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 Bachelors and Masters 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” and teach flamenco at Manos Rojas-School of Flamenco Music and Dance. I also dance Argentine Tango and Salsa (that is how I met my husband Beau).

I constantly challenge myself to grow as a person.  Just recently, I started taking sewing classes and learning how to play violin.  Learning Spanish, French, Arabic languages and Indian traditional dance are just a few other “to do’s” on my list.

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