The document summarizes a regional summit attended by students in Kiev, Ukraine. It describes their positive first impressions of the city and the high level of security at the US Embassy where the summit was held. The summit provided opportunities to meet students from different countries and learn about collaborating on social entrepreneurship projects. Students participated in training sessions, cultural presentations, and formed a social network to stay connected going forward. The summit was well organized and students were grateful for the experience.

1. ACCESS STUDENTS’ IMPRESSIONS
ON
REGIONAL ACCESS SUMMIT
October 2-4, 2013
First impressions
Kiev is a fantastic, full of historical places, impressive and very crowded city. Although we were
very tired after a long night trip, we decided to discover the city by ourselves. We had the
opportunity sight-seeing the first day because we arrived earlier. The hotel where we stayed was
situated down town, on the Independence Square. We could see through the window magnificent
scenery of the city. Mostly impressed us the ancient cathedrals, monuments and streets. We took
a lot of pictures for good memories.
The summit days
We were shocked by the high-level security at the US Embassy in Kiev. It was quite a new
experience for all of us, but we felt very important and appreciated. Frank Jerry and all his team,
who organized this summit, did their job very well. They made it very interesting, useful, funny
and informative. We also had the opportunity to meet there people from five different countries,
different nationalities and cultures, but the same interest and goal: ACCESS.
The way of getting acquainted with each other was very amazing, teachers and students worked
together to find as much as possible information about everybody through an Ice Breaker
Session. To my opinion, the main goal of the summit was to learn how to collaborate, cooperate
and stay informed about social entrepreneurship. We also understood that community needs us
and every small step can bring us to success. If we could change the attitude to at least ten
people, it could be called a victory. But, the most important was the fact that we were taught step
by step how to think, act and manage a project.
We appreciated the training led by US Marines, who taught us about situational awareness. It
was very funny and unusual.
A vivid example of project implementing was the FLEX alumni team presentation. They
demonstrated us their successful projects, motivation, desire and team spirit.
The most friendly and open person we met there was Tommy Boyd with his “Operation
Respect”, that provides tolerance, patience and respect. He taught us how to express our ideas
kindly and focus on constructive criticism.
The whole period we were encouraged to speak only English and to share our experiences and
personality.
Another interesting part of the summit was Talent Show/Culture Presentations of each
participating country. We enjoyed every show and nationality specific customs.
There we made a lot of friends and a club of common interests. It was awesome to discuss with
each other about ourselves, our countries, issues of our world and topics of the summit.

2. We formed a social network in which we will share progress on individual country projects. It is
nice that we can stay in touch, even after summit, and hope for another meetings because we
miss each other very much (to be honest, all the foreign ACCESS students were unexpectedly
friendly and amazing).
We are so thankful to the U.S. Embassy and Department of State, that gave us this special
opportunity, Peace Corps Volunteers, who taught us a lot of useful things and Ukraine for being
a good „hostess”.
Vlas Cristian, ACCESS student
UNGHENI, MOLDOVA