January 28, 2005
INFORMATION: John McElwain or John Green, (661) 362-3494 or 3684
International Students Director Travels to Central Asia for State Department
Dr. Bruce Pelkey, director of the International Students Program at College of the Canyons has been selected by the U.S. Department of State to travel to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan as part of a program to build stronger ties between former Soviet republics and the United States.
Pelkey will travel under the auspices of the International Research and Exchange Commission (IREX) to interview and select students to come to U.S. universities for one year of academic study under a program called the Eurasian Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD).
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are located north of Afghanistan and south of Kazakstan.
Pelkey has traveled widely not only in Central Asia, but throughout the world as he has steadily built up the International Student Program at College of the Canyons.
The International Student Program at COC currently numbers 126 students from countries around the globe. College of the Canyons has hosted six UGRAD students in the past three years representing countries as diverse as Azerbaijan, Kazakstan, Tajikistan,Turkmenistan and Ukraine. Students from Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan are currently studying at COC.
Pelkey will depart on his two-week trip on Feb. 11.
Note to Editors: Dr. Pelkey is amenable to interviews both before his departure as well as upon his return. He is a thoroughly entertaining and engaging individual whose enthusiasm about his program, the education of young people and College of the Canyons are contagious. Dr. Pelkey can be reached at (661) 362- 3880.
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