🌍 As part of the Faculty Enrichment Program (FEP) three university instructors from Uzbekistan — Kudrat Ibragimov, Zebo Kuldasheva, and Sardor Surmanov — are spending a semester at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

Their time at Gonzaga has been both inspiring and transformative. Immersed in the university’s collaborative environment, they are engaging in research, attending workshops, giving presentations, and exchanging ideas across the fields of Education, Business Administration, and Arts and Sciences. Each new experience is helping them discover innovative teaching methods and approaches to bring back to their home institutions in Uzbekistan.

🤝 Beyond their academic work, the fellows have embraced life on campus and in the Spokane community, forming lasting friendships and cultural connections that extend far beyond the classroom.

These experiences capture the spirit of the Faculty Enrichment Program, which supports the professional growth of higher education faculty by fostering international academic exchange and collaboration.

The Faculty Enrichment Program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and supports the professional growth of higher education faculty by fostering international academic exchange and collaboration.

Stay tuned as we continue to highlight more stories from Uzbek FEP fellows and their experiences at U.S. universities! 🇺🇸🇺🇿

#FEP #ExchangePrograms

🌍 Uzbek Delegate Explores Civic Engagement in the U.S. through the Open World Program

From October 15–27, Umid Rajabov traveled to the United States as part of the Central Asian Delegation on Local Legislators through the Open World Program, visiting Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee, Wisconsin to engage in events focused on governance, civic engagement, and community development.

In Milwaukee, the delegate connected with the Rotary Club, toured the library network, Harley-Davidson Museum, and the city’s environmental center, gaining insights into local politics, economic development, and sustainability practices.

The participant also observed budget discussions and the work of the Milwaukee Election Commission, attending meetings with active citizen participation. Meetings with Milwaukee Turners and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) offered deeper understanding of social projects, serving vulnerable populations, and environmental resource management.

🇺🇸🇺🇿 This experience highlights the impact of cross-cultural exchange, leadership development, and civic engagement, and the participant looks forward to applying these insights to benefit communities in Uzbekistan.

The Open World Program is funded by the U.S. Congress and administered by the Congressional Office for International Leadership in cooperation with American Councils for International Education.

#OpenWorld #ExchangePrograms

🌍 Three distinguished university instructors from Uzbekistan, Dr. Nozimjon Ataboyev, Dr. Bekzod Faziyev, and Mr. Bunyod Mamadaliyev, are currently pursuing research fellowships at Iowa State University as part of the Faculty Enrichment Program (FEP).

Hosted by the Department of English, Department of Mathematics, and Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, the fellows are actively engaging in academic collaboration, joint research, and classroom observations, contributing their expertise and perspectives from Uzbekistan’s higher education context. They are also making use of the renowned W. Robert and Ellen Sorge Parks Library, a cornerstone of the Iowa State University campus, to explore modern scientific issues and access cutting-edge academic resources.

🤝 Through these professional and academic exchanges, the fellows are expanding their knowledge and skills while sharing their insights with U.S. faculty and students, strengthening mutual understanding and academic cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United States. As part of their research stay, they also visited Des Moines, Iowa, and traveled to other U.S. states to watch Labor Day fireworks in Ohio, view Niagara Falls in New York, and explore Chicago, Illinois, gaining cultural and personal experiences.

The Faculty Enrichment Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by American Councils for International Education, supports the professional growth of higher education faculty by fostering international academic exchange and collaboration.

Stay tuned for more stories from Uzbek FEP fellows and their experiences at U.S. universities! 🇺🇸🇺🇿

#FEP #ExchangePrograms

🌍 As part of the Faculty Enrichment Program (FEP), three distinguished university instructors from Uzbekistan, Dr. Gulrukh Yusupova, Dr. Sitorabegim Mukhamedjanova, and Mr. Sultan Kenesbayev, are currently pursuing research fellowships at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. During their time at the university, they have explored student and faculty support services, observed Education and English classes, participated in conferences and workshops, and built strong professional connections with U.S. faculty.

On November 7, 2025, the fellows proudly represented Uzbekistan at the “Tour of the Globe” event held at the Jim D. Morris Center. Guests enjoyed learning about Uzbek culture, traditions, and hospitality, and tasted the traditional dish Palov. The event was attended by over 500 faculty, students, and local community members.

Sultan Kenesbayev shared, "Observing classes and participating in the Model United Nations Conference has greatly enhanced my professional knowledge. Beyond academics, attending football and basketball games added a fun and cultural dimension to our experience."

🤝 Through these experiences, the fellows are gaining insights into student engagement, university services, and professional development, which they plan to implement at universities in Uzbekistan, strengthening student-centered learning and educational quality.

The Faculty Enrichment Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by American Councils for International Education, supports the professional growth of higher education faculty by fostering international academic exchange and collaboration.

Stay tuned for more stories from Uzbek FEP fellows and their experiences at U.S. universities! 🇺🇸🇺🇿

#FEP #ExchangePrograms

🌍 As part of the Faculty Enrichment Program (FEP), Dr. Ravshanbek Mavlonov is currently pursuing his research fellowship at Michigan State University. During his stay, he is actively engaging with the university’s academic community, exploring interdisciplinary approaches, and strengthening professional connections in his field.

Dr. Mavlonov attended a meeting organized by the Center for European and Eurasian Studies (CEES), an interdisciplinary hub that unites scholars and students working on Europe and Eurasia. During this event, he met Professor Volodymyr Tarabara, the Director of CEES, and subsequently became a member of the Center’s academic community, which allows him to participate in its scholarly discussions, collaborative initiatives, and research-oriented events. This involvement provides valuable networking opportunities and deepens his understanding of political, cultural, and socio-economic developments across the region.

In addition, Dr. Mavlonov has been working closely with Professor Venkatesh Kodur, his mentor and a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University. He has discussed current research and explored opportunities for potential future collaboration, further enhancing his professional growth.

The Faculty Enrichment Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by American Councils for International Education, supports the professional growth of higher education faculty through international academic exchange and collaboration.

Stay tuned for more stories from Uzbek FEP fellows and their experiences at U.S. universities! 🇺🇸🇺🇿

#FEP #ExchangePrograms