EducationUSA, a part of the United States-India Education Foundation (USIEF), hosted its annual alumni fair at the American Center on January 27. The event was a golden opportunity for students aspiring to study in the US to get familiar with the necessary information, procedures and resources related to application. The fair was attended by representatives and alumni of over 15 US universities.
Adrian Pratt, director, American Center, addressed the aspirants before the event. “We want students from India to explore the diversity of US higher education opportunities at the fair. Please take advantage of the resources here. These alumni are passionate about their institutions. They have been through this journey. They will have the answers to the questions that you might have,” said Pratt.
Visitors to the fair enquired about the nitty-gritty of pursuing higher education in the US
Universities that took part in the event included Green River College, University of Utah, University of Arizona, Flagler College, Columbia University and Bryant University. Attendees were given a scope to interact with the advisers from EducationUSA and representatives of the US consulate to enquire about scholarships, English language requirements, visa applications and availability of funding.
Talking about her experience of studying in the US, Tiyasha Ghattak, an alumna of the School of Visual Arts, New York City, said, “I completed my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Designing from 2016 to 2020. The School of Visual Arts had the most flexible curriculum. It allowed me to choose from different fields and not get bogged down from the very first year. Every year you choose a module close to your heart. I am currently a graphic designer and UI / UX designer. I can put the skills I learnt abroad to use in my country.”
The event saw the participation of several US universities, which included Green River College, University of Utah, University of Arizona, Flagler College, Columbia University and Bryant University
The aspirants enquired Science, Engineering, Visual Arts and Humanities among other subjects. Shoham Raha Roy, a Class IX student of BD Memorial International School, was there with his friends to know more about pursuing higher studies in the US. “I visited the School of Visual Arts, New York City and the University of Arizona. I really liked the School of Visual Arts. I spoke with the alumni too and got to know the procedures that I have to go through in future. I want to study physics, visual arts or data science in future.’’
The attendees included not only school and college students but also working professionals who came to enquire about PhD courses. Koushik Mandal, a working professional, came to the event with a similar purpose. “I am planning to get a PhD in Water Resources. I have a specialisation in Water Resources with a major in Geography. Right now the University of Massachusetts has caught my eye. But their fall deadline is over. So maybe I will try next year,” said Mandal.
Visitors included young students, working professionals and parents, all of whom interacted enthusiastically with the university representatives
Parents who accompanied their children took part in the discussions with equal zeal. Mithu Saha, a parent of a Class IX student from BD Memorial International School, appreciated the importance of such events in helping young students choose the right career path. “This is a very good opportunity for those wanting to pursue higher studies abroad. My child is in Class IX and we can make a decision about higher studies only after she completes her higher secondary education. But this event helps the children make the right decision when the time comes. My daughter wants to study computer science. I will see if after graduation we can send her abroad.”
The universities that appealed the most to the students are those with a flexible curriculum that allows them to pursue academics and simultaneously develop vocational skills to help start their careers. Juan Clar, an alumnus of Cornell University, said, “Interest in US academia is across the board. I think that people should focus on developing the skills that they need. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Economics in 2011. I really enjoyed the fact that I could combine different fields and have an interdisciplinary approach to my studies.’’
In case you missed the fair, those interested in exploring educational opportunities in the US can pay a walk-in visit to USIEF on the third floor of the American Center on any weekday, between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
