Exchange Alumni

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The U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Moldova sponsors a variety of international exchange programs each year, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

The U. S. Government exchange programs in Moldova have had a significant impact on the lives of thousands of individuals in the country.  The community of exchange program alumni comprises individuals who have gained invaluable skills, knowledge, and experience through their participation in these programs.

Alumni community in Moldova is also highly engaged and connected.  Alumni regularly participate in events, seminars, and conferences organized by the U.S. Embassy in Moldova and other organizations.  They also maintain strong connections with each other through social media and other online platforms, enabling them to collaborate and share knowledge and experiences.

Find out more about the alumni community in Moldova and the many resources and opportunities that are available for alumni.

You are an alumnus/alumna if you have graduated from a USG funded or sponsored exchange program. Virtual or in person experience is counted. Open World (Congressional Office of International Leadership) and Bridge USA (summer work and travel, au pair and other programs)  participants are also considered alumni.

If you are not sure if you are an alumnus/alumna, please consult the exchanges portal Find Programs | Exchange Programs (state.gov) or you can reach our team at education-moldova@state.gov.

To learn more about BridgeUSA programs visit BridgeUSA  (state.gov)

Over the years, starting from 1993 over 6000 of Moldovan citizens have participated in various exchange programs, including education, professional training, and cultural exchange initiatives such as work and travel or au pair.  As a result, a vast community of alumni has emerged, comprising individuals who have gained invaluable skills, knowledge, and experience through their participation in these programs.

Alumni have gone on to achieve significant success in their professional and personal lives, and many have contributed significantly to the development of the country.  The community of exchange program alumni in Moldova is a testament to the power of international education and exchange in promoting mutual understanding, development, and progress.

Over the years, many former exchange program participants have risen to important positions in government, parliament, business, and academia. One prime minister, two presidents, multiple ministers, and legislators, as well as luminaries from the media, civil society, and business fields.

These alumni have participated in various programs, including the Fulbright program, the Global UGRAD program, the Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship program, the International Visitors Leadership program, Professional Fellowship Program, FLEX, among others. These programs have enabled Moldovan students, scholars, and professionals to travel to the United States to study, conduct research, and gain professional experience in various fields.

The Department of State is committed to supporting alumni by providing resources that will help them to build upon their exchange experience. U.S. government funded or sponsored program alumni have a number of opportunities to be involved in post-exchange activities and receive access to specialized resources. These include but are not limited to:

  • Participate in events such as conferences, receptions, roundtables, and training sessions hosted by the Embassy and other affiliate organizations.
  • Other opportunities involving alumni-run initiatives (i.e., mentoring, volunteering, conferences, etc.)
  • Be part of the prestigious and exclusive global virtual community at https://exchangealumni.state.gov/, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
  • Receive information about grants, funds, scholarships, and new job opportunities.
  • Participate in forums or post events, pictures, jobs, articles on the https://exchangealumni.state.gov/.
  • Receive the Alumni Monthly Newsletter.
  • Participate in events hosted by American spaces or get information from EducationUSA Advisor.

 

  • Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 

Since its inception in 2011, the U.S. Department of State has funded over 500 projects through the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund, also known as AEIF. These projects, led by alumni of U.S. government exchange programs – ExchangeAlumni, have increased regional and global collaboration of alumni, supported U.S. foreign policy objectives, and benefited communities around the world.

More information can be found at AEIF. Once announced, the Call for proposals is published here.

  • Alumni TIES (Thematic International Exchange Seminars)

The U.S. Department of State sponsors Alumni Thematic International Exchange Seminars (Alumni TIES) exclusively for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. Alumni TIES is an opportunity for exchange alumni to learn about key regional issues, receive training, collaborate with fellow alumni, and apply for small grants to implement projects in their home communities.

More information about the seminars and eligibility criteria can be found at AlumniTIES.

  • Program specific opportunities 

The IVLP Impact Awards Initiative provides follow-on support to recent IVLP participants. The primary objective is to enable recent participants to leverage and share knowledge and connections gained during their exchange experience and to design and implement innovative solutions to challenges facing their home communities, including in responding to current crises.

Participants must submit proposals as individuals. Project proposals may request funding of up to $5,000 U.S. Dollars (USD).

To learn more about IVLP Impact Awardees’ community projects and for more information on current opportunities, please visit https://www.meridian.org/project/u-s-department-of-state-ivlp-impact-awards/.

 

  • Alumni Small Grants Program 

The Alumni Small Grants program supports alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs in implementing best practices and experiences gained during their U.S. exchange program. Ranging from professional to community development, these are a wide range of programs that contribute to mutual understanding between U.S. and Moldovan citizens. Alumni small grants generally range from $5,000-$20,000. Once announced the information about Alumni Small Grants can be found here. 

  • Annual Alumni Congress 

An established tradition, the annual Alumni Congress brings together all the alumni from USG exchange programs over the past 30 years. Usually held in December the Congress gathers great minds that generate ideas.

Highlights from the 20th Alumni Congress.

  • Events hosted by the Embassy and other affiliate organizations

Our goal is to meet you and hear what you have to say on a variety of topics, sometimes as experts or professionals in your field, sometimes just as Moldovans who have been to the United States. For these purposes the Embassy invites alumni to participate in various alumni focused events such as debriefings, receptions, conferences and be part of traditional celebrations such as July 4 and America Days.

 

  • Exchange Alumni Website 

Join the ExchangeAlumni community and open the door to a world of support, resources, and funding opportunities to help you build on the skills you gained during your exchange program:

  • Gain access to various grant opportunities through Foundation Directory Online (FDO) and Grants to Individuals (GTI).
  • Read journals, academic journals, and articles through Gale and EBSCO’s first academic database.
  • Find and connect with fellow ExchangeAlumni locally and globally.
  • Get up-to-date information on live events, such as #MentorTalks, and ExchangeAlumni news.

There are also resources you can access without logging in, such as the Resources for Entrepreneurs page, where you can find information and programs to help you build your business. In addition, you can connect with us online through LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram , sharing your successes by using #ExchangeAlumni when you post. Prefer to email? Reach us at exchangealumni@state.gov.

Register by clicking the link : Alumni Registration (state.gov)

  • Alumni web resources

Get connected with alumni leaders in your community be accessing the following resources:

Our monthly digital newsletter is meant for all alumni and is the place where we share news, announcements, grant opportunities, resources, stories, events, and projects of our alumni. If you are not receiving the newsletter via email, please let us know by reaching to us at zahariaa@state.gov.

  • American Spaces and EducationUSA

We encourage our alumni to benefit from various resources and events that are available at American Spaces. For more information on American Spaces and where they are located please visit American Spaces  and to discuss with the EducationUSA Advisor located at America House Chisinau please visit EducationUSA.

 

Alumni have also contributed significantly to the development of Moldova.  Many alumni have used the knowledge and skills gained through their participation in exchange programs to implement projects and initiatives that have had a positive impact on their communities.  Alumni have been involved in initiatives related to economic development, education, healthcare, refugees support, and environmental protection, among others.

 

The U.S. Embassy is looking forward to keeping in touch with all U.S. Government Exchange Program Alumni. To help us keep you posted about grant opportunities, alumni activities and more, please inform us about changes in your contact details by following this link.

Have questions or suggestions? Reach out to our Alumni Coordinator at zahariaa@state.gov.

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