The U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Anne Derse, the Azerbaijani Education Minister Misir Mardanov and representatives from U.S. partner countries announced on 22 September on admission of applications for 2007-2008 school year under the U.S.-financed programs on educational exchange programs, Trend reports.
The U.S. Ambassador noted that education abroad affects on a man's life. She reminded of her experience of education in France and noted that during the activities in Azerbaijan she will pay special attention to mutual intergovernmental relationships in the sphere of education. Education takes special role in the development o relationships between the United States and Azerbaijan. In 2007 it is planned to implement new projects, especially, FLEX, for pupils of secondary schools, Students Exchange Programs for students of universities, Maski - for MS holders, Full-Bright for scientists and TEA for English teachers.
Derse noted that since the achievement of independence by Azerbaijan over 1800 teachers and students have studied under the programs in the United States. At present 150 teachers study in the United States. This year it is planned to organize education of students in the similar number.
Along with participation of the Azerbaijani citizens, the diplomat also remarked the importance of the Americans' activities in Azerbaijan. She noted that with respect to teach Azerbaijanis English the U.S. specialists came to Azerbaijan and they are now working in the regions. This year for the first time the U.S. teachers were dispatched to Nakhchivan. Approximately 100 Azerbaijanis will attend the English language courses in the regions.
The U.S Ambassador also informed media representative about the programs on development of libraries in the regions. Several libraries have been opened and the project is implemented with support of the Azerbaijani government.