Many characteristics of Turkmenistan’s traditionally strong system of education have not continued into the post-independence period.

The Turkmen education system is comprised of kindergarten, primary and secondary schools. The higher education institutions are the Turkmen State University and 14 other specialized Institutes. In addition to this there are several vocational training institutions. The private sector in education is non-existent. The country has a literacy rate of close to 100%.

Foreigners rarely attend public schools. The International School of Ashgabat, phone: 51 90 27 is attended mostly by foreigners and has approximately 70 students. The school year begins in September and ends in June. The charges for the 1999-2000 school year in US $ per annum are as follows:

Pre-school (age 3 and 4) 5000

Kindergarten (age 5) 7,300

Primary and Secondary (age 6-15) 11,400

There is also a network of Turkish schools and an Iranian School affiliated with the Iranian Embassy, the mediums of instruction of which are Turkish and Persian, respectively.

For higher studies, Russian language proficiency is required, as it is the medium of instruction in all of the Institutes, as well as in the Turkmen State University.

Employment opportunities for spouses within the UN system are limited. Instruction of English in schools and other institutions is one possibility. Another possibility is employment with donor agencies, foreign firms and multinational oil companies operating in Turkmenistan. Oil companies often require teachers for English language training to local personnel. Knowledge of the Russian language can be particularly advantageous in this regard.

IX Office Accommodations and Services

Office accommodations to core UN agency personnel are provided in the UN House. Depending upon availability, UN project personnel may also be provided office space within the building. The UN House, located in one of the central districts, has a library, a large conference hall with simultaneous translation facilities, spacious parking areas, and a cafeteria.

The international personnel are requested to bring several passport size photographs and their driver’s license. The UN office, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arranges residency permission, driving authorization and custom’s clearance for new arrivals. The UN office may also assist in hiring drivers, interpreters and secretaries.