Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC)
2000 M Street NW
Suite 250
Washington, DC 20036
Tel: 202-589-2600
Email: iesc@iesc.org
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Volunteer Donna Howard
The Armenians are extremely hospitable. Their phrase for hospitality is “to love our guest.” At every NGO I visited, I was offered tea or coffee, and I usually accept tea. Tea is a ritual in Armenia, which, I realize now, includes a nice cloth or scarf placed on the table, the loveliest cups or glasses one has, and a plate of cookies or candy at the most humble of locations. No…
read moreRussian teatime
Shortly after Perestroika, in 1996, IESC sent us to Vladimir, Russia. From American television we had the idea that Russians are rather cold and distant people who seldom smiled. However, during our time in Russia we discovered their warmth and hospitality. The project was a huge success and we made life-long friends.
At that time, business was mostly done on the barter system. The…
read moreI am afraid I do not have a specific anecdote or photo/video clip about my experience with IESC but perhaps I have a unique story that might be of interest.
IESC Volunteer Albert E. Koehl (died in 1970)
In 1964, my father Albert E. Koehl read a story by James Reston in the New York Times about a proposed new international volunteer organization for experienced business people. He doggedly tried to contact…
read moreIESC is the primary implementer of Morocco Commercial Development Organizations Support Program, which is funded by The U.S. State Department’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). As part of this program, IESC provides a competitive grant fund as well as expert technical assistance and training to Moroccan trade associations, cooperatives, business development organizations and chambers of commerce. In July 2013, after reviewing 87…
read moreFor almost 50 years, IESC has set the global standard for identifying and deploying volunteer experts for technical and managerial assistance projects overseas. IESC volunteer experts bring years of professional experience to help businesses and organizations in emerging market economies improve their operations and compete more effectively.
However, for many people, volunteering is a two-way street. IESC volunteer experts often say they…
read moreIESC volunteer expert Melody Myer writes on her blog about her decision to volunteer for IESC and shares her experience in Tunisia.
Read Why Volunteer’ Why Go to Tunisia’
Read Tunisian Chronicles
read more