AT least 80 Filipinos accepted to universities in the United States have signed up for EducationUSA Phils.’ second virtual pre-departure orientation on June 10.
A real-time survey during the free event revealed more than half of the participants have received financial-aid offers from their respective schools. The amount totaled more than P57 million (or about $1.2 million). More than 15 students also obtained financial-aid awards that are renewable each year.
The departing Filipino students include undergraduates and graduates who will attend a wide range of higher education institutions (HEIs) throughout the US.
Chargé d’Affaires John Law of the US Embassy welcomed the learners and commended them for their successful acceptance to universities in his country: “I want to thank you in advance for the contributions you will make [in] enriching US campuses and classrooms.”
The orientation answered timely questions about international study and travel in a pandemic, as most US universities return to in-person classes. The embassy’s Consular Section joined the event to address queries on student visas.
Participants also heard from EducationUSA program alumni, who shared stories from their time at US universities and provided pieces of advice to the outgoing students: Macy Lee (University of California Davis), Axelle Miel (Duke University), Atty. Jill De Dumo-Cornista and Atty. Nory Dianne Miano (Georgetown University-Law).
EducationUSA parent-ambassador Marillete Suarez, whose son is currently studying at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, also shared her insights and experiences supporting her child’s US study abroad.
Participants also learned about classroom culture, campus life, best practices in travel planning, remote learning, and ways to make the most of their time outside the classroom while in the US.
EducationUSA encourages all students accepted in US universities who were unable to attend the event to reach out to EducationUSA advisers with any questions or concerns via manila@educationusa.org or cebu@educationusa.org. Filipinos aspiring to study in a US university are invited to join EducationUSA’s mini-fair, which will feature different universities and colleges online on June 25: https://bit.ly/EdUSA-Mini-Fair-2021.
EducationUSA provides free advising services to prospective international students in more than 170 countries, and offers students resources and tools to help navigate the five steps to US study: researching schools, identifying financial-aid opportunities, completing applications, obtaining a student visa, and preparing for departure.
There are more than 4,700 accredited HEIs in the US, and an EducationUSA adviser can help students narrow their options, define their priorities, and plan their college careers. EducationUSA does not offer scholarships, but can assist students in identifying scholarship and financial-assistance opportunities.
Find more information about EducationUSA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/educationusa.philippines and on Twitter: @EducationUSA_PH.
The US Embassy in the Philippines is celebrating the 75th year of US-Philippine diplomatic relations, and increased access to international education in the US is among its top priorities.