Peace Corps World Wise Schools

Peace Corps Coverdell World Wise Window, Republic of Kyrgyzstan

Spotlight on Eastern Europe and Central Asia

After the fall of communism and the breakup of the Soviet Union nearly two decades ago, the world turned its attention to the 15 newly independent nations of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. With Russia hosting both the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2018 World Cup Soccer, this region will once again be in the world’s spotlight. But, what do our students really know about places like Kazakhstan, Macedonia or Ukraine?

There are 1661 Peace Corps Volunteers currently serving in this region while over 15,318 volunteers have served there since 1961. Coverdell World Wise Schools invites you to take a trip to this fascinating part of the world through stories from Peace Corps Volunteers.

What do you and your students know about this culturally rich and diverse region of the world? Test your knowledge!

1. Bulgaria borders what body of water to the north?
a) Pacific Ocean, b) Danube River, c) Caspian Sea, d) Pripyat River

2. Kazakhstan is one of the world's top 10 producers of what natural resource?
a) oil, b) coffee, c) grain, d) timber

3. A Turkmen can be identified anywhere by wearing this traditional piece of clothing:
a) Khalat (robe), b) Sherwani (coat), c) Telpek (hat), d) Turban (headdress)

Have your students learn more from an interactive quiz—and get the answers!

Interested in connecting with your very own Peace Corps Volunteer “tour guide” in places like Ukraine, Kazakhstan, or Azerbaijan? Enroll in Correspondence Match today and learn about Volunteers' work in areas such as such as teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), health, environment, business development and youth development.

Q: If you had 30 seconds to tell someone in the U.S. about your country of service, what would you most like to convey to help combat the common stereotypes and generalizations?

A: Georgia is a place of stark differences, as are most developing nations. Georgia has some of the most beautiful natural scenery that I have ever encountered. The Georgian people are welcoming and kind, despite often living on insufficient salaries and suffering through constant political upheaval. I see so much promise in this little country on the Black Sea.

—Erin Hardesty, English Education Peace Corps Volunteer, Georgia

A: Albania holds a very complex but interesting history. From its time under Ottoman rule, to its period of isolation under a strict communist regime, Albania has a history that most people in the U.S. know nothing about. Albania is a land of rich diversity, made up of gorgeous views through the mountains ... more

A great way to promote global awareness is with service learning. Find volunteer projects in Eastern Europe and Central Asia for your class to support.

Peace Corps Volunteer Kaitlin McDonough's host brother, Avni, with the family donkey in Macedonia.

Peace Corps Digital
Photo Gallery

Have you ever wanted to step into the world of a Peace Corps Volunteer? Now you can see this world for yourself! Visit Macedonia through past and currently serving Peace Corps Volunteers.

This resource provides a searchable collection of select electronic Peace Corps materials from 1961-present. Browse the collection for other country images.

Speak Ukranian and Russian in Kazakhstan

One of the main components of Peace Corps service is learning another language. To prepare them for this challenge, the Peace Corps has prepared foreign language podcasts for its trainees.

Learn Ukrainian and Russian in Kazakhstan just as Peace Corps Volunteers do.

Destination Videos

Through the eyes of students, Destination: Kyrgyzstan shows how the people of Kyrgyzstan are working to rebuild their economy and reclaim their heritage.

In 1991, this Balkan state became the first Soviet republic to declare its independence, sparking a dramatic political upheaval. Destination: Lithuania explores the impact of these extraordinary changes on the lives of students and their communities.

Peace Corps Education Volunteer Bonnie Robinson shares Thanksgiving traditions with her host family and community members in Ukraine.

This time of year, students are undoubtedly focused on the upcoming holidays. Why not use this opportunity to ask your Correspondence Match Volunteer about holiday celebrations in his or her country of service?

We would also like to ask for your assistance in identifying additional teachers for the Correspondence Match program. Currently, the Peace Corps has more Volunteers in the field than at any time since 1970; and with more Volunteers interested in the program, we need more teachers with whom they can correspond!

If there are teachers at your school who might be interested in participating, please forward this link to them with our new promotional poster.

Encourage your colleagues to take advantage of this wonderful program to help U.S. students learn more about other countries and cultures by corresponding with a Peace Corps Volunteer.

The Language of Music Learn about the dutar, appreciate the structure of Turkmen music, and watch Peace Corps Volunteer Dave Fossum perform with his teacher in Turkmenistan.
Working Alongside the Roma, or Gypsies Igor Naumovski served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Slovakia, in Central Europe. His primary assignment was to work with Roma children in a former mining village.
Ivan the Fool Peace Corps Volunteer Roseann De Rosa asked her students in Russia to tell her a story they could act out. The students were laughing very hard as they told this tale," she reports. This folk tale stresses the virtues of hard work and helping one another, especially when there is a problem.
Cuisine from Central and Eastern Europe Embracing new, local foods with a host family or other friends is one of the first, best steps that Peace Corps Volunteers take toward becoming part of their overseas communities. Enjoy the recipes submitted by Peace Corps Volunteers and staff.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Visits Kyrgyzstan Secretary Clinton fielded questions from students concerning US relations with Kyrgyzstan, the “Color Revolutions” and the possibility of increasing the number Peace Corps volunteers in the country.