seminar for English Teachers

On 12 of November Window on America center hosted seminar which was attended by 14 English teachers from various schools of Sumy and Sumy region. We carried out the presentation for teachers about project of the US Embassy in Ukraine “Window on America centers”. Our events, programs, clubs, teaching materials were of interest to our guests. We gave them a brief demonstration on kindle and iPad and teachers trained to use them. Many of our guests expressed a wish to come here with their students.

International Games Day

In recognition of International Games Day, that promoted the value of libraries and librarians, Window on America center on the 3 of November hosted an afternoon filled with fun and games, including computer and board games. Our guests, children from orphanage, improved their skills and knowledge, indicated interest in returning to our center in the future, found new game to play - Taboo. It was a wonderful time and we thank our guests for coming! But our patrons were very much disappointed that because of bad internet connection we couldn’t take part and play Mario Cart game online. Hope next year we will take part in online tournament and can compete against other libraries around the world .

English - Speaking Club

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:

 2.10 Motivation in various activity

9.10 Education in the US

16.10 What Food Characterizes You as a Person?

What food can characterize you as a person? Coffee, an apple or spicy meat? The participants of our club discussed these and other tricky questions: What would you do, if you were the president of the USA? What would you do, if you were Taras Shevchenko and lived nowadays? Our visitors were glad to come to our English – Speaking Club to meet a new Peace Corps volunteer David, who is going to host the club meetings for next year.

23.10 Volunteers in Ukraine 

The Conversation Circle

In October there were four meetings of the Conversation Circle. The topic of the first one held on October 3rd was “California”. People told about what they knew about this American state and exchange their views on the new information. The next meeting on October 10^th was devoted to the ability to debate and possibility to make this habit better. During the 3^rd meeting on October 17^th members of the circle played game “Who You Are in time of Halloween”. The last meeting of the Conversation Circle was exactly on October 31^st and for sure was devoted to the Halloween celebration. It was a real celebration with costumes, food and smiles. Jenny Alton, the Peace Corps volunteer, was the star of the evening. The meeting was very picturesque and festive.   

Eastern rinok

We want to present new project by PC volunteer David Malenfant and invite all talented people  join it. ! http://easternrinok.wordpress.com/

Camp Excite

The “Living Library” in Sumy

On 24 of October Window on America center hosted new program the “Living Library”. The mission of the “Living Library” was to promote understanding and tolerance through dialogue.

The "Living Library" worked like our local library, however, the books our patrons borrowed  were "Living Books." The only difference was that in the "Living Library", books were people, and reading consisted of a conversation.  Living Books were PC volunteers who shared stories about their personal experiences. 4 Living Books communicated in small groups. Our "patrons" learned more about the United States, traditions, education, family life and asked questions they had always wanted to ask.  

The “Living Library” helped people to understand each other better.

TRAINING on Opportunities for Studying in the US

Kyiv Alumni Resource Center in cooperation with Educational Advising Center is pleased to invite you to participate in a special TRAINING on Opportunities for Studying in the US.  The training will take on November 2-3 in Kyiv. We will provide accommodation and travel reimbursement.

 WHO ARE WE ARE LOOKING FOR?

 We are looking for active alumni from all regions of Ukraine, who can use this experience in their communities and hold presentations about educational opportunities in the United State.

 WHAT WE CAN OFFER?

 We offer an intensive training and overview of the EducationUSA network, ‘Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills’, ‘How to Organize Your Own Seminar’, a session about the educational system in the US followed by the lecture on application process to the US colleges and Universities.

WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES OF THE TRAINING?

We hope that alumni will be able to share information about the US higher education system with their peers in their communities.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Nataliya Vasyukhnik, arc.kyiv@gmail.com ASAP. 

EducationUSA Virtual College Fair

As part of International Education Week 2012, the U.S. Embassy invites you to a 24-hour online EducationUSA Virtual College Fair for
on November 13. This will be the largest online international college fair ever conducted. By participating in this fair, you can access more than 150 U.S. universities, plus seven informational webcasts. At the virtual fair, you can watch webinars and ask questions.

A detailed list of participating universities,schedules of events, and registration information is available
at http://www.collegeweeklive.com/en_CA/br/EducationUSA_College_Fair.

Webcast sessions with education experts and admission representatives include:

-- Discover U.S. Higher Education (14.00-15.00)
-- International Students Share Their Experiences (15.00-16.00)
-- Graduate Admissions and Funding (16.00-17.00)
-- Undergraduate Admissions and Funding (17.00-18.00 GMT)
-- Understanding Community Colleges (18.00-19.00 GMT)
-- The U.S. Student Visa Process (19.00-20.00)
-- Choosing a U.S. University (20.00-21.00)

To register, go to http://www.collegeweeklive.com/en_CA/br/EducationUSA_College_Fair

U.S. Education Fair 2012

November 3, 2012
14:00 - 18:00

Hotel Rus
4 Hospitalna Str, Kyiv
Metro "Palats Sportu"

Participating Colleges and Universities

Florida Institute of Technology
Foothill and De Anza Colleges
Green River Community College
Hawai'i Pacific University
John Cabot University
Northern Virginia Community College
Pace University
Portland Community College
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Savannah College of Art and Design
Stephen F. Austin State University
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
University of Kentucky
University of Northern Iowa
West Virginia University
and
ETS Global - the TOEFL and GRE tests   http://www.educationusa.info/fairs/kyiv2012/

The Conversation Circle

In September the Conversation Circle began its work again. There were four meetings. The topic of the first one on September 4^th was “My Summer Vacation”. People told how they spent summer, which places visited and shared their impressions about it. The second meeting on September 12^th was totally devoted to the grammar of English. During the third meeting on September 19^th topic “Meeting” was discussed. The fourth meeting of the club took place on September 26^th. People played games for English learners and had a great fun playing board game “Charades”.

 

БЕЗКОШТОВНЕ НАВЧАННЯ В США

БЕЗКОШТОВНЕ НАВЧАННЯ В США ДЛЯ СТАРШОКЛАСНИКІВ!!!

«Програма обміну майбутніх лідерів»

   ЯКЩО ТИ: 1. Громадянин/ка України; 2. Навчаєшся в 8, 9 або 10 класі; 3. Народився з 1 січня 1996 по 15 липня 1998 року; 4. Вивчаєш англійську мову.

ПРИХОДЬ ДО НАС НА ТЕСТУВАННЯ 13 жовтня о 09:00 м. Суми, спеціалізована школа № 2 вул. Кірова, 76

ПРИ СОБІ МАТИ: 1. Оригінал свідоцтва про народження; 2. Підписану одним з батьків учасника конкурсу згоду на обробку персональних даних (цей документ необхідно завантажити з нашого вебсайту www.americancouncils.org.ua) УВАГА! Школярі, які не матимуть цього документа у день проведення конкурсу до тестування допущені не будуть!
3. Фотокартку 3х4 (2012 року); 4. Ручку.

За додатковою інформацією телефонуйте (044) 289 39 52, (044) 289 39 53

(Американські Ради з Міжнародної Освіти)

Сторінка на сайті «Вконтакті» - http://vkontakte.ru/club11314235

www.americancouncils.org.ua

First-year students at the WOA center.

On 18 of September more than 50 first -year students from Sumy State University visited WOA center to learn more about its activities and resources. They learnt about the books, magazines, movies, kindles and iPads, which they can find in WOA center, eLibraryUSA, about different clubs and programs held here. They also learnt about exchange educational programs. Many of them expressed a wish to come here on their own.

Undergraduate Study in the USA

On 15 of September Ukrainian alumni, Kyryl, gave a presentation “Undergraduate Study in the USA”. Our patrons, secondary school students, learnt about the structure of American education, types of Higher education institutions, requirements to students and documents. He shared his study and students life experience with our patrons. At the end of this interesting and very informative meeting, he answered numerous patrons’ questions on the topic.

Amazon Kindle

Dear friends, Sumy WOA Center received 4 E-book Readers “Amazon Kindle”. Now you have an opportunity to read books in our center in E-format. For the reading are available speeches and books of American politicians and writers. Among them are Barack Obama, Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, Henry Melville and others. Everybody is welcomed to come and read!

Conversation Circle

In June there were two meetings of the Conversation Circle. The topic of the first meeting held June 6th was “Summer Holidays”. People discussed their plans for the summer vacations. Members of the circle also discussed creating of a Conversation Circle blog. The second meeting was held June 20th and was totally devoted to the playing of the table games. It was also a wonderful way to meet others and improved their English-language skills! We had a lot of fun, a lot of laughs.

High school students at the WOA center

On 6 of June we met the high school students from school №10. Summer is the time of vacations and holidays and our center becomes a favorite place of spending free time. Our guests got acquainted with a collection of children's literature in English and they were fond of books which were published by the best publishers of America. They got to know about all the services which are available at the Center. The participants asked many questions concerning Window on America center.The conversation was very lively and positive.

Informative and entertaining meeting

On 5 of June pupils from school №17 visited our Window on America center for the first time. Our meeting was entertaining and informative for the children. Our guests got acquainted with up-to-date language study materials,also board games, our blogs and book trailers. Most of attention was attracted by Kindle and iPads. We invited our guests to come to us to learn, to play and have a good time.

English-Speaking Club

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed: 8.05 Marriage in our life 17.05 Father's Day It was the last time our PCV Arden held the club meeting.Two years ago we were glad to meet Arden and now we were saying good-bye. Arden held meetings of the club every Tuesday and she also organized English courses for beginners.We would like to say, we are very grateful to Arden for what she've done for us! Her job was great! We will miss her!

Welcome to Window on America Center!

For the first time Window on America Center was visited by the high school students from school № 25. They got information about books, movies, about events, clubs and programs. They found out about our coming events and meetings with the Americans, many of them expressed a wish to come here again. In summer we invited them to come to the library to look their favorite cartoons, to read books and magazines, and certainly to play. Our guests had the opportunity to learn about and work with the iPads and Kindle.

Eurasia EducationUSA Fair Circuit 2012

< The Eurasia EducationUSA Fair is a recruitment circuit organized by the EducationUSA Advising Centers in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine – all affiliated with the U.S. Department of State and committed to promoting higher education in the U.S. We have organized and participated in international fairs for many years. We encourage you to take part in a unique recruiting opportunity that will give your institution maximum exposure to highly qualified Eurasian students interested in pursuing studies in the U.S. The Eurasia EducationUSA Fair Circuit 2012 webpage is now available! http://www.educationusa.info/conferences/fairs/eurasia/

Domestic violence

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed: 3.04 The use of minerals 11,18.04 Joint Water Project with Conversation Circle 24.04 Domestic violence. Today we have discussed the problem of domestic violence both in the USA and Ukraine. Domestic violence is a serious social problem. Domestic violence takes many forms and can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. Nearly half of Ukrainian population suffered from domestic violence in their lives, and 30% were subjected to violence in their childhood age. Women more often suffer from domestic violence in their adult life, while men – in their childhood. In the USA domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women.

Conversation Circle Summer Schedule

There will be seven meetings of the Conversation Circle this summer! Hope to see you there! MAY: Wednesday, May 2nd: Picnic on the library lawn Wednesday, May 9th: Picnic on the library lawn JUNE: Wednesday, June 6th Wednesday, June 20th JULY: Wednesday, July 11th Wednesday, July 18th AUGUST: Wednesday, August 1st SEPTEMBER: Weekly meetings resume beginning Wednesday, September 5th.

Conversation Circle

Our meetings in April were devoted to water project. We discussed the importance of water in our lives as well as the impact humans have on our water supply. We learned about the finite nature of the water cycle through a demonstration. It was really effective in showing how little water we really have on our planet, and why it's so important. We learned some specific words related to water pollution, and read a few texts relating to the effects these pollutants have on drinking water and our bodies. We then pretended to test a water sample and made graphs to determine which pollutants were dominant in the sample. We discussed the reasons as to the sources of these pollutants. After this we made predictions about the pollutants we might find when we test our own water, and why. Next week we tested the water and recorded our results and the third phase of our water project, which were the river cleanup and music festival.

Conversation Circle

In March there were two meetings of the Conversation Circle. Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious holiday, was the main topic of the first meeting held on 14 March . Participants discussed its history, customs and traditions, and the way it is celebrated in Ukraine. Today, St. Patrick's Day is probably the most widely celebrated saint's day in the world. During this meeting members of the Circle also played the board game “UNO”.
The second meeting was held on 21 March. At first members of the circle discussed news of the world and expressed their views on the discussed topics. After that they played game “Cinema”.

Benjamin Franklin

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed: 6.03 Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States when the country became independent from Great Britain in 1776 and began a new democracy with a new Constitution. Franklin had many interests, talents, and accomplishments. He was a leading writer and publisher, a philosopher, a politician, a scientist, a musician, an inventor, and was a prominent civic activist promoting unity and the values of democracy.
Today we had a chance to get acquainted with some of his quotes that are famous world-wide. But to read the whole saying we had to do the puzzles.
See what the result was:
- Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.
- Never leave that till to-morrow which you can do to-day.
- A little neglect may breed mischief: for want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost.
13.03 Describe a Perfect Friend

Making an Advertisement

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed:
7.02. Making an advertisement.
Today our club’s participants were the advertising agents who showed their advertising presentations. They offered us new places to visit and to see: cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops. So we got plenty of useful and significant information. All the presentations were really worth seeing!


14.02. St. Valentine’s Day.
21.02. Watching a movie “My Fair Lady”.
28.02. My Working Day

Conversation Circle

In February took place four meetings of the Conversation Circle. During the first meeting held February 1 participants discussed news of different kinds. During the second meeting at February 8 was presented and discussed the process of story writing and was played a table game. On February 15 the members of the circle remembered Whitney Houston, listened to her songs and discussed her life. The second half of the meeting was devoted to the Valentine’s Day celebration, its history and how Ukrainian traditions related with its celebration. The fourth meeting took place on February 22. The members of the club were watching and discussing an American TV-Show, learnt new words and phrases.

Proctoring Exams

On February 29, Sumy WOA center provided proctoring exam to support the goal of lifelong learning for the student of distance learning course of Park University (Missouri, Kansas). Now
Sumy Window on America center offers examination proctoring services.
Proctoring Guidelines
Call our WOA center (0542 22-01-33) to set up a time to take the exam a minimum of one week advance.
Proctoring is available only during the library's open hours, when the staff member responsible for administering the exams is on duty.
Students must make all arrangements with the institution giving the exam. Contact the institution to be sure that WOA center staff proctoring the exam meet criteria set by the institution. Arrange for delivery of the exam. WOA center staff cannot make these arrangements.
The proctor will verify identity of the student through a valid
photo and the name on the identification must match the name on the testing materials.

The proctor will read and follow all instructions from the testing institution. Students must follow all instructions of the WOA center staff regarding the examination. All supplies needed for the exam must be brought by the student.

Exams may be written on paper or taken online. Student or the examining institution must provide postage if the exam is to be returned by mail.

Online exams can be completed using WOA center computers or students may bring their own laptops and connect to our wireless network.
Book early to make sure you can get a proctor for the date and time you want.
Good luck on your exam!

Gaming Day

On February 24, the kids of the orphanage attended WOA center and learned more about board and computer games.
We had a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, learned many new English words, and were glad to spend our Friday with kids! As a result of this success we will be holding a Gaming Day at the WOA center more often.

Studying English

On February 21, more than 40 students and teachers of the Sumy Branch of Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs visited WOA center. We discussed the topic “The importance of studying foreign languages”. We presented online resources for studying English. The students got information about the place where they can get any help concerning the English language study – our Window on America center. Our guests got information about books, DVDs, about events, clubs and programs.
The students who gathered at WOA center really enjoyed this meeting and asked a lot of questions.

Welcome to Window on America Center!

On February 15 we presented resources of Window on America center for students of the Machine Building College.
The students were informed about books, collection of movies on DVD, program Rosetta Stone. Also were shown website and literary blog of the center.
Besides students received information about clubs and courses which work in our department.
Of particular interest was the information about exchange educational programs in the Universities of the USA.
At the end of the presentation the students had the opportunity to learn about and work with the new gadgets such as iPads and Kindle.
The meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) | IREX

Discussion

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed: 17.01 Idioms, 24.01 Playing “Mafia”, 31.01 Discussion.
At our meeting we had discussions in groups and expressed our points of view on some interesting topics:
- how I imagine my life in 20 years;
- if I had a chance what religion I’d like to study;
- if I were an animal what animal I’d like to be;
- if I won one million $ what I would do.

Conversation Circle

In January there were two meetings of the Conversation Circle. The topic of the first meeting held on 11 of January was “Old New Year”. People discussed Ukrainian traditions related with its celebration. Members of the circle also played the “Bean” game.
The second meeting was devoted to the life of Martin Luther King the fighter for the rights of black residents of the United States. The meeting participants discussed in details the ideas and actions of Martin Luther King. They also expressed their views as to his life and the influence of his legacy on the government and citizens of the USA.

Kindle and iPad in the library

On 18 of January our center gave a presentation on “Kindle and iPad in the library” for librarians from Sumy region. Two of the best-selling readers in today’s market Amazon’s Kindle and Apple’s iPad are available thanks to a contribution from the American Embassy in Kiev. While both are ground breaking and very cool technology, they both have their own pros and cons for being used as a reading device. Every person has different reading habits, and each device can be used in different ways to fit into those habits. We demonstrated how to use Kindle and iPad, how to install new application, how to search the library catalog, how to create bookmarks, notes, and highlights, and view the annotations you created on your Kindle.

Christmas Party

Welcome to English-Speaking Club. Last month we had a variety of topics discussed: 6.12 Soul mates.
13.12 American Music.
20.12 Christmas and New Year.

Winter is a wonderful time of holidays and presents. Everybody is in anticipation of marvelous celebration time. On that day waiting for New Year Eve and Christmas to come we shared joy with our volunteer Arden and were lucky to watch Christmas American movie and to have some cookies and sweets.

Conversation Circle

In December 7th and 14th were only two meetings of the Conversation Circle. The topic of the first one was “Hobbies”. People told about their hobbies, why they chose them and how they help them in everyday life. It is very interesting how many different hobbies have people. Some of them doing sports, some like to read, to cook or study foreign languages. Many people like visiting Cinemas and Theatres, some like to sing or dance and even knit. So it is makes no difference what kind of hobbies have people the point is they make them happier. During the second meeting people played special board games for English learners.