Open World Program
Frequently asked questions (FAQs):

Q: Who are the participants for Open World? Who are hosts in the United States? 

A: The Open World Program focuses on young political, civic, and cultural leaders from all levels of public service—federal, regional, and local. Program participants have included members of the Jogorku Kenesh and their staff, judges, lawyers, NGO directors, educators and businesspeople. Participants are on average in their late 30s or early 40s; and approximately one-half have been women. Civic participants are hosted by local members of Open World's partner hosting organizations, most of which are nonprofit, nongovernmental groups experienced in conducting foreign exchange programs with former Soviet states. The local host organizations usually provide home stays, most meals, cultural and community activities, and at least a portion of the participants' professional program. Hosts for parliamentary participants in the Open World Program are typically U.S. senators or representatives, state leaders, and other high ranking government officials. 

Members of the July 2010 “Regional Councils and City Administrators” group meet former U.S. Senator and Astronaut John Glenn.

Q: What countries are currently in the Open World Program? Who have been sent from Kyrgyzstan?

A: The program began in 1999 with participants from Russia and Ukraine and in 2007, the program expanded to include the Central Asian countries of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Since 2007, Kyrgyzstan has sent over 100 emerging leaders in the fields of National and Regional Legislators, Rule of Law, Government Press Services, Cultural Preservation, Eco-Tourism, Domestic Violence Prevention, Sports Management, and School Administrators.

Q: I don't speak English, and not many Americans speak Russian or other Central Asian languages. Is this an obstacle? 

A: Not at all; in fact, the Open World Program is designed for first-time visitors who do not speak English. Orientation materials, program agendas, and other important documents are provided in Russian. The program pays for qualified interpreters to provide translation services during the professional portion of a delegation's daily program. In addition, each Open World delegation includes at least one "facilitator," an English-speaking Kyrgyz citizen (typically a professional-level translator with experience living in the U.S.) who can assist the interpreter(s) and translate "after hours." Host families are provided in advance with information on a Web site that can translate English into Russian and vice versa. 

Q: What happens when I return home?

A: Open World remains engaged with its alumni after they return home. The program has already sponsored dozens of alumni conferences across Russia, Ukraine, and Central Asia, and plans to continue to hold more in the future. OW also publishes an electronic and print newsletter for and about alumni (the Open World Alumni Bulletin) to which alumni contribute. The alumni program provides opportunities for them to attend U.S. Embassy and other U.S. government-sponsored events; and it encourages alumni to be involved in nominating Open World candidates. Open World also widely publicizes applicable grant or partnership opportunities that are available to program alumni. 

Q: What is the role of the Open World Leadership Center? The Library of Congress? The U.S. Embassy? The American Councils for International Education? 

A: The program is now administered by the Center for Russian Leadership Development, located at, but independent of the Library of Congress. The Center maintains an additional link to the Library through the Librarian of Congress, Dr. James H. Billington, who is ex officio a member of the Center's board of trustees and who serves as its interim chair. 

The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek actively participates in the Open World selection process, assists with program design and planning, and facilitates the processing of visas for program participants. Embassy staff play a key role in the development of the Center's programs and also helps organize and participates in alumni events. 

American Councils, a nonprofit education, training, and consulting organization, provides administrative and logistical support to Open World on a contractual basis. American Councils staff in Washington, D.C., assists with planning, makes participants' travel arrangements and advises hosts on procedures and cross-cultural issues. Bishkek and Moscow-based staff assist with forming and placing delegations, organize a pre-departure orientation, and hire and train the English-speaking Kyrgyz facilitators who accompany delegations. 

Q: How can I participate?

A: Open World invites organizations to nominate potential participants, who then submit applications through the nominating organization. Self-nominations are not accepted by Open World. The broad array of Kyrgyz, U.S., and international governmental and nongovernmental organizations that serve as Open World nominating organizations are selected for this role on the basis of their extensive experience in Kyrgyzstan, their knowledge of the leadership community, and their commitment to meaningful exchange programs. The nominating organizations are provided with minimum criteria for their nominees, as well as a list of the thematic areas on which the program will focus.