English at Conversational Level – Forever Young Project

Josh Boissevain and Johnaton Ryan, Peace Corps Volunteers were very kind to accept to teach English for all this time. The project involved four generations of Global UGRAD Alumni, who assisted the participants in learning English in class, such as coordinating with the discussion, checking upon correct pronunciation and so on.

Some impressions of the organizers, volunteers and teachers:

"It was indeed a very young atmosphere during the project. Older people in Moldova are usually criticized for their backwardness and closeness towards the new and what I saw was something totally different. The same as us they are willing to learn, to explore and to discover new things. Their enthusiasm was very refreshing for volunteers and organizers as well. Projects like that show that connection between generations in Moldova are possible." Andrei Fedoreev, Global UGRAD Alumni

“I think the project was a huge success. I think the students really enjoyed the week and learned a lot. The atmosphere was such that the students felt comfortable experimenting and making mistakes with the language (which is one of the largest obstacles for mature learners to overcome when studying a new language). Not only did it provide the participants with the fundamentals of English, but it also gave participants the resources to continue studying on their own after the project's completion.” Josh Boissevain – teacher, Peace Corps Volunteer.

I am very satisfied with the course and teaching methods. The Project was very well organized and structured and helped me make a good progress in learning Basic English. Also, the course has given me a sense of confidence and motivation that even people above 40 years old are still able to learn a foreign language as English is. I am very grateful for the support offered by my teachers and tutors during the lectures. I hope that the Forever Young Project will be prolonged. The only objection I have is to make it next time longer than one week. Thank you for everything! Ecaterina Danila – student.