USU Hosts International Advisors

Utah State University received a grant from the U.S.-based Training Program for Overseas Advisers, administered by the College Board, and sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. The grant allowed five international education advisors to visit the USU campus Nov. 10 and 11. 

“This is a great opportunity for Utah State to have the advisors on our campus, seeing what USU has to offer for international students,” said Ann Roemer, associate professor and director of the Intensive English Language Institute at USU and program director over the grant. “Last year nearly 600,000 international students were enrolled in accredited higher education institutions in the United States, enhancing the diversity of our classrooms and communities while contributing to the local economy and balance of trade.”

 

While on campus, advisors discussed the admissions process with campus officials, sampled orientation and other programs available to international students and scholars and met faculty, students and staff to gain a picture of current trends and practices on American campuses. 

 

EducationUSA advisors posted at U.S. Embassy Public Affairs offices, Fulbright Commissions, local universities and bi-national centers help international students learn about higher education in the United States. There are approximately 450 overseas advising centers in the EducationUSA network worldwide, affiliated with the U.S. Department of State.

 

“The advisors also serve as resources to the institutions they visit, by reporting on their home country educational systems, policies and academic training needs and responding to American questions and concerns about international student admissions and orientation,” said Kay Forsyth, director of USU’s Study Abroad office.

 

The advisors have traveled from Benin, Brazil, Indonesia, Tajikistan and Vietnam to USU.

 

“They were treated to a Dutch oven dinner at the American West Heritage Center,” said Forsyth. “Entertainment included traditional Celtic music and singing by local band Leaping Lulu. The international guests also participated in an old-fashioned barn dance.” 

 

After visiting USU, as part of the grant, the advisors will visit Westminster College, Salt Lake Community College, University of Utah and Utah Valley University for additional campus and cultural visits.

 

This U.S.-based training program is supported financially by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State under the authority of the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961, as amended. The program is administered by the College Board.