Educational Outreach in the Northern Emirates
Interest in studying in the United States is rising, and the U.S. wants to welcome students from all over the world. EducationUSA advisers from the U.S. Consulate General in and the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi recently visited schools and local college counselors throughout the Northern Emirates. During visits to Sharjah, Fujairah and Ras al-Khaimah, EducationUSA advisers presented information on studying in the U.S. and met with Emirati students to answer questions about college applications, testing, applying for visas and life in America. Our advisers also highlighted the services that we provide -- free of charge -- to Emirati students, including general advice on defining their interests and selecting from the over 4000 colleges and universities in the U.S., and pre-departure briefings and cultural orientation to help students prepare for life in the American academic environment. At one event, our advisers helped organize a digital video conference between Emirati and American students, enabling the Emiratis to ask questions directly of their fellow students.
Response to our outreach has been extremely positive and, as a result, we are planning more events of this type. On October 14, 2008, for example, we will conduct a full-day orientation session on studying in the U.S. at the Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah.
Students who want more information about the resources of EducationUSA should email EducationUSAdubai@state.gov (if you live in Dubai and the Northern Emirates) or EducationUSAabudhabi@state.gov (if you live in Abu Dhabi Emirate). For general information about studying in the United States, please visit the EducationUSA website at http://educationusa.state.gov.