One of the key pillars of the American Uzbekistan Association (AUA) is serving as a bridge between the people of the United States and Uzbekistan. Public diplomacy has been tested over time as an effective model for strengthening ties between countries. Following this belief, AUA launched the Rishta Fellowship. Translated from Uzbek as ties or relations between people, Rishta supports academic, cultural, and professional exchanges between the people of the U.S. and Uzbekistan.

In collaboration with AUA’s wide network of professionals and institutions both in the United States and Uzbekistan, Rishta Fellowship sends volunteer fellows from the U.S. to engage in development work in Uzbekistan. Organized in partnership with host institutions in Uzbekistan, the Rishta Fellows may focus on teaching in schools and universities, working with public health institutions, supporting civil society organizations, and collaborating with the arts and culture professionals of Uzbekistan.

American Uzbekistan Association (AUA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its mission is to promote academic, cultural and professional exchange between the people of the United States and Uzbekistan. If you want to support our projects, please get involved: volunteer or donate.