By Jade Belen

Over 2,500 prospective students, parents, and teachers explored opportunities to study in the United States at the 6th EducationUSA Philippines Fair organized by the U.S. Embassy and the Philippine-American Education Foundation at the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City.

 

"After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to welcome everyone back to the EducationUSA Fair in person," U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava said at the event's opening ceremony.

"The exchange of students, researchers, scholars, and educators, along with broader international education efforts between the United States and other countries, strengthens relationships between current and future leaders. These relationships are necessary to address shared challenges and contribute to global peace and security."

 

EducationUSA Advisors and representatives from 32 U.S. universities and colleges offered information on academic programs, admission procedures, scholarship and financial aid options, and student visa applications. The EducationUSA Fair is held annually and is free and open to the public.

 

"I know firsthand that selecting and applying for admission to U.S. universities can be a daunting process. I recently went through this process with my own son, who is a high school student," Deputy Chief of Mission Variava added. "The U.S. Embassy's EducationUSA Advising team is available to help you navigate the process with free, unbiased information on U.S. higher education."

 

EducationUSA also hosted a networking lunch that enabled officials from Filipino universities and high schools to meet visiting U.S. university representatives and discuss the study interests of Filipino students, scholarship opportunities, U.S. school offerings, and potential institutional partnerships.

 

American university representatives recognized the high quality of students in the Philippines and noted that Filipino youth seem more prepared than ever to pursue educational opportunities. "Prospective students can position themselves well in the U.S. college and university application process due to the excellent preparation they receive in Filipino high schools and universities," said David Danenberg, Associate Director for Admissions and Financial Aid at Carnegie Mellon University's Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.

 "We are excited to welcome more students from the Philippines," Danenberg said.

 

"EducationUSA opens doors to tremendous opportunities," student Jose Miguel Villegas said. "The EducationUSA Fair featured enthusiastic representatives from U.S. colleges and universities and an overwhelming number of programs that cater to every student's interests."

 

EducationUSA is the U.S. government's official resource for students interested in higher education in the United States. It provides free advising services to prospective international students in more than 170 countries. It offers students resources and tools to help navigate the five steps to U.S. study: researching schools, financing, completing the application, obtaining a student visa, and preparing for departure.

 

An EducationUSA adviser can help students narrow their options, define their priorities, and plan their college careers. While EducationUSA does not offer scholarships, it can assist students in identifying scholarship and financial assistance opportunities. Learn more about EducationUSA at www.facebook.com/educationusa.philippines.