Two visiting international scholars are spending the semester at the U of A through a faculty professional development program that seeks to enhance their teaching while helping them learn more about higher education in the United States.

Malikajon Fayzieva and Miryokub Rakhimov, both of Uzbekistan, arrived on campus in January through the Faculty Enrichment Program, which is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent and administered by the American Councils for International Education. The Faculty Enrichment Program, supported by the Office of Sponsored Students and Special Programs in the Graduate School and International Education, offers university instructors from Uzbekistan the opportunity to enhance their pedagogical skills and professional disciplinary expertise through a four-month academic enrichment program in the U.S.

Throughout their stay, Fayzieva and Rakhimov will observe courses, attend academic conferences and work closely with members of campus. Program participants are encouraged to form relationships with U.S. host institutions and their home institutions to support ongoing contact and collaboration. To that end, the two have also become involved with programs offered through GSIE, including the International Culture Team and the iFriends program.

"We are humbled and proud to contribute to this international faculty exchange program as a liaison office on campus and be part of the development of the scholars as future leaders in higher education in their home country," said Namiko Bagirimvano, director of sponsored students and special programs. "Working with American Councils for International Education has always been an extremely positive experience for us. It has been a true pleasure to have Malika and Miryokub on campus. They have been very active in various programs, including International Culture Team and iFriend Programs offered by ISS, to share their cultures with the campus and Fayetteville communities."

The two scholars have also been assigned mentors on campus — Christopher Kelley, associate professor of law, is mentoring Rakhimov, while Laura James, director of the Center for Educational Access, is mentoring Fayzieva.

Rakhimov (left) and Fayzieva (right) with law professor Christopher Kelley. Kelley is mentoring Rakhimov during his time in the Faculty Enrichment Program.

"All staff of the university are hospitable and kind. They organize different cultural events, interesting trips to attractions of Arkansas such as museums, natural parks, cities, towns and other areas," Rakhimov said. "As a visiting scholar, I hope to learn more about new teaching methods in legal education, to acquire using electronic-technical bases and library resources, as well as to obtain legal writing skills to prepare scientific articles."

Fayzieva, an English teacher from the city of Bukhara, plans to learn more about inclusive education during her stay at the U of A while also sharing her own experiences and culture to "enhance the intercultural interaction and friendship between American and Uzbek societies."

"Before I return home, I am planning to take advantage of the many resources available to me at the University of Arkansas, including courses, workshops, seminars and conferences, as well as participating in a variety of events on and off campus. In addition, I am going to exchange cultural elements by interacting with fellow students and professors from diverse backgrounds," Fayzieva said. "All in all, I am extremely delighted to be a part of the University of Arkansas family."

The program was launched in 2019, and the U of A has served as a host institution for all three delegations since then, welcoming two fellows in 2020, four in 2021 and two in 2023.

"American Councils has a longstanding relationship with the University of Arkansas and is grateful for the support that they have provided our international students and scholars over the years," said Cayla Hantzsch, senior program officer with the American Councils for International Education. "Thanks to the shared history between the university and American Councils, the University of Arkansas has a deep understanding of our programs and needs. This has allowed us to work very collaboratively with our colleagues on placement."

"Fellows' teaching and research interests can be very specific, and the University of Arkansas' ability to make excellent placements for the FEP, even in more challenging placement areas, has been a major asset for American Councils," Hantzsch added. "Fellows who have been placed at the University of Arkansas have not only received support in their academic areas, but have also been connected to other university departments or offices to further their professional development, teaching skills and understanding of the U.S. higher education system. This well-rounded experience is precisely what the FEP seeks to provide fellows so that they can return to their home institutions in Uzbekistan with the ability to implement the knowledge gained not only in their classrooms, but also in their institutions at large."

For more information about the Faculty Enrichment Program, visit the FEP program website. For more information on the Office of Sponsored Students and Special Programs, visit their website.