International Education and Educational Exchanges
On November 4, U.S. Ambassador to Montenegro Roderick W. Moore discussed the importance of international education and educational exchanges in a press event at the American Corner, KIC "Budo Tomovic" in Podgorica. Ambassador Moore presented some of the Montenegrin students who studied at U.S. universities in the last two years through the FORECAST program.
The FORECAST Exchange Program is funded by the American people, managed by USAID, and implemented by the U.S. NGO World Learning. World Learning representative Mary Frances Doyle presented a general outline of the program, including information on the application process.
The FORECAST program provides scholarships for one academic year of undergraduate, non-degree study in the United States. The scholarship covers international/domestic travel, tuition, room and board, accident/sickness insurance, a small monthly stipend, and funding for books. Students live in university dormitories and have the opportunity to participate in campus organizations and activities and internships. They take part in community service activities in order to gain a better understanding of U.S. society and values.
Eight Montenegrins selected to participate in this program in 2009 are currently in the United States. Twenty seven Montenegrins students have so far participated in the program over the last three years.