Christmas and New Year are Coming

There were four meetings of the English-Speaking Club in December. The following topics were discussed:

5.12 – Chocolate

12.12 – Aliens

19.12 – Tattoos

26.12 – Christmas

The meeting was devoted to the discussion of the topic Christmas and New Year.

Our participants got a lot of information about Christmas and New Year around the world and knew many interesting facts about these holidays in different countries. Every guest told about celebration process in their family and shared funny stories about New Year and Christmas. People exchanged views on the topic. It was not only the discussion but a celebration as well.

We had a fun and share laughs!!!

U.S. VICE-CONSUL DISCUSSED STUDENT AND EXCHANGE PROGRAMS AND U.S. VISA APPLICATION PROCEDURES

On December 10, 2015 United States Vice-Consul Scott Milgroom visited Sumy Window on America. He  gave a presentation on U.S. exchange programs, student visas, and the visa application process.  Mr. Milhrum spoke about opportunities to participate in summer programs Summer Work Travel Program and Camp Counselors Program - youth camps in the USA for students to help to improve English language, learn the culture of the Americans, to establish contacts. After the presentation Milgroom Scott talked with the audience and answered all questions.

English-Speaking Club

There were four meetings of the English-Speaking Club in November. The following topics were discussed:

7.11 – Secrets

14.11 – Emotions

21.11 – My favorite film 

The meeting was devoted to the discussion of the topic “My favorite film”. At first members of the Club talked about Ukrainian motion pictures and cinematograph traditions in our country. They remembered famous Ukrainian filmmakers and actors. After that they discussed world’s filmmaking, talked about their favorite motion pictures and actors. Of course there were many different views and different tastes. As usual the discussion went in a good and friendly manner. 

28.11 – Flirting

Music. Genres of music and their influence on society

There was a meeting of English-Speaking Club with Robin Devos on November 17th.
The topic of the meeting was

"Music. Genres of music and their influence on society."
Club members were divided into groups. Each group represented a particular
musical genre telling about social reasons for its emergence, its history
and features.
Robin also told about English-speaking musicians and their role in the world musical industry.
Meetings of "English-Speaking Club" with Robin Devos take place every Tuesday at 17:00.

American Folk Music in Sumy Window on America Center

Sumy Window on America center was happy to welcome the band from the USA “Old Grey Goose International. The group plays traditional American folk music. Musicians sing songs about life, love and labor. They play traditional dancing music and teach people how to dance as well. By means of their performances the group promotes cooperation and mutual understanding between different cultures. Many people visited the concert, listened to fantastic country music, sang songs with musicians and learnt to dance. After the performance people asked questions about American culture and folk music. It was really funny and warm atmosphere during the concert of the band “Old Grey Goose International”.     

 

English Speaking Club

In October five meetings of the English Speaking Club took place. The following topics were discussed:

3.10 - Elections

10.10 – Superstitions

17.10 – Sounds

24.10 – Why do we learn languages?

31.10 – Halloween

This meeting was devoted to the celebration of Halloween. At first Colin told about the history of Halloween and the way it is celebrated in the USA, Australia and European countries. After that the members of the club took part in different contests, charades and other joyful events. The celebration ran in a very joyful and funny manner with a lot of laughs and smiles.    

Welcome to Window on America center!

On 27 of October for the first time Window on America Center was visited by the high school students from school № 9. 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.

U.S. Education Fair

The Fourth U.S. Education Fair in Kyiv, Ukraine will be held
on October 31, 2015 from 15:00 to 18:00 at Ukrainian House (2 Khreshchatyk St., Kyiv)

Organizers: EducationUSA network in Ukraine with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. 

Registration is open at EdUSA.org.ua
Admission is free.

U.S. Education Fair participants:

Kyiv EducationUSA Advising Center
American Councils for International Education

U.S. Embassy
Fulbright Ukraine

WorldWideStudies, Pinchuk Foundation

SEED Grant

American University in Bulgaria
Bentley University
Carnegie Mellon University, Information Networking Institute
Central European University
Coastal Carolina University
College of the Canyons
Drexel University
John Cabot University
Lindenwood University
Minerva Schools at KGI
New York University School of Engineering
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Ohio Northern University College of Law
Saint Francis University
San Diego State University
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
Shoreline Community College
The College of New Jersey
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York
University of Texas School of Law
Western Kentucky University

For further updates please check the event page on Facebook.

Seminar for English Teachers

On 7 of October Window on America center hosted an event for the teachers of English. We carried out presentation about online resources for English teachers. Interactive whiteboard as a language learning tool also became subject of interest to our guests. Leaving many participants said that they "discovered Window on America Center" and are going to return here with their students.

Secondary school students at Window on America center

More than 60 secondary school students visited Window on America center on 5 of October. Children were excited with collection of movies and books, board games in English. They also learnt about exchange educational program FLEX. Many of them expressed a wish to come here on their own.

English for Beginners

The Morning English Speaking Club for beginners is for people who love both English and the process of communication. They learn grammar rules, new words and word combinations, talk to each other and even sing songs. During the last meeting members of the Club sang a song “Yesterday” by Beatles. Meetings of the Club take place twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Grammar Club

Join us at the Window on America Center for English Grammar on  Mondays and Wednesdays, at 5 p.m. to improve your English skills with volunteer Robin.

English Speaking Club

Four meetings of the English Speaking Club took place in September.The following topics were discussed:

5.09 - Summer holidays

It was the first meeting after summer holidays. The members of the Club were glad to meet and discuss the vacation time. At first every one of them told how and where were spent summer months. After that the meeting went on with the exchange views on the following questions: what is good or bad vacation, where to go, personal preferences, company for the vacation and others. As usual the discussion ran in a very joyful and funny manner.

12.09 – Government

19.09 – Holidays

26.09 – The USA                

English Speaking Clubs

Looking for a way to practice your English? Then join us for English Speaking Clubs on Tuesdays,  at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 3p.m.The clubs are free and open to all and is a great way to improve your English skills, meet new people and have fun!

FLEX testing in Sumy‏

American Councils will be conducting its preliminary testing for the Sumy city and region this weekend. Round 1 testing will be hosted at vul. Gerasima Kondratyeva, b. 76, SSH #2 at 09.00 AM Saturday September 26.

To be eligible, students must meet the following requirements:

• Must be born between 01.01.1999 and 15.07.2001
• Enrolled in the 8th, 9th, or 10th grade
• Currently enrolled in an English course
• Must be a Ukrainian citizen
• Must not have been spent three months in the USA within the past five years

English-Speaking Club

There were four meetings of the English-Speaking Club in June. The following topics were discussed:

6.06 – Interactive games

13.06 – Crime and Punishment

20.06 – Food

The meeting was devoted to the discussion of the topic Food. At first members of the Club talked about Ukrainian food and food traditions. Of course they remembered famous Ukrainian borsch. Those who were abroad told about their food experience in those countries. After that they compared their views and tastes. The verdict is there is no bad food, tastes differ. As usual the discussion went in a good and friendly manner.

27.06 – Canteen

English - Speaking Club for beginners

One year passed since English Speaking Club for beginners began to work. People who regularly visit meetings of the Club are mostly retirees. They are motivated by their love of English and the process of communication. Besides some of them have relatives in English speaking countries and it is really a great opportunity for them to increase their level of the knowledge of English. They learn English twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. It is always joy and fun.

Welcome to Window on America Center

 Window on America Center presented its resources and services to teachers and pupils from school №7. We told them about the various new clubs, programs, meetings, events in which they can participate. Also we spoke about center’s book collection. We invited them to special events held at the library over the summer. These are usually fun, exciting and educational.  We hope that visiting Window on America Center motivated our quests in studying the English language.

Interesting facts about the USA

On June 18 junior school pupils visited the American Center for the first time. Children took an active part in our children's project “Game Hour”. The quiz “Interesting facts about the USA” was the final part of our program. Children got little presents from the American Center, learnt new words and phrases in English, learned more facts about the USA. All of them left the Center in the wonderful mood.

English Language Games

On June 17 Window on America center held  event "English Language Games" for pupils of 5-6 forms from Sumy region (Bilopillya).It’s not a secret that the shortest way to knowledge lies through the game, because it brings practical interest, gives visible results and encourages creativity. Games with letters and words opened doors to children in the interesting world of English language. Our guests played with pleasure such games as "Classroom games", "Word search games", "Spelling games", "Memory games", "Sentence monkey".

Gaming Day

Gaming Day continues to be quite popular at Window on America Center! On June 12 this event brought large crowds of young children, challenging everyone to learn new American games, practice their English and play Kinect games! Thank you again for coming and please continue to have fun!

Gaming Day @ Sumy Window on America Center

On June 11 Window on America center hold a varity of gaming activities including board games, Kinect games and interactive online games for learning English. By playing our fun educational games, our guests – teachers and pupils from school № 20  could practice and reviewed key English vocabulary, grammar and sentences without the boredom. Games are great for motivating students to learn English.

The USA Quiz

On June 10,  high school students from school №10 visited our Window on America center for the first time. They were told about activity and resources of the Window on America Center. Kids could not only get the information about book, DVD collections but also played different games and took part in the USA quiz with presents and gifts. We look forward to seeing them at the next time in our WOA center.

English - Speaking Club

There were three meetings of the English-Speaking Club in May. The following topics were discussed:

16.05 – Money

During the meeting was discussed topic “Money”. At first members of the Club talked about Ukrainian money and about foreign currencies on the whole. After that Colin told about Australian money and compared it with other currencies. Besides people exchanged views on how one can earn money and where to get the right job. There were different points of view and different explanations. As usual the discussion took place in good and friendly manner.

23.05 – Dominance of men in Ukraine

30.05 – Words with letters “O”, “U”, “G” and “H”                                  

What do you know about the USA?

On 5 of June we met school students from school №15. We told them about the center, about books and magazines, movies and board games from our collection, about interesting events. The quiz "What do you know about the USA" arose great interest among the students. They answered questions  about the history of the Statue of Liberty and the White House, the U.S. national holidays and creation of the state flag. The kids were pleased to participate in joyful and informative competitions and got our presents.

The tours for kids

On 4 of June Window on America center run two tours for school students  of the 5th and 9th forms of the school №10  and the tour for the children of the 6-8^th  forms from the school № 6.  We told about services and resources for studying English. Our guests got acquainted with a collection of the board games. Most of attention was attracted by iPads and Xbox. We invited our guests to come to us to learn, to play and have a good time.

16th Annual American Studies Summer Institute Promoting Transparent and Accountable Academic Leadership

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is pleased to announce the 16th American Studies Summer Institute, “Promoting Transparent and Accountable Academic Leadership,” that will focus on academic integrity and good governance.  This event will take place at the U.S. Embassy’s new American  center “America House” in Kyiv from June 3-5, 2015.  University lecturers, researchers, NGO leaders, lawyers, and journalists from throughout Ukraine are invited to apply.  Participants will be selected on a competitive basis.
http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/programs-grants/current-programs-and-grants.html

Conversation Circle

Join us at the Window on America Center for Conversation Circle on Wednesdays, at 5 p.m. to improve your English skills with volunteer Robin.

English - Speaking Club

Welcome to the English-Speaking Club! Many interesting topics were discussed In April:

4. 04 – Letter “W” and “V” in words

11.04 – Easter

This meeting was entirely devoted to the discussion of the Easter celebration. At first Colin told when and how it is celebrated in different English speaking countries. After that, members of the club explained how Easter is celebrated in Ukraine. Together they discussed, compared and found common and different ways in its celebration. Of course they congratulated each other with the Easter.      

18.04 – Game of words

25.04 – Similar words              

Innovations in library

Seminar for librarians took place in the Sumy Oblast Research Library on April, 23. Window on America center presented innovative services. We spoke about e books, Kindle, iPads, foot counter, social media, games days, projects for displaced people. Positive and friendly atmosphere, given by our center, was supported by 19 librarians gathered from all over Sumy region. There was especially interesting for librarians in the center. Everyone could participate in playing Kinect games.

Popular American board games

On April 3 Sumy Window on America Center run tour for 47 schoolchildren aged 12-15. We conduct library orientation tour to introduce our guests to our library facilities, services and collections. In our center we introduced children to popular American board games such as Scrabble, Taboo, GEO puzzles. Kids had fun with iPads, board and Kinect games.

Games Hours

Dear patrons!

We’re excited to welcome you to our Window on America Center on Sundays! Starting at 2 p.m. you will have a chance to play popular board games and spend great time, having fun! Looking forward to seeing you!

Teachers from Sumy region visited Window on America Center

  On 2 of April Sumy Window on America Center presented its resources and services to English teachers. We told in details about center resources: book collection, magazine, board games and video collections, about the various new programs, in which they can participate with their students. Also we gave presentation on online resources for English teachers. We would like to thank all the teachers who came to the Window on America Center for their interest and support.

English-Speaking Club

Welcome to the English-Speaking Club! Many interesting topics were discussed In March:

7.03 – Body Language.

 

14.03 – Ecological Food.

A very interesting theme concerning ecological food was discussed during this meeting.  What is ecological food and what is the way it can influence our body, brain and spirits? What forms our eating habits? What kinds of food are delicious or tasteless for us? These and other questions were asked and answered by members of the Club. Discussion ran in very joyful and funny manner.

 

21.03 – Words starting with letters “B” and “O”.

 

28.03 – Letter “W” in words.

Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program

The U.S. Department of State and IREX announce an open competition for a Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program, a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State that will bring outstanding secondary-level school teachers to the U.S. for a professional development opportunity. TEA seeks to:

 Enhance teachers’ expertise in their teaching discipline and equip them with a deeper understanding of best practices in teaching methods, lesson planning, and instructional technology

 Create among educators a more nuanced understanding of the U.S.

 Develop productive and lasting relationships and mutual understanding between U.S. and international teachers and their students.

 Contribute to improving teaching in participating countries by preparing participants to serve as teacher leaders who, upon returning home, will apply and share their experience and skills with their peers and students.

ELIGIBLE TEACHING DISCIPLINES FOR TEA ARE:

 English or English as a Foreign Language,

 Social Studies (social studies, civics, history, geography, etc.)

 Mathematics

 Science

 Special Education teachers in the disciplines listed above

You can obtain and submit applications before March 27, 2015 to:

Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy (TEA Program), 4, Aircraft Designer Ihor Sikorsky Street, Kyiv, Ukraine 04112 AND TEAKyiv@state.gov

To apply online, please visit out implementing partner, IREX:

https://www.irex.org/application/teaching-excellence-and-achievement-program-tea-international-teacher-application/

More information is below, the application is available at: http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/

English with Robin

   English speaking Club for beginners began to work in February. It is headed by Robin Devos, volunteer from Belgium. Many people take part in meetings of the Club. They discuss different topics, exchange views, watch videos etc. Robin takes into account level of knowledge of English to make the lessons interesting and useful. The aim of the Wednesdays’ meetings is to develop the conversational skills of English.    

English Grammar Club

 English Grammar Club began to work In February. It is headed by Robin Devos, volunteer from Belgium.  Robin has a very good knowledge of English and agreed to head an English Grammar Club. During the Tuesdays’ meetings members of the Club learn and repeat the rules of English Grammar and find out different features of English usage as well.  

English - Speaking Club

Welcome to the English-Speaking Club! Many interesting topics were discussed In February:

7.02 – Employment interview.

14.02 – St. Valentine’s Day.

   Every February, 14, flowers, and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint and why do we celebrate this holiday?

During the meeting members of the Club remembered the history of this celebration, how it all began and why. After that they exchanged views on habits to celebrate it in Ukraine and in different countries of the world especially in English speaking ones. Certainly Colin gave much more detailed information about the way it is celebrated in his family. As usual It was very useful and   

joyful.

21.02 – Words starting with letter “F”.

28.02 – Role Playing.

Welcome to Window on America center!

On February 27 Sumy Window on America Center presented its resources and services to 16 Ukrainian language teachers. We told the teachers about the various new clubs, programs, meetings, events in which they can participate with their schoolchildren. There are many services, programs and resources available to help instill a love for learning and reading in children in our center. We hope that visiting Window on America Center motivated our quests in studying the English language.

English Grammar Club

Join us every Tuesday and learn all about English Grammar.

English Grammar Club is for anyone who wants to learn English.  English Grammar Club is for students of any age.  It is an open discussion about English Grammar Rules and how to Speak Great English. 

English Grammar Club is a great way for anyone to learn new grammar and to refresh grammar learned in the past.  Bring a friend or family member. Minimum English Level should be Elementary, but everyone is invited.

Education USA

 On February, 10 the presentation “Study in the U.S. Here is your Opportunity” was given by Bulgakova Nataliya, the director of EducationUSA Center (Kharkiv) for 50 students of Sumy Branch Kharkiv National University of Internal Affairs. During the presentation our participants knew about Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) and Opportunity Funding Program, which support talented foreign students, allow future leaders to study in the United States in order to improve knowledge and to learn about US culture and traditions.

Role Playing

Welcome to the English-Speaking Club! Many interesting topics were discussed in January:

10.01 and 17.01 – Role Playing

The first two meetings of the Club were devoted to the role playing. Members of the Club were divided into pairs and some of them in groups of three. The goal of each group was to represent in acting manner the prearranged situation. Colin beforehand prepared cheerful scenes and assigned roles. After a little preparation people showed their scenes. There was a storm of applause and laughter. After that a cheerful discussion took place.

24.01 – Australia Day

31.01 - Motivation

English Teachers in Sumy WOA

   On January 15, 20 English teachers from Sumy and Sumy region attended a meeting at the Sumy Window on America Center. We told the teachers about the resources of the American Center, which were designed to help them in their work, spoke about the various new programs of the Center.  Also we gave presentation on online resources for English teachers. At the center of attention was elibraryUSA. Magazines on teaching foreign languages and teaching materials also became subjects of interest to our guests.