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International Education Week Celebrated at the American Center in Asmara

Dr. Sara Ogbay discusses the importance of education and learning about other parts of the world.

The American Center organized an event to celebrate International Education week at the Eritro-German auditorium on November 15, 2006. The topics for the program were; The Advantages of International Education by Dr. Sara Ogbay, Head of the Department of English, Asmara University; The College Admissions Process by Mr. Michael McCarthy, A/PAO and Management Officer at American Embassy Asmara; and Student Visas – The F1 Visa Process by Ms. Elaine French, Consular Officer.

The event was opened with a short talk by Dr. Ogbay emphasizing the importance of education and the need for students to learn about the world beyond their own countries. Following the talk, the GLOBAL IQ Quiz was distributed to the audience.

Dr. Ogbay expressed the advantage of International Education, grouping her ideas into three topics: - language learning and awareness, social and cultural advantages and academic advantages. Dr Ogbay shared from her experience on how social, cultural and speech differences could affect one’s studies (positively and negatively), perceptions and social life in a new environment.

Mr. McCarthy communicated his ideas concerning the college admissions process by explaining what students should review and what to expect when planning to enroll as an international student. In addition he emphasized what the universities look for in a student. The Consular Officer, Ms French elaborated on what the Consular Section requires from I-20 holders and brief requirements for the F1 visa, and clarified several misconceptions regarding financial needs. Participants had the chance to ask questions of each of the speakers.

The event, which was attended by more than 200 students, teachers and government employees, provided an excellent opportunity for the speakers to enumerate the benefits of an International Education. At the conclusion of the event, the film “Akeelah and the Bee” was shown, and the brochure “If you want to Study in USA” was distributed to the participants.