EducationUSA marks literacy month with series of educational programs

US Embassy in Manila. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The EducationUSA Philippines has conducted a series of programs designed to enhance college application literacy in the country in celebration of National Literacy Month in October.

In a statement from the United States Embassy on Tuesday, EducationUSA noted that the number of Filipinos attending graduate programs in the US has grown significantly in the recent years making the series of programs ideal for the Philippines.

Kicking off on October 13, EducationUSA hosted its first virtual graduate studies fair where 25 US graduate school representatives met with 215 prospective students on Zoom.

The embassy said EducationUSA is a global network of more than 400 advising centers supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the US Department of State. It  is the official, trusted source of information about US higher education based in the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy.

The representatives shared that most of the participating higher education institutions offer financial aid to international students and virtual program options.

On October 24, EducationUSA held its fourth annual university application drive which was conducted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

EducationUSA advisers and Filipino alumni from US universities welcomed junior and senior high school students who are interested in studying abroad. First year college students planning to transfer also participated in the program.

Representatives from standardized testing organizations ACT, International English Language Testing System, Test of English as a Foreign Language, Common App, and Pearson joined as resource speakers at the online event, according to EducationUSA.

During the event held via Zoom, experts gave advice on narrowing college options, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and College Scholarship Service profile, understanding the different standardized test options, completing the Common App, and writing an effective college essay.

EducationUSA then proceeded to present at four college and career fairs for high school students held at Everest Academy, Multiple Intelligence International School, Philippine Science High School Davao campus, and Life Academy International.

It concluded its observance of the Literacy Month with a Statement of Purpose Writing Workshop for 83 students interested in studying in the United States and a webinar for graduate students on October 30.

It added it is now planning a series of events to be held during International Education Week which is from November 16 to 20.

EducationUSA provides free advising services to prospective international students in more than 170 countries, and offers student resources and tools to navigate applications to colleges in the US.  Miggy Dumlao, INQUIRER.net trainee

JPV