EducationUSA Advising Center

EDUCATIONUSA TALKS AT LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL

EducationUSA team and ECA Program Officer Jarred Butto visited Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted and talked to more than 200 students about educational opportunities in the United States. Students asked excellent questions about issues ranging from student visas, financial documents, required test scores to work opportunities in the United States.

INFO SESSION: "STUDY IN NEW YORK"

On Monday, March 26, EducationUSA hosted an educational session on Higher Education in the US with a focus on living and studying in New York. The presentation was conducted by Ms. Arlene Spencer and Ms. Victoria Peterson representing SUNY. Going forward, EducationUSA will continue to organize more information sessions on school systems in particular states/regions as well as specific fields of study for interested students and parents.

EDUCATION FAIR IN HCMC ATTRACTS THOUSANDS

Advising team in HCMC participated in the 2012 Spring IIE Education Fair at the Rex Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City on March 17. The fair featured more than 40 American colleges and universities and attracted nearly 1,000 students and faculty. Mr. Ogburn encouraged the students to study in the United States and touted the U.S. educational system’s ability to help students take personal responsibility for their education. Currently, nearly 15,000 Vietnamese students are studying at accredited two-year and four-year universities all across the United States, making Vietnam the eighth placed country in the world for sending students to the United States for a college education.

INFO SESSION: "ON-CAMPUS SUPPORT & EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS”

On March 12, EducationUSA Advising Center hosted an information session entitled “Study in the U.S. – On-Campus Support & Employment Options” for nearly 60 students and parents. Ms. Maria Carvalho, International Student Adviser of University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire shared her knowledge and first-hand experience on liberal arts education, various supporting services for students on U.S. colleges’ campuses and different types of employment for international students. The presentation was followed by an effervescent discussion.

EDUCATIONUSA & CONSULAR SECTION OUTREACH TO THE MEKONG DELTA

From March 13-16, EducationUSA Senior Advisor Ngoc Quach and and Consulate Non-Immigrant Visa Chief Mike Sestak gave a series of tandem presentations at four different schools in Can Tho, Hau Giang and Ca Mau. EducationUSA and the Consular section often partner for these outreach programs in Ho Chi Minh City and the provinces in order to provide faculty and students with updated information on studying in the United States and tips for getting student visas. In addition, the audience also learns about other available government resources and services at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City and through various State Department websites.

INFO SESSION: "LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES IN THE U.S."

On February 3, the EducationUSA Advising Center hosted a session on “Liberal Arts Colleges in the United States” in conjunction with the American Center.
A group of more than 20 students and faculty from Augustana College and other schools discussed the benefits of attending liberal arts colleges with their Vietnamese counterparts and outlined student life in America. The session drew over 100 Vietnamese students.

EDUCATIONUSA HOSTS STUDENT VISAS SESSION

Non-Immigrant Visa Chief Michael Sestak spoke about student visas to more than 300 students and parents at the EducationUSA Advising Center in two separate presentations on April 26 and May 3. The talks covered how to apply for a student visa, what documents are required, tips for the interview, new visa policies and Q&A sessions

EDUSA & AC HOST ENGLISH WRITING CONTEST

To celebrate Earth Day 2012, EducationUSA and the American Center jointly held an English Writing Contest on environmental issues. More than 400 high school and university students submitted essays. Consul General An Le presented certificates and gifts to the top 10 finalists. Prizes for the top 3 winners included an iPad 2, a DELL laptop, and an iPod.