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.