TWG intern completes stint at Embassy (12/05/04)

TWG intern completes stint at Embassy

by Michael Drabyk

WASHINGTON - The Washington Group selected a law student at Kyiv National Economic University as this year's Embassy intern in Washington. Diana Medvedeva worked this past summer at the Ukrainian Embassy, receiving a $1,500 stipend from The Washington Group Fellowship Fund.

Ms. Medvedeva's background includes knowledge of English and Ukrainian, as well as computer and Internet skills.

"One of the basic subjects of my curriculum is English," said Ms. Medvedeva. "The prospect of working in the U.S.A. is extremely exciting for me, as I can learn more about peoples' lives in their native country." Upon graduation she hopes to work for a Ukrainian company with international contacts. Ms. Medvedeva said she hopes her work experience at the Embassy will help to better understand the needs of foreign partners in business.

The TWG Fellowship Fund was established within The Washington Group in 1987, and placed its first intern at the Embassy of Ukraine back in 1996. The experience has proven useful both for the interns, as well as the Embassy itself, according to the second secretary for the cultural, information and press office there, Nataliia Holub.

"This summer the Embassy greatly benefited from the work of Ukrainian students,' Ms. Holub said. "The interns worked at the Consular Office and the Trade Mission. Their responsibilities included assisting with visa processing; working with databases, catalogues and archives; helping with adoption issues of Ukrainian children; analyzing and reporting on American and Ukrainian legislative issues; and helping with diplomatic correspondence."

"Students also gained experience and knowledge of how a diplomatic mission operates, which is very important and useful for their future careers in international affairs," Ms. Holub added.

"We greatly appreciate this cooperation with The Washington Group (TWG), which has become a good tradition," Ms. Holub said. "We hope it will continue in the future bringing great experience and knowledge for the Ukrainian students as well as helping the Embassy to benefit from their work."

The TWG Fellowship Fund is now conducting a fund-raising drive to cover next year's Embassy Internship. If enough funds are raised, a second paid internship will also be started next year at the Voice of America Ukrainian Desk in Washington.

TWG is a 501c non-profit organization, with contributions being tax-deductible. Donations may be sent to: TWG Fellowship Fund, P.O. Box 7951, McLean, VA 22106.

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