The US Embassy in Dhaka hosted the first US university fair in Chattogram Sunday.
The embassy arranged the US University Spring Fair at a Chattogram hotel through its EducationUSA platform in partnership with EdPrograms. EducationUSA is the official source on US higher education.
Around 600 students from Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban joined the fair.
US Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer Sharlina Hussain-Morgan said: “Many in Bangladesh are interested in pursuing higher education at US universities. At present, about 10,000 Bangladeshi students are studying at US universities.”
“The fair aimed at creating opportunities for US institutions of higher education to meet prospective undergraduate and graduate students in Bangladesh,” she added.
The programme provided prospective students, teachers, and college counsellors with a unique opportunity to learn about the US higher education application process from admissions officers from 12 accredited higher education institutions.
The fair included interactive discussions and one-on-one fireside chat opportunities for students to engage with US university admissions recruiters, EducationUSA advisors, and US Embassy officials. Students also receive tips on best practices for a strong application
Besides, the programme featured information sessions on the F-1 student visa process. The fair also provided students with an opportunity to learn firsthand from testing services on SAT and banking representatives on financial options.
The US Embassy will host another education fair at InterContinental Dhaka on January 31.
Students at the fair in Dhaka will have the unique opportunity to speak with US university admission officials face-to-face about admission requirements and scholarship opportunities.
They will also receive tips on best practices for a strong application.
Also, there will be information sessions led by US Embassy officials and EducationUSA advisors about the F-1 student visa process and other topics related to the US higher education system.
The F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa. If someone wishes to engage in academic studies in the US at an approved school, such as an accredited US college or university, private secondary school or approved English language programme, he will need an F-1 visa. He will also need an F-1 visa if his course of study is more than 18 hours a week.
EducationUSA is the US state department’s network of over 425 international student advising centres in 178 countries.
The network promotes US higher education to students around the world by offering accurate, comprehensive, and current information about opportunities to study at accredited institutions in the US.
EducationUSA also provides services to the US higher education community to help institutional leaders meet their recruitment and campus internationalisation goals.
In Bangladesh, EducationUSA advising services and reference materials are available across the country at the American Center at the US Embassy in Dhaka, the Edward M Kennedy Center for Public Service and the Arts in Dhanmondi, and virtually in Chattogram.
EducationUSA reference libraries and remote advising services are also accessible in collaboration with the American Corners in Khulna, Sylhet, and Rajshahi.
Source: United News of Bangladesh