Programs: Fee For Services

Fee for Services Programs (FFS) are the same types of services that the International Center of Worcester (ICW) already provides to participants in the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Program, the Community Connection program, the Library of Congress' Open World Leadership Program and other programs sponsored by the U.S. government and its agencies. The only difference is that FFS programs are paid for by individuals and private organizations.

One of our most successful fee-for-service programs is our partnership with Astrakhan State University. The International Center of Worcester (ICW) and the Astrakhan State University (ASU), in Astrakhan, Russia, are partnering to develop innovative programs through fostering relationships with several universities in Massachusetts.  The goal is to establish ASU as a major center for academic research and professional development and to foster international programs between ASU, the United States, and other regions of the world. 

ASU is creating a center for international programs that will be jointly administered by ICW.   It will house and facilitate the relationships that are developing between ASU and American universities.  This center will foster teaching, professional training, research, and exchanges.  The goal is for ASU to be recognized as the regional center for international academic and professional programs.  ASU is the only university in the Caspian region and southern Russia that is developing these kinds of innovative international programs.  ICW looks forward to working with the faculty and staff of the Astrakhan State University for many years. 

Astrakhan is a city of about 500,000 people in southwest Russia on the Volga River delta along the northern coast of the Caspian Sea. It is the administrative center of the Astrakhan region, about 950 miles southeast of Moscow. One of the oldest towns in Russia, it is on the ancient Silk Road between Europe and China where many cultures met and today has over 150 ethnicities.  In recent years the regional economy has been fueled by the expanding oil and gas industries. 

ASU is the largest university in the region and, under the leadership of its current Rector, is rapidly becoming the leading international educational center in southeastern Russia.  Its facilities and curriculum have been designed to meet international standards and respond to the needs local citizens and regional enterprises.  It is being renovated faster than any other university in Russia and was recently selected to participate in the President’s Program or the Russian Federation.  ASU is well positioned to contribute to the economic development of the region and its integration into the global economy.

Services Provided by ICW:

Professional and Cultural Programs

All services provided by ICW in developing professional and cultural programs for governmental programs are available on a fee-for-service basis.
These services include:
- Information Packets
- Professional Appointments
- Internships
- Sightseeing Tours
- Home Hospitality
- Hotel accommodation and Homestays
- Translation or Interpretation Services
- Workshops, Seminars and other Training Events
- Receptions with Targeted Invitees
- Traveling to different US cities
- Airport Transportation Expenses

Assist in:

- Enrollment in a university as a student for master’s program, English Language Program and Short-Term Study. English as a Second Language (ESL) as offered by: Clark University and Worcester State College.
- Complete and submit an application form.
- Submit proof of high school completion
- Submit a letter of financial guarantee
- TOEFL requirement
- Enroll as a full-time student.
- Airport Transportation
- Arrange housing in dormitory
- Find an apartment for rent
- Meet at the airport and arrange transportation to housing
- Orientation session upon arrival
- Entering the United States on a student visa (F1).

Assist in preparing:

- DS-156 Form
- DS-158 Form
- I-134 Form
- I-901 “Fee Remittance”
- Health Insurance


Partners of ICW in Programs

Sponsoring Agencies in the United States:

Local Agencies:

In Russia and Newly Independent States: