U.S.-Central Asia Education Foundation

Begaiym Buzurmankulova has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership across various roles. As a Camp Counselor at a winter camp organized by United Network, she hosted educational sessions for SAPAT Lyceum students, including mock interviews, debates, and motivational essay writing, preparing them for academic and professional success.

During the past two academic years, Begaiym worked as a Peer Advisor in the Academic Advising Office of AUCA, assisting freshmen and sophomores with course registration and conducting workshops. This role allowed her to support new students in navigating their early university years. She also led the "Art Club" to support student wellness through creative activities, reducing stress and boosting productivity.

For over two years, Begaiym has coordinated the Tech Youth Program, guiding high school students through the university application process. Her efforts have led to significant scholarship successes, and she continues to mentor students with the help of U.S.-CAEF members Erbol Isaev, Tokhirzhon Tashmatov, Ainur Kutmanova, Baktygul Tazhamatova, Anastasiia Pak, and Kanaiym Ishenbek, aiming for further admissions into prestigious programs.

Currently, Begaiym is interning as a back-end developer at the Timely Skills educational-practical program, where she collaborates with professionals on real projects, enhancing her technical and soft skills.

Begaiym's achievements reflect her commitment to education, student support, and personal growth, making a lasting impact on her community.

Senior Fellow Farukh Farkhatov has been honored with the Career Center Award at AUCA. Farukh has made a significant impact by helping Fellows and other students secure internships and employment opportunities. Congratulations, Farukh, on this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication and support have been invaluable, and we look forward to seeing your continued success in all your future endeavors.

We are excited to celebrate Oybek Turaev, the recipient of the Advocate of Change Award from AUCA. Oybek has made a significant impact both on campus and beyond through his projects that promote leadership, cybersecurity, professional development, and camaraderie among youth from diverse backgrounds and cultures. His dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive community is truly inspiring. Congratulations, Oybek, on this award! Your innovative initiatives and unwavering commitment are making a lasting difference.

Temirlan Utegulov from Kazakhstan and Danil Bondarets from Kyrgyzstan have been awarded the Highest GPA Awards by the U.S.-CAEF Board of Directors. This prestigious recognition celebrates their exceptional academic performance and dedication to excellence. Congratulations to Temirlan and Danil for their outstanding achievements!

The recent U.S.-CAEF alumni reunions and meetings with board members, Margaret Grieve and Mary Ginsberg, in Almaty, Bishkek, and Tashkent were a poignant celebration of community and achievement. Graduates from KIMEP University and AUCA, spanning cohorts from 2011 to 2023, gathered to reconnect and share their journeys. These events were not just about reminiscing old times but also about recognizing the remarkable contributions these alumni have made to Central Asia's economy and business landscape.

The directors were overwhelmed with joy and pride, witnessing firsthand the tangible impacts of their alumni's work. They saw young professionals who have become key players in various industries, driving innovation and growth across the region. The reunions were filled with heartfelt conversations, inspiring stories of success, and a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie.

For the alumni, it was a precious opportunity to catch up, exchange ideas, and celebrate their collective achievements. For the directors, it was a powerful reminder of the lasting legacy and positive influence of the U.S.-CAEF program. Together, they reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a brighter future for Central Asia.

U.S.-CAEF Fellows have excelled at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), earning top honors for their exceptional thesis work. Here are the highlights of their achievements:

Aikokul Tashpulatova, from AUCA's Software Engineering Department, was awarded the Best Thesis Award of the Year. Her thesis, "Skeleton-based Computer Vision Model for Isolated Russian Sign Language Recognition," presents innovative advancements in computer vision technology, showcasing its potential to transform communication for the hearing-impaired community.

Samar Kanatov, from the Economics Department, earned the Second Best Thesis Award of the Year for his insightful research on "The Impact of Remittances on the Energy Transition of Households in Kyrgyzstan." His work sheds light on the significant role remittances play in driving sustainable energy practices among Kyrgyz households, highlighting a critical aspect of economic development in the region.

Fellows Fotima Mirzoeva and Lola Mardinaeva from Tajikistan jointly received the Best Thesis Award in the Business Administration Department for their collaborative thesis titled "Factors Influencing Mobile Banking Adoption in the Chuy Region." Their study provides valuable insights into the adoption of mobile banking, which is crucial for enhancing financial inclusion and economic growth in the region.

Begimai Azizbekova was honored with the Best Thesis Award from the Economics Department for her thesis, "The Impact of Remittances on Health Outcomes of Children Left Behind in Kyrgyzstan." Her research highlights the critical connection between remittances and the health and well-being of children in migrant households, offering essential policy implications for improving children's health outcomes.

These awards underscore the exceptional talent and dedication of U.S.-CAEF Fellows, who continue to contribute valuable knowledge and innovative solutions to their fields. Congratulations to Aikokul, Samar, Fotima, Lola, and Begimai for their outstanding achievements and for making a lasting impact through their research!

We're excited to share that Oybek Turaev from Uzbekistan, has been awarded an Honorable Mention for the esteemed Steven F. Shea Excellence Award 2024. He has demonstrated remarkable growth across academic, professional, and personal realms, while also leaving a lasting impact on his campus and broader community.

Oybek, an exceptional Software Engineering major, has excelled academically as a President's and Dean’s List honoree. He's also been recognized in Uzbekistan's "Talented Compatriots" Stipend Program and has participated as a finalist in prestigious international programs such as the OSUN Mobility Exchange and the London Critical Theory Summer School. Oybek's leadership shines through various roles, including as an OSUN Global Engagement Fellow, Civic Engagement Rising Voice Podcast Team Leader, and AUCA's Head of Resident Assistants. His commitment to civic engagement is evident in managing a $5,000 budget for the C5+1 Youth Council, leading the Capstone Project on Afghan Migration in Kyrgyzstan, and contributing to the Everest International Model United Nations. Most recently, Oybek was awarded a full scholarship from the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program in Cybersecurity.

Established by the Foundation in May 2015, the Steven F. Shea Excellence Award is presented annually to the most outstanding graduating fellows in recognition of their significant academic and professional achievements, service to the community, and active commitment to the development of Central Asia. The award commemorates Mr. Steven F. Shea, a founding director and the first chair of the U.S.-CAEF board of directors.

We're immensely proud of your accomplishments, Oybek, and eagerly anticipate the remarkable achievements you'll attain in the future!

We're excited to share that Aizana Arslanbekova, hailing from Kyrgyzstan, has been awarded an Honorable Mention for the esteemed Steven F. Shea Excellence Award 2024. This acknowledgment underscores Aizana's remarkable commitment, diligence, and remarkable contributions to her communities!

Aizana, a standout Business Administration major and the driving force behind two startups, "WENSEN" and "ADVENTOUR," has showcased adaptable leadership within the business sphere. She proudly represented Kyrgyzstan at EXPO - 2023 and showcased her entrepreneurial flair at a Parisian fashion exhibition organized by the "Eurasian Business Club." Moreover, her innovative prowess led her to clinch third place in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)'s "EqualityTech" Hackathon in 2023. Aizana's journey of impact and her significant contributions rightfully earn her this honorable mention recognition.

Established by the Foundation in May 2015, the Steven F. Shea Excellence Award is presented annually to the most outstanding graduating fellows in recognition of their significant academic and professional achievements, service to the community, and active commitment to the development of Central Asia. The award commemorates Mr. Steven F. Shea, a founding director and the first chair of the U.S.-CAEF board of directors.

Congratulations to Aizana on her remarkable achievement! We're proud of her and excited for what she'll do next.

We are thrilled to present the U.S.-CAEF Graduation Book 2024! This special edition celebrates the remarkable achievements of our U.S.-CAEF Fellows during their time at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), where they share their inspiring stories in their own words.

The Class of 2024 has set a new standard of excellence, with our graduating fellows sweeping multiple awards for academic honors, best thesis, and civic engagement. We are particularly proud to highlight Danil Bondarets, a Business Administration major, who has been named Valedictorian of the Class of 2024—marking the fifth time a U.S.-CAEF Fellow has achieved this honor.

In the Business Administration department, where Latin honors are awarded, nearly all honorees were U.S.-CAEF Fellows. Across the departments of Business Administration, Economics, and Software Engineering, our fellows secured all Best Thesis departmental and university-wide awards. This outstanding performance fills us with immense pride.

We owe a great debt of gratitude to the U.S. Department of State, the people of the United States, the U.S. Embassy of Kyrgyzstan, the U.S.-CAEF founders, and the Fellows' families. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in making these achievements possible.

As our fellows embark on their next adventures, we wish them boundless success and fulfillment in their future endeavors. May they continue to inspire, lead, and make a positive impact on the world. Congratulations to all our Fellows on their exceptional accomplishments!

To view the book, check our website https://uscaef.org/

We are thrilled to announce that Lola Mardinaeva from Tajikistan has received an Honorable Mention for the prestigious Steven F. Shea Excellence Award 2024. This recognition highlights Lola's outstanding dedication, hard work, and exceptional contributions to her communities!

Lola, a Business Administration major, has achieved remarkable milestones during her academic journey at AUCA. She earned a place on the Dean's List in 2021 and 2022, and has graduated from AUCA cm laude. In Spring 2023, Lola expanded her horizons by studying at Central European University in Austria with a scholarship from the Open Society Universities Network. Passionate about social causes, she co-created the film project "Tekosin" in Vienna, focusing on migrant experiences.

Lola's leadership and service extend beyond academics. She served as the President of the U.S.-CAEF Student Association, interned at Accelerate Prosperity, and actively contributed to community projects in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Additionally, she supported youth empowerment and held leadership roles within Enactus.

Established by the Foundation in May 2015, the Steven F. Shea Excellence Award is presented annually to the most outstanding graduating fellows in recognition of their significant academic and professional achievements, service to the community, and active commitment to the development of Central Asia. The award commemorates Mr. Steven F. Shea, a founding director and the first chair of the U.S.-CAEF board of directors.

Please join us in congratulating Lola on this remarkable achievement. We are incredibly proud of her and look forward to her continued success and future contributions.

The U.S.-CAEF community is immensely proud of Danil Bondarets' achievements as AUCA Valedictorian 2024! In his speech, Danil expressed profound gratitude to the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, the U.S.-CAEF founders and American Councils for their pivotal roles in his success. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Danil for a bright and successful future! 🎉

🎓🌟 Congratulations, Graduates! 🌟🎓

To our Fellows,

Your hard work, determination, and passion have brought you to this moment, and we couldn't be happier for you.

It's remarkable to think that you began this journey amidst the challenges of a world turned upside down by COVID-19. Despite an unusual start to your college life, you persevered, adapting to new ways of learning and connecting with grace.

This journey may have had its challenges, but you faced them head-on, with resilience and courage. You've not only earned your diploma but also our deepest respect and admiration.

As you step into the next chapter of your lives, know that you carry with you the support and belief of everyone who has been part of your journey. Your future is bright, and we can't wait to see the incredible things you'll achieve.

Congratulations once again! We're cheering for you every step of the way. ❤

Senior Fellow Olim Daliev from Uzbekistan, co-leader of the Youth Towards Leadership project, shared the success of an enriching experience in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan, held on May 4-5. Hosted by the C5+1 Youth Council, this initiative brought together English-speaking students from Central Asia and Afghanistan to enhance their leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

The workshop featured esteemed speakers, who discussed topics from economic development and education to climate change and business planning. These sessions inspired participants to think critically about their communities' challenges.

A key component of the workshop was the interactive sessions on Sustainable Development Goals, leading to a competition where students presented business plans. The best proposal received a micro-grant to help realize their vision.

Olim commended the teamwork of C5+1 Youth Council alumni and members, coordinated by Dilshod Norov, for the seamless ex*****on of the project. The support from the American University of Central Asia and the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic was crucial to the event's success. This workshop marks a significant step in empowering the youth of Central Asia. Way to go, Olim!

🚀 Exciting News from Kobiljon Mukhammadov! 🚀
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Shaginay Pallaeva is excited to share her experience with the OSUN Student Mobility Program in Lithuania for Spring 2024 at European Humanities University (EHU).

When Shaginay started her exchange program in Lithuania, she felt both excited and a bit nervous. From the moment she arrived, she felt welcomed by the local students and professors who were very kind to her.

Shaginay quickly adapted to life in Lithuania, enjoying the culture and traditions. She made friends with other exchange students and locals, explored the historic city of Vilnius, and enjoyed the delicious traditional Lithuanian food. Every day brought new adventures and discoveries.

One of the best parts of her exchange was the personal growth she experienced. Living in a foreign country pushed Shaginay out of her comfort zone and taught her to be independent and open-minded. Along with some students from her Civic Engagement course, she worked on a project to eliminate discrimination against people with HIV+. The project was successful, attracting new volunteers.

By the end of the program, Shaginay had made lifelong friends, unforgettable memories, and had a deep appreciation for diversity. Her time in Lithuania was not just about exploring a new place but also about discovering herself and growing as a person. It was a life-changing experience that she will always cherish.

Arystan Moldabekov, an alumnus of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program and the U.S.-Central Asia Education Foundation's Enterprise Student Fellowship Program, has been honored as the Best Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Year by the Kazakhstan Growth Forum. Mr. Moldabekov has served as the CFO of Citibank Kazakhstan since 2022, and his achievements were celebrated at the CFO Summit 2024, a gathering of Kazakhstan's leading financiers and economists.
American Councils for International Education takes pride in recognizing Mr.
Moldabekov's accomplishments as part of its
"50 Alumni for 50 Years" initiative. American Councils had the privilege of discussing Mr.
Moldabekov's academic and professional successes and how his involvement in international education programs was pivotal to his development.
The organization is proud to count individuals among its alumni like Mr. Moldabekov, who use their international education to advance the business landscape in their home countries. Mr. Moldabekov embodies the enduring global impact of internationall education.

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

We are thrilled to announce that our senior Fellow from Uzbekistan, Oybek Turaev, has been accepted into the prestigious Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Program in Cybersecurity, CYBERUS. This top-tier program in the EU selects 30 global talents each year to study the latest advancements in cybersecurity with cutting-edge technology. Congratulations, Oybek!

Here’s what Oybek shared about his experience:

"Last year, as a junior, I discovered this amazing program. Despite my limited professional experience, I earned the Security+ certificate from CompTIA to strengthen my application. Out of 1367 applicants, only 118 were interviewed, and I’m honored to be one of the 30 selected!

The program kicks off in France with advanced courses in cybersecurity fundamentals, followed by a winter school in Estonia, home to the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence. I'll specialize in software security, studying in Luxembourg for the third semester. The final five months include an industry-based internship anywhere in the world. Plus, I'll learn French and gain entrepreneurship skills!

To make this happen, I received incredible support and suggestions during my essay review and interview preparation from my friends, professors at AUCA, alumni of the U.S.-CAEF Program, and mentors from Logos Company. I will be forever grateful!

Thank you all for your support and advice. Exciting times ahead!"
🚀✨

Bermet Sultangazieva had an enriching experience at the ACM New York Celebration of Women in Computing on April 12-13, during her exchange semester. With around 150 participants from various colleges in New York State and over 25 countries, the event showcased remarkable diversity.

Over two days, Bermet engaged in workshops, seminars, and panels covering a range of topics, including research talks and discussions on career paths. She connected with recruiters, graduate school admissions teams, and STEM leaders, gaining valuable insights into career opportunities and the admission process.

Bermet found inspiration in the stories of women succeeding in STEM fields, and she left the event motivated and equipped for her future endeavors.

Recently, Aliakbar Azizzoda attened the New York University Model United Nations (MUN) Conference as a delegate representing Bard College's MUN club, where he is completing his exchange semester. Aliakbar shared that this experience enriched his understanding of international diplomacy and decision-making.

The committee sessions proved to be both intense and intellectually stimulating, as delegates navigated the intricate political landscape of the Philippines during a pivotal era in its history.

Throughout the conference, Aliakbar gained invaluable insights into the importance of empathy and the significance of understanding diverse perspectives. Witnessing firsthand how policy decisions are shaped by a myriad of stakeholders, including political figures, educators, and cultural leaders, was a truly enlightening experience. This encounter deepened Aliakbar's appreciation for the complexities of government policy and its profound impact on society.

Aliakbar's experience not only sharpened his skills in diplomacy, critical thinking, and leadership but also reaffirmed his dedication to pursuing a career focused on effecting meaningful change through education and cultural initiatives.

Since April 1, junior Fellow Kanaiym has been making significant contributions at EPAM Systems Kyrgyzstan, shaping talent acquisition strategies, leading diversity initiatives, and promoting sustainability campaigns.

Kanaiym has not only embraced but excelled in her role, gaining valuable insights into industry standards while enhancing her communication and problem-solving skills. Her dedication to EPAM's goals of fostering inclusivity and promoting sustainable practices is commendable.

Keep up the great work, Kanaiym! We're excited to see what you do next at EPAM!

EPAM Kyrgyzstan is a leading provider of technology solutions, serving global clients with innovative projects. Established in 2022, the Bishkek office is at the forefront of solving complex technology challenges, offering opportunities for professionals and young specialists alike to thrive.

🌟 🎓 Today, our hearts are filled with pride as we celebrate Sevara Tadzhibaeva's acceptance to Harvard University! 🎓

Sevara, your journey from AUCA to this incredible opportunity at Harvard is truly inspiring. Your hard work and dedication have paid off in the most heartwarming way.

Joining the Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology program at Harvard Graduate School of Education is a testament to your passion for learning and your commitment to making a difference.

We want you to know how much you mean to us at U.S.-CAEF. Your contributions, especially in building the Alumni Association, have been invaluable.

Sevara, as you embark on this new chapter, know that we are here cheering you on every step of the way. Your U.S.-CAEF family is incredibly proud of you and can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll accomplish. Congratulations, Sevara! 🎉🌟

Undertaking her exchange semester at Central European University (CEU) in Vienna through the OSUN Mobility program, Ainur Kutmanova has had a remarkable international experience. CEU stands out as one of the most internationally diverse universities globally, offering her a vibrant multicultural environment.

Immersing herself in this diverse setting, she has gained a deeper appreciation for various cultures and broadened her perspectives. Interacting with students and faculty from around the world has been enlightening and enriching for her academic and personal growth.

A highlight of Ainur's time at CEU was participating in the Intercultural Festival. Alongside Aiturgan Noiabidinova, her peer U.S.-CAEF fellow, she proudly represented Kyrgyzstan by showcasing their national cuisine and traditional attire. This experience allowed her to share her cultural heritage while also learning from others, making her exchange semester truly memorable.

Temirlan Utegulov recently took part in the Business Case Championship on April 6th, joining a team of Business Administration students from AUCA. The "Crack It" event brought together over 300 students from Kazakhstan and neighboring countries, including Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

Although his team didn't secure the victory, the overall experience was both enriching and insightful for Temirlan. While tackling the case studies, he had the opportunity to engage with new people, hone his critical thinking skills, and delve into a new area for him: marketing. The primary challenge of the competition was to devise a marketing strategy for a local premium women's clothing brand, offering Temirlan a fresh perspective on various business domains.

Tazarfbegim Shovalieva from Tajikistan shares her exciting experience studying abroad through the OSUN Student Mobility Programs in Taiwan for Spring 2024. She successfully secured a semester at the National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) after putting in hard work and dedication.

Taiwan welcomed Tazarfbegim with its beautiful scenery and friendly people. NSYSU has outstanding faculty who enhance her learning. What makes this semester special are the field trips to Taiwanese companies, providing valuable insights and sparking innovative ideas. At the Cultural Festival, Tazarfbegim proudly showcased the traditional Pamiri dance from her culture. The university staff appreciated the diversity she brought to the event. Performing at the Cultural Festival boosted her confidence and reinforced the importance of embracing cultural identity while valuing diversity.

Tazarfbegim has formed friendships with students worldwide, exchanging knowledge and cultural experiences. This experience has broadened her perspective, improved her communication skills, and deepened her understanding of international business practices. Overall, her semester in Taiwan has enriched her academically and personally, igniting a passion for cultural exchange and global engagement.

Mehrona's exchange semester at the American University of Bulgaria (AUBG) through the OSUN Mobility program has been transformative. Located amidst Bulgaria's scenic mountains, AUBG's campus provided a serene backdrop for her studies, allowing her to immerse herself fully without feeling homesick.

At AUBG, Mehrona benefited from experiential learning, engaging in collaborative projects that honed her analytical and strategic skills. She also gained insights into Bulgarian culture and market trends through excursions led by AUCA Professor Angelina Popova.

Overall, Mehrona's time at AUBG has broadened her understanding of marketing and fostered essential skills in collaboration and cultural awareness. She extends her gratitude to the AUCA Osun Mobility Program and U.S.-CAEF for this enriching opportunity.

Aikokul Tashpulatova has been busy with exciting projects lately, blending her university studies with hands-on learning in AI and computer vision. She's created two models for image classification: one sorts coffee beans into categories like dark and light, and the other identifies different cereal crops like wheat and barley.

Currently, Aikokul is working on a segmentation project, aiming to separate objects from backgrounds in images. These projects not only improve her technical skills but also deepen her understanding of AI applications in the real world. Aikokul's dedication to learning and innovation in AI and computer vision is clearly evident in her ongoing work. Keep up the fantastic work, Aikokul!

Eager to immerse herself in a new academic environment, Aiturgan Noiabiddinova seized the opportunity offered by the Open Society University Network (OSUN) mobility program, landing at the prestigious Central European University (CEU) in Vienna for the spring semester.

CEU's esteemed faculty and engaging courses in economics, politics, and philosophy perfectly complemented Aiturgan's academic interests, thanks in part to the solid preparation she received at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA). Beyond the classroom, Aiturgan found herself amidst a vibrant community of international peers, each contributing unique perspectives and experiences. Her participation in an intercultural festival, proudly representing her university and country, stands out as a highlight of her exchange experience.

Grateful for the support from U.S.-CAEF, Aiturgan reflects on her journey with profound appreciation for the opportunities that have empowered her growth and development.

On March 23-24, a financial literacy project was conducted for 20 high school and university students in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan. Tajikistan fellows Lola Mardinaeva and Fotima Mirzoeva, members of the C5+1 Youth Council, secured a grant to implement projects in two Kyrgyz regions: the first in Karakol, which has already been completed, and the second scheduled for Jalal-Abad in May.

Funded by a grant from the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic, the C5+1 Youth Council program brought together four experts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and two local experts from Kyrgyzstan. The project aimed to educate young people on financial strategies and development, emphasizing the importance of family involvement in business and savings, the benefits of financial literacy, and the psychological factors that influence financial behavior and decision-making. Nekkhotun Qirgizbekova, another U.S.-CAEF senior fellow from Tajikistan, also contributed to the project as a speaker, representing the Case Club that she co-leads at AUCA.

During the previous academic year, Lola and Fotima organized a series of Quiz Nights on a variety of useful topics as part of the Youth Council events in three cities: Bishkek, Balykchy, and Naryn. The Youth Council provides an excellent platform for young people to plan and implement projects promoting the development of both soft and hard skills.