Yulia

Kazakhstan, SUSI 2016

Together with two fellow volunteers, Yulia presented a lesson designed to introduce “English Access Program” (see description below) students in Astana to leadership and team building through kinetic activities and English language practice. Yulia’s leadership lesson was directly informed by the concepts she studied in the SUSI program, such as servant leadership, active listening and public speaking skills. Together with the other teachers, Yulia engaged the students in dialogue about the qualities of a good leader and brought the concepts to life through interactive team building exercises that required the students to step beyond their comfort zones. Yulia’s goals for the session were to promote self-awareness, creative thinking and harmonious problem-solving skills.

According to the US Embassy & Consulate in Kazakhstan, “The Access Program is a worldwide US Department of State initiative which provides a foundation of English language skills to talented 13-20 year-olds from economically disadvantaged families through after-school classes and summer camps.” (kz.usembassy.gov)

A group of students in a classroom watching a presentation.
Yulia (left) meeting with Access students at the American Corner in Astana.

Mission

The Study of the United States Institute (SUSI) on Women's Leadership is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). ECA’s mission is "to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly and peaceful relations.