In 1992, IREX together with the US
Information Agency, opened advising centers in Central Asia and the Caucasus states of
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan. Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan. IREX advising
centers facilitate international exchange throughout the world, hold international
conferences, seminars, and professional training, as well as provides students and
scholars with current information on educational testing. IREX (International Research and
Exchange Board) is a private, non-profit organization that was founded in 1958 by a group
of private academic organizations and foundations to promote advanced field research and
professional training programs between the United States, Eurasia and Eastern Europe.

Until 1991, IREX was a major sponsor for young scholars specializing in Soviet and East
European studies. Today, IREX’s range of activities includes research and practical
training for foreign students and young professionals, support for regional universities
and non-governmental organizations, technical assistance to independent media and the
establishment of public Internet access. Since 1958, IREX has given grants to more than
6000 US scholars. IREX has 450 advising centers throughout the world, where people can get
necessary information on study opportunities in the United States. IREX’s advising
centers hold US Education Fairs annually where people get free access to the information
on study opportunities in the US, on financial aid and sponsored programs. Over 90000
students in the NIS get valuable information and use services provided by IREX each year.

IREX’s major goals include fostering the development of basic and applied research
in different fields of science as well as improving and strengthening the research and
field assessment of critical countries. IREX strives to assist fellow professionals in
partner countries by improving research capabilities, by providing access to information
and civic institutions, and by forging cooperative links between scholars, universities,
policymakers, and media groups in the US and in partner countries. IREX’s annual
revenues in 2000 grew to nearly $30 million from $4 million in 1990. Some of its major
sources of funding come from Boeing, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, NATO, USAID,
United States Department of States, and the United States Information Agency.

Despite great achievements and success, IREX still has to face difficulties operating
in the Central Asia-Caucasus region. The most difficult and important function defined by
the founders of the organization is held as a motto by the IREX staff: "enjoy
confidence of profession, act with authority on both sides of the Atlantic, be immune to
political pressures from all sides, and fulfill the sensitive role as a clearinghouse for
information". IREX plays a critical role in contributing to the development of civil
society and democracy in the region by promoting important scholarly exchanges. It truly
is a national resource of the United States. Operating in this climate is very difficult
but those in the United States State Department continue to have faith in IREX.

Maria Utyaganova, student of American University in Kyrgyzstan,
International Relations Department.