U.S. Universities visit Colombo for premier Embassy supported education road show

( September 3, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardain) The first ever United States Embassy supported American University Exhibition will take place this Friday and Saturday, September 5th and 6th, from 10am to 6pm at the Colombo Hilton. The American University Exhibition and Road Show is the largest, free and open-to-the-public opportunity for parents and students to learn about higher education in the U.S. directly from universities, U.S. Embassy staff and qualified education advisors from the Fulbright Commission.

American representatives from twenty-two universities and institutes of higher education across the U.S. are visiting Sri Lanka to attend the fair, meet with prospective students and share information about their institutions through individual meetings, handouts and presentations. Visitors will learn about university admissions, financial aid opportunities and student visa procedures, as well as, living and studying in America.

In addition, Sri Lankan alumni of U.S. universities will be on hand to share their experience with parents and students and answer questions about study in America. Advisors from the Fulbright Commission will be available to counsel all attendees on researching American universities, completing tests and applications, as well as, finding funding to finance study in the U.S. – including student work opportunities. No prior appointments or registration are necessary.

Each year tens of thousands of qualified Sri Lankan graduates do not find university places in Sri Lanka. Many look overseas to complete their higher studies and solidify their career prospects. Long recognized for its quality education system, the United States remains the number one destination for foreign students around the world, hosting over half a million undergraduate and graduate students from abroad each year.

In 2007, over 2000 Sri Lankan students attended university in America, and that number is increasing each year. “U.S. universities are showing unprecedented interest in students from Sri Lanka,” says Ambassador Robert Blake. “I encourage all students to consider the diverse higher education opportunities available at American universities, to develop their future and the future of Sri Lanka.”

From internationally recognized institutions in the Ivy League to hundreds of respected and affordable schools in the State University systems, the United States has over 4000 institutions of higher learning offering more than 900 programs of study. The U.S. Embassy is working in conjunction with ANC Education Holdings to host this American Education Exhibition in order promote the diversity and availability of an American higher education to all qualified Sri Lankan students.
- Sri Lanka Guardian