About us - Zhanna Saparova

Hello! My name is Zhanna Saparova and I am originally from Turkmenistan (former USSR). I came to the U.S in 1996 as an exchange student for a year with FSA/AFS program. In 1998, I returned to the U.S to study at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). I received both my BA and MA degrees in Political Science from UMKC. While at UMKC, I had an opportunity to work with international students from all over the world and continued to do so for the last four years.

Besides working with international students, I dance Spanish flamenco.  I perform with the ensemble “Al-Andaluz”.  I also dance Argentine Tango and Salsa (that is how I met my husband Beau).

I constantly look for avenues to continue learning. I'm currently learning Spanish and plan to start learning Arabic and French soon.  Some other things on my "to do" list are: learning Indian classical dance and to play Turkish saz (baglama).

I am very excited to serve in the capacity of the Interim Director  in OISS and I look forward to meeting all of you.

Zhanna Saparova

Zhanna Saparova
Assistant Director