After graduating from Iowa State University (USA) in 1968, I began teaching at the University of Illinois,  In 1979 I went to Bucharest, Romania, where I obtained my doctor's degree in in 1984. From 1985-1990 I did studies and further research at the University of Belgrade (Yugoslavia).  After a brief time at Iowa State University, I came to Ukraine in 1992, and took a position as Professor in the newly created Applied Linguistics Department at what is now called "Volyn National Univesity." Recently, I received the title of "Honorary Professor."  In the course of time, I have mastered 5 languages (English, German, Romanian, Ukrainian and Russian) and have a working knowledge of 2 others (French and Spanish).  I am keenly interested in the development of Ukraine.  It has great potention, especially in the agricultural sector.