Author: AMCM

How is a career built in the United States, and what should you keep in mind if you want to grow professionally in an international environment?

The professional culture in the U.S. is quite different from what we are used to. It affects everything – from the format of a resume and communication style during interviews to approaches to career advancement and professional development within a company.

To feel confident and succeed in this environment, it’s important to understand these differences and know how to present yourself effectively.At our upcoming online session, we’ll explore how the American career system works together with Anelly Arana – an English instructor and university professor from Florida.

What to expect during the session:

• Learn how Americans build careers and what the expression “climbing the corporate ladder” really means;
• Explore the professional skills and personal qualities that U.S. employers value most today;
• Practice your spoken English with real-life expressions and useful career-related vocabulary;
• Find out how to prepare for interviews and what a modern resume should include;
• Discuss the role of networking and how to use it effectively to grow your career in the U.S.

Why join:
This is a great opportunity to practice English with a native speaker, gain insights into American business culture, and get practical career tips from an expert who lives and works in the U.S. The session will be useful both for those planning an international career and for anyone looking to improve their English through an engaging, relevant topic.

Date and time: June 26 at 8:00 PM (Minsk time)
Format: Online
Language: English

Registration link

Are you preparing for an important interview – whether it’s for university admission or a job interview? Want to learn how to prepare effectively, what to pay attention to, and which mistakes to avoid? Join our webinar “Secrets to a Successful Interview” with Viktar Khotsim, a staff member at EducationUSA Belarus and an expert in American education since 1999.

In this webinar, you will learn:

• Why preparation for an interview is crucial and which methods really work;
• How academic interviews differ from job interviews;
• How to confidently present yourself in various interview formats;
• What actions after the interview can strengthen your chances of success.

Viktar will share practical advice based on over 20 years of experience working with students and applicants who have gone through interviews at international universities and companies.

Date and time: June 25, 17:00 (Minsk time)
Language: Russian
Format: Online via Zoom
Duration: 1 hour

Register now

Don’t miss the opportunity to get valuable tips and increase your chances of admission or successful employment!

The Alumni Series continues – webinars featuring graduates of American educational programs who share their experience, approaches, and useful tools.

We invite teachers and online tutors to a free webinar with Vadim Kryuchkov – a methodologist, math and programming teacher, and EdTech expert. Over more than 10 years, Vadim has taught hundreds of students, created his own educational programs, and helps educators worldwide integrate technology into teaching.

In this webinar, you will learn:

• How to effectively use platforms like Wordwall, Zoom, Quizizz, and Canva to increase interactivity in lessons;
• Which math websites help engage students and organize practice;
• How to quickly create quizzes from PDFs using artificial intelligence;
• How to set up a free student registration system using Google Calendar;
• You will receive an exclusive attendance tracking and automatic payment calculation spreadsheet (a gift for participants).

Before the webinar (after registration), you will receive a collection of the best interactive platforms with brief descriptions grouped by type (games, quizzes, visualization, collaboration).

Date and time: June 23, 18:00 (Minsk time)
Format: Online via Zoom
Participation: Free

Registration

If you want to make your online classes more engaging and preparation easier and faster, join us for the webinar!

If you want to feel confident in an international professional environment, communicate effectively with colleagues from different countries, improve your public speaking skills in English, and build a strong personal brand – this course is for you!

We invite professionals from various fields with English proficiency level B1 and above who want to:

• enhance their business communication skills in English;
• learn how to negotiate, speak in public, and communicate effectively online;
• understand the nuances of intercultural communication and improve their cultural competence;
• develop leadership and presentation skills;
• build a career and professional network in an international setting.

The “Business and Intercultural Communication” course is a series of interactive workshops with live discussions, practical tasks, and the opportunity to tailor topics to participants’ interests. Topics will include leadership, digital etiquette, personal branding, remote work, conflict resolution, and more.

The course will be led by Catherine Fowler, an experienced English instructor with over 10 years of teaching experience. Catherine has worked in the USA, Japan, and Spain, developed business communication courses, and holds two Master’s degrees (including one in Applied Linguistics), as well as a Google Project Management Certificate.

Classes will be held once a week on Tuesdays via Zoom, starting at 18:30 (Minsk time) and lasting 1.5 hours.

The course will start on June 24 and run for 10 weeks.
Application deadline: June 18 (inclusive).

Apply now

Spots are limited, and selection will be based on a competitive process (applicants’ motivation is key).

Expand your professional horizons and speak confidently in the international language of business!

Date: June 17
Time: 19:00 (Minsk time)

Is it possible to preserve your identity in a multicultural society? Why are some Indigenous people ashamed of their language? Why do children of immigrants often turn away from their roots? And what do Indigenous languages in the U.S. have in common with the Belarusian language?

In this session with Palina Masliankova – a philologist, educator, and participant of the Open World 2025 program – we will reflect on language, culture, and identity in both the U.S. and Belarus.

We will discuss:
– life and self-governance of Native American communities;
– reservations, councils of elders, rituals, and modern-day challenges;
– language loss and revitalization: what hinders and what helps;
– language shame, internal criticism, and fear of making mistakes;
– challenges in education: lack of schools, textbooks, and media in native languages;
– what Indigenous languages and Belarusian have in common;
– attitudes toward code-switching and mixed language («trasianka»), the role of elites, and social mobility;
– experiences of non-Native Americans: children and parents of immigrants;
– language loss and feelings of guilt;
– why children with Mexican roots often don’t want to return to their homeland – and what that might reveal about our own society.

Palina will also share personal stories and impressions from her encounters with members of the Tohono O’odham Nation, conversations in museums, and observations of how integration into American life happens for members of vulnerable communities.

We welcome everyone interested in language, cultural identity, and life in the United States.

Registration link

Polite conversation with strangers in English can be challenging—especially if small talk is not a common part of communication in your culture. However, in the English-speaking world, it’s more than just “chitchat”; it’s a vital part of social, professional, and everyday interactions.

We invite you to join an open online session with Jennifer Uhler, Regional English Language Officer at the U.S. Department of State (based in Riga), to explore why small talk matters, how to use it effectively, and how to feel confident in any casual conversation.

During the session, you will:

• learn the role small talk plays in English-speaking cultures;
• understand which topics are appropriate—and which are best avoided;
• prepare useful phrases and questions for various situations;
• receive practical tips and have the chance to practice your speaking and listening skills in real-time interaction.

The session will be interactive — we’ll not only listen, but also engage in dialogues with fellow participants.

Online event – June 5 at 19:00 (Minsk time)

Registration

Enrollment is open for the second round. The course starts on June 5.

The first round of our course has successfully concluded, and we are excited to open enrollment for the second. Applications are accepted until June 3 (11:59 PM Minsk time). Participation is free, and spaces are limited.

About the Course
This course is designed specifically for professionals in the creative industries: artists, photographers, filmmakers, theater makers, performers, writers, and others working in the arts.

The program is aimed at participants with an English level of A2–B1 or higher.

During the course, you will learn how to:

• use professional vocabulary related to art and creative industries;
• present yourself and your work on the international stage;
• write artistic biographies and motivation letters;
• promote your projects on social media in English;
• prepare grant applications and portfolios;
• communicate professionally within the art world.

The course will be held in an interactive format, with a strong focus on both speaking and writing practice. Each participant will receive personalized feedback from the instructor and will prepare a final presentation of their creative work using the language and tools studied during the course.

Instructor
The course will be taught by Lori Cabrera, an experienced English teacher from Florida. Lori has over 20 years of experience teaching English as a foreign language and holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics.

Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a competitive basis. Special attention will be given to each applicant’s motivation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your English and prepare for an international career in the arts!

If you’re learning English and want to feel more confident in everyday communication, it’s important to master the art of small talk – light, casual conversation on neutral topics. In the U.S., this is an essential part of the culture: such conversations help establish a connection, show friendliness, and even lay the groundwork for future friendships or professional relationships.

What is small talk?

It’s a short, friendly conversation – for example, in a line, in an elevator, or during a meeting with colleagues or new acquaintances. The main rule: no controversial or overly personal topics. You’re simply creating a positive atmosphere and showing interest in the person you’re speaking with.

Why does it matter?

Being able to engage in small talk helps you adapt to English-speaking environments and feel more confident in school, at work, and in everyday life. It’s the first step to building relationships based on trust and mutual understanding.

What are good small talk topics? And how do you start?

Here are our tips.

Weather
A classic topic, especially in the U.S. A great way to break the ice. Phrases:

• «Beautiful day, isn’t it?»
• «Can you believe how cold it is today?»
• «Looks like it’s going to rain all weekend.»

Sports
If you know the person is a sports fan, use that! Phrases:

• «Did you watch the game last night?»
• «What’s your favorite team?»
• «That final was intense, wasn’t it?»

Food and Restaurants
Everyone loves food. It’s a great neutral topic. Phrases:

• «Have you tried that new Italian place on Main Street?»
• «What’s your go-to comfort food?»
• «I’m looking for a good sushi spot – any tips?»

Movies and TV Shows
A shared interest in film can quickly bring people closer. Phrases:

• «Seen anything good on Netflix lately?»
• «I just finished “[show name]”, and I’m obsessed!»
• «Any movie recommendations?»

Music
Music is a universal language. Phrases:

• «What kind of music are you into?»
• «I’ve been listening to a lot of indie lately – any artists you like?»
• «Have you ever been to a live concert?»

Travel
Past trips or dream destinations are a great topic. Phrases:

• «Have you done any traveling recently?»
• «What’s your dream vacation destination?»
• «I’ve always wanted to visit Japan – have you been?»

Books and Podcasts
Great for conversations with colleagues, teachers, or intellectuals. Phrases:

• «Read anything good lately?»
• «I’m into true crime podcasts – what about you?»
• «I’m looking for a new book – any suggestions?»

Pets
Pets are a great source of stories and emotion. Phrases:

• «Do you have any pets?»
• «I saw the cutest dog at the park today!»
• «I’ve been thinking of getting a cat – any advice?»

Weekends and Free Time
You can talk about plans or recent experiences. Phrases:

• «Any plans for the weekend?»
• «What did you get up to last Saturday?»
• «I like hiking on weekends – how do you usually relax?»

Work and Studies
A safe topic if you already know each other a little. Phrases:

• «What do you do for work?»
• «How did you get into that field?»
• «Are you enjoying your studies?»

Tip: Start with a simple question – and be ready to keep the conversation going. Even a short dialogue in English is already a step toward confidence.

Want to speak more freely?
Try improving your pronunciation and vocabulary with specialized apps like BoldVoice.

Music is one of the most engaging and effective ways to learn a language.

At our upcoming conversation club meeting, we’ll dive into the lyrics of iconic pop songs – from Elvis Presley to Beyoncé – and learn how to understand natural English in context.

We’ll focus on phrasal verbs, slang, idioms, and common expressions that frequently appear in songs and are widely used in everyday speech. Everything will be presented in an accessible way, with plenty of opportunities to practice speaking English.

Together with Anelly Arana – a teacher and university professor from Florida – we will:

• Explore how songs convey emotions and meaning through conversational language and expressive phrases;
• Practice listening comprehension, paying attention to pronunciation, rhythm, and intonation;
• Work with vocabulary: learn how to use expressions from songs in everyday communication;
• Understand how context affects the meaning of words and why the same phrases can sound completely different in different songs.

Our conversation club is a great opportunity to:

• Expand your vocabulary;
• Improve your listening skills in English;
• Practice conversational English with a native-speaking teacher.

Join us!

May 29 at 8:00 PM (Minsk time)

Register now

Do you want your profile to get noticed by employers, start receiving interview invitations, and open up real career opportunities? Then this webinar is for you.

Why it matters:

• 70% of recruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn
• Every minute, 8 people find a job there

During the webinar, you will learn:

• What LinkedIn is and how it supports career development
• How to structure your profile to attract HR professionals
• Which skills and achievements to highlight
• What and how to post to get noticed
• How to build and expand your professional network
• Best practices for communication and real-life case studies

Speaker:
Yuliya Khvatsik – law lecturer with 15 years of experience, expert in professional communication, digital positioning, and clinical legal education.

Webinar language: Russian

Who will benefit:

• Students and early-career professionals
• Anyone looking to grow their career and expand their business connections

No unnecessary theory – only practical advice, inspiration, and actionable steps you can apply right away. After the session, you’ll be motivated to improve your profile and start using LinkedIn effectively.

Date and time: May 27 at 19:00 (Minsk time)

Registration

Applying to a foreign university? Planning an internship or a job abroad?
In that case, a strong recommendation letter is essential — it can play a decisive role in the selection process.

During the webinar, you will learn:

• What requirements foreign universities and employers have
• What common mistakes are made when preparing recommendation letters
• How to build an effective strategy for requesting and using recommendation letters

Don’t miss the chance to understand the key details that may impact your academic or professional future. Prepare confidently for your next step.

Date and time: May 21, 17:00 (Minsk time)
Format: online, Zoom platform
Participation is free

Register

Artificial intelligence has already become an integral part of everyday life. It recommends what to watch on Netflix, helps write emails, translates texts, chooses routes in navigation apps, and can even compose music or create artwork.

At our next Speaking Club meeting, together with Anelly Arana, an English teacher and university professor from Florida, we will talk about how AI can assist in learning foreign languages, and what the rapid development of AI technology means for our future.

What to expect:

• We’ll discuss how AI is transforming daily life – from voice assistants to smart recommendations.
• Explore how AI is impacting work and education, and what changes lie ahead.
• Practice discussing technology in English.
• Talk about the ethics of AI – should we be afraid of it, and what risks are involved?
• Discuss AI in creativity – can it produce real art?

Why join?
Taking part in the Speaking Club is a great way to improve your spoken English with a native speaker, expand your vocabulary, and connect with like-minded people who are also learning English and striving to speak fluently and confidently.

Date and time: May 21 at 20:00 (Minsk time)

Registration

Friends, we are excited to invite you to the next meeting of our Business Book Club with Egor Ryasov – it will take place on May 17! This time, we’ll be discussing the book «Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World» by Ginni Rometty.

Ginni Rometty is an American business executive, former president and CEO, and currently the chairman of IBM’s board of directors. She became the first woman to lead the company, rising from a systems engineer to a top executive. For many years, Ginni was included in the lists of the world’s most powerful women by Fortune and Forbes, topping Fortune’s «50 Most Powerful Women in Business» ranking three times.

During her leadership, IBM underwent a major digital transformation, and Ginni remained committed to the belief that true success is built on trust, respect, and a drive for positive change.

In her book, she shares her personal and professional challenges, highlights the importance of core values in business and life, and offers practical principles for building strong teams and inspiring those around you.

This book is not just a story of success – it’s an inspiring guide for next-generation leaders who want to make a positive difference in the world.

Join us for the discussion on May 17 at 5:00 PM (Minsk time).

Registration

How do Americans relate to their architecture, history, and memory? What meanings do they attach to old buildings? Why do they speak so confidently about the past? And what does it have to do with us, Belarusians?

In this session, historian Stepan Stureiko will share his impressions and reflections after traveling across 10 U.S. states and dozens of cities. This is not just a tour of landmarks, but an expert’s perspective on how Americans perceive their history and culture.

What awaits you?

• Immersion into American culture through the lens of architecture and history;
• A comparison of historical memory in the U.S. and Belarus;
• Answers to the questions: How do Americans relate to their past, and what can we learn from this for ourselves?

When: May 15 at 7:00 PM (Minsk time)
Language: Russian
Duration: 1 hour

Speaker: Stepan Stureiko – historian, cultural anthropologist, PhD in Humanities, Associate Professor at the European Humanities University.

Don’t miss the chance to see America through the eyes of an expert and learn how its cultural heritage can be valuable to us.

Registration

Spring is in full bloom – everything around is filled with bright colors, fresh air, and a sense of renewal. It’s a time when you want to discover something new, feel inspired, and experience life to the fullest.To help you do that, we’ve put together a selection of uplifting American films that perfectly capture the spirit of spring – from romance and lightness to awakening and transformation.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

A young writer, Paul Varjak, moves to New York and meets his neighbor Holly Golightly – an eccentric and charming woman who lives off the gifts of admirers and dreams of marrying a millionaire. As they get to know each other, Paul sees beyond Holly’s carefree exterior and discovers a lonely, sensitive soul. The film tells the story of how they both find their way – to themselves and to each other – despite their different outlooks on life. An adaptation of Truman Capote’s novella, starring Audrey Hepburn.

The Sound of Music (1965)

Set in 1930s Austria, Maria, a postulant from a convent, becomes a governess in the home of Captain von Trapp – a widower raising his seven children with strict discipline. At first, the children resist her, but Maria slowly wins their trust. With her arrival, the house is filled with music, laughter, and warmth – like sunshine after a long winter. This musical, inspired by the true story of the von Trapp family, is full of unforgettable songs and a bright atmosphere, even as dark times loom on the horizon.

Field of Dreams (1989)

Farmer Ray Kinsella lives in Iowa with his wife and daughter. One day, he hears a voice saying, “If you build it, he will come.” Inspired by this mysterious message, Ray decides to cut part of his cornfield and build a baseball diamond. Despite the skepticism of others, he follows this call – setting off a chain of unexpected events that touches not only his own family but also strangers whose lives are deeply connected. A warm, soulful story about faith, intuition, memories, and finding meaning in the most unexpected places.

The Secret Garden (1993)

After losing her parents in an earthquake in India, 10-year-old Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in England, in his large and gloomy estate. In this mysterious and silent house, Mary faces loneliness and emotional distance. Soon, she learns about a hidden, neglected garden that had been locked away after a family tragedy. With the help of local boy Dickon and her withdrawn cousin Colin, she brings the garden back to life. A story about friendship, inner growth, and how care and nature can awaken even the most closed heart.

Big Fish (2003)

When Edward Bloom falls seriously ill, his adult son Will returns home to be with him in his final days. Will has heard his father’s unbelievable stories all his life – tales of a witch with a removable eye, a giant friend, a circus, and a love at first sight. He believes them to be nothing but fantasy. In an effort to understand who his father truly was, Will uncovers a world where fiction and reality blend in unexpected ways.

Directed by Tim Burton, this film explores the power of memories, how people perceive the world, and how stories can be the key to understanding life itself.

If you want to improve your English while gaining practical knowledge in the fields of business or career development, these courses are a great start!

English for Business and Entrepreneurship
This course is for those who want to understand the basics of business and entrepreneurship while developing business English communication skills.

5 modules, approximately 3–5 hours each
Course available from April 7 to June 30, 2025

Registration

English for Career Development
This course will help you navigate the international professional environment. You will learn how to write an effective résumé, craft cover letters, prepare for job interviews in English, and much more.

5 modules, approximately 3–5 hours each
Course available from April 7 to June 30, 2025
Registration 

English for Tourism Professionals
This course is designed for tourism professionals and university students in the field. You’ll strengthen your communication skills with clients and colleagues in a professional English-speaking context.

5 modules, 3–5 hours each
Available from April 14 to July 7, 2025
Registration

Creating and Implementing Online Courses
Perfect for teachers and instructional designers who want to learn how to develop and launch online courses. You’ll explore the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) and design your own hybrid course plan.

5 modules, 3–5 hours each
Available from April 14 to July 7, 2025
Registration

Learn anytime, at your own pace. The courses are suitable for learners with different levels of English.

Curious about the opportunities U.S. education can offer – even if you’re not planning to study abroad just yet? Join our meeting with representatives from American Councils for International Education and dive into the world of exchange programs, educational, and professional opportunities for Belarusians in the USA! 

Who should attend?
— High school and university students
— Young professionals and experienced specialists
— Entrepreneurs and anyone interested in new educational or professional pathways in the U.S.

What you’ll learn about:
— Applying to U.S. universities (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs)
— Fully funded programs
— EducationUSA resources
— U.S. government-sponsored exchange initiatives for Belarusian citizens

Even if you’re not considering studying abroad right now, this is a great chance to expand your knowledge, broaden your horizons, and get inspired for the future.

The session will take place on April 23 at 17:00 Minsk time.

Registration

Friends, join us on April 24th for a fun and engaging quiz night! We’ll be diving into the most interesting English idioms, phrasal verbs, and expressions – the ones you often hear in movies, TV shows, and everyday conversations, but rarely see in textbooks. 

Together with Anelly Arana – a teacher and university professor from Florida – we will:

• Discover the real meanings behind phrases like “spill the beans,” “elephant in the room,” and “under the weather,”plus dozens more;
• Learn how to guess the meanings of idioms from context;
• Practice using them in real-life situations to sound like a true native speaker;
• Have a good laugh at some funny mistakes and try translating a few idioms literally – it’s going to be a blast!

This quiz is a great way to expand your vocabulary, improve your listening skills, and simply have a fun evening in great company. Don’t miss out!

Registration

In the U.S., April is traditionally celebrated as National Poetry Month – and we’re marking the occasion with a special poetry-themed session of our English Conversation Club.

Our guest speaker will be Dr. Angela Dadak, a professor from American University in Washington, D.C. Together, we’ll explore the world of modern American poetry, from the 20th century to today.

What to expect:

• poetry readings
• pronunciation practice
• vocabulary building
• discussions about rhythm, meaning, and emotion in poetry

This session is perfect not only for English learners, but also for anyone interested in experiencing language through the art of poetry. You’ll also discover great places to find English-language poems for your own reading and enjoyment.

Register here

At our next conversation club meeting, we’ll be analyzing memes, learning real-life vocabulary and slang, and most importantly – having fun while speaking English!

Together with Anelly Arana, a teacher and university professor from Florida, we’ll discuss:

• What do Americans laugh about?
• Which comics reflect everyday American life?
• How do memes help understand language and culture?

The speaking club meeting will take place on April 17 at 8:00 PM Minsk time.

We’d love for you to share your favorite memes and comics too! Join us for a fun and engaging way to learn English!

Registration