Before the students go, however, they attend a Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO), which is conducted by staff from American Councils, teachers and FLEX alumni. The ToT was where teachers (all PCVs) and Teacher Assistants (TAs, comprised of alumni) met and began to prepare for this summer’s PDOs. My partner was Taras, a 20-something future lawyer (in his introduction, he mentioned that he's the person we're all going to hate in a few years!), with whom I worked quite well. The following four days were spent learning the process of PDOs, preparing in working pairs for sessions, teaching practice sessions, and observing and critiquing others’ work.
PCVs and alumni had to apply and interview to be considered for participation in ToT and PDOs. As varied as the backgrounds may have been, the reasons for getting involved are similar. I was so impressed by the Volunteers from other countries, and it was really fun to compare notes about our countries and services. I now have some summer destinations: Georgia and re-Moldova!
The ToT focused on practicing teaching things like assimilation, flexibility and practical matters like budgeting and getting along with a host family. It also featured an alumni panel, a catered social and a comical portrayal of a student’s arrival in country.
This is Natasha during an activity in which she was wearing colored lenses, representing her original world view and adding that of another.
The FLEX program is so crucial to Ukraine because it affords kids of any socio-economic level a truly golden opportunity. These kids come back changed, with expanded world views and a greater sense of responsibility for Ukraine. They are, actually, the future leaders. They enter fields like politics, law, teaching, translators, doctors, etc.
The man who organizes Ukraine's FLEX program, Peter, said this about it: “FLEX sends a lot of students to the US, and has a special component for disabled students. Last year we had a disabled alumna from L’viv come for the [alumni] panel. She gave an amazing speech about what it means to be disabled in the US, about the power of positive thinking and not giving up during difficult times. In the end everyone in the room gave her a standing ovation. For me that moment was a testament to the way the FLEX can empower a group of people who are, at best, marginalized in Ukrainian society.”
Another huge takeaway from the PDOs specifically is that they unite students who wouldn't otherwise ever learn about each other. Ukraine is about the size of Texas, but is pretty clearly divided East and West. The Easterners tend to be more "Russian," and the Westerners are a bit more nationalistic. When kids from all over the country are thrown together, they don't even really speak the same language. But they grow in understanding of each other and therefore their country, and the hope is that they won't see regionalism as a necessary way of dealing with the world.
FLEX testing and acceptance is highly competitive within Ukraine and is therefore difficult. Students must have a relatively high level of English to make it past the first testing round, and must show exemplary character and independence in their interviews. Students depart for the USA in the fall (usually August) and return in the spring (May-June). Host families are selected by an American-based contingent of the American Councils and receive no financial compensation. All expenses and a small stipend are paid for by the US Government for each student selected.
I can't wait for PDOs this summer, and am hoping that I'll get to host a FLEX kid when I'm all grown up and settled. :) Let me know if you are interested in hosting now!
All of us!
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