EducationUSA Fairs in Manila, Cebu attract hundreds of Filipino youth

EducationUSA, the U.S. government’s official resource for students interested in pursuing higher education opportunities in the United States, welcomed representatives of 26 accredited U.S. universities and colleges to its annual university fairs in Manila and Cebu on February 27 and 28, respectively.

Nearly 1,100 students, parents, and educators joined the Manila fair at the Podium Hall in Ortigas Center, while more than 600 attended the Cebu fair at the Radisson Blu.

Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy John Law toured the fair in Manila to meet students interested in studying in the United States.

“We’re just so happy that as you look at the opportunities here and you find places that are good for you, you are going to be part of that tremendous centuries-old legacy of ties between the American people and the Philippine people, because that’s really the most important part of our relationship,” DCM Law said.

“We believe U.S. colleges offer flexibility, choice, options, and value. And we’re certain you’re going to be able to find something that meets your needs,” he added.

Several U.S. university representatives who attended this year’s fairs noted that they continue to be impressed with the quality of students they are meeting in the Philippines, and that Filipino youth seem more prepared to pursue educational opportunities in the United States each year.

Nearly 3,400 Filipinos are currently studying in the United States.

The annual EducationUSA fairs are free and open to the public.

The fairs provide an opportunity for Filipino students to meet university representatives, learn about the U.S. college application process, and interact with university alumni ambassadors, EducationUSA advisors, and U.S. Embassy consular officers.

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 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.

EducationUSA does not offer scholarships, but can assist students in identifying scholarship and financial assistance opportunities.

You can find more information about EducationUSA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/educationusa.philippines and on Twitter at @EducationUSA_PH.