U.S. Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy English Language Program

The U.S. Department of State’s Embassy Bishkek Public Diplomacy Section (PDS) announces an open competition to implement a program to increase English proficiency across the Kyrgyz Republic to build opportunities for stronger economic ties between the United States and the Kyrgyz Republic. A lack of adequately skilled English teachers with sufficiently high levels of English across the Kyrgyz Republic significantly impedes students’ learning of English at a functional level. Addressing this will allow them to access English-language information about U.S. business culture, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit to foster a younger population in the Kyrgyz Republic that is better prepared to collaborate with U.S. companies and open U.S. investment opportunities. Additionally, Kyrgyzstanis’ limited access to native English speakers restricts their ability to improve their English, their knowledge of American culture and business practices, and their motivation to learn the English language. Therefore, the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic seeks to fund program(s) for no more than two years to enhance high school and university teachers’ fluency and functionality in English to the B2 level and above throughout the Kyrgyz Republic; increase students’ access to teachers with a high level of English, including native speakers; improve students’ English level; increase the range of different students studying English that attain the B2 level; and promote knowledge of American culture.

The following organizations are eligible to apply ● Kyrgyz Republic-Registered: ● Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations ● Public and private educational institutions ● U.S. non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and educational institutions, partnering with Kyrgyz Republic-registered organizations. For-profit entities, even those that may fall into the categories listed above, are not eligible to apply for this NOFO. Organizations may sub-contract with other entities, but only one, nonprofit, non-governmental entity can be the prime recipient of the award. When sub-contracting with other entities, the responsibilities of each entity must be clearly defined in the proposal. For more information on the difference between sub-contract and sub-recipient, please refer to 2 CFR 200.331.