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The
Advising and Student
Services Branch (E/ASA)
promotes the international exchange of students and scholars by providing
support for a network of educational advising centers located in nearly
every country of the world. E/ASA works to strengthen the administration
of international educational exchange between the United States and other
countries, and facilitates cooperation between educational advisers overseas
and their counterparts at U.S. academic institutions.
Overseas Educational
Advising
Over 400 educational
advising centers
in the worldwide USIA network provide international students and scholars
with information on the U.S. educational system, and, if appropriate,
for applying for admission to a U.S. college or university. E/ASA provides
reference materials, equipment, training opportunities, and limited operational
support to the network of centers. These centers may be found in a wide
variety of institutions, including U.S. embassies, Fulbright Commissions,
U.S. non-profit organizations with overseas operations, binational centers,
local universities, private foundations, and other local institutions.
USIA-affiliated
advising centers are designed first and foremost to provide general information,
in print as well as in electronic formats, about the U.S. system of education.
Secondly, they provide a clear explanation of the admissions process to
an American college or university, usually through regularly scheduled
presentations. The centers also offer individual advising, sometimes for
a fee, to assist interested qualified students choose a course of study
and institution best suited for them. Topics for which information is
available at a center include:
-
profiles of U.S.
institutions, including course descriptions
-
application procedures
and strategies
-
financial assistance
options
-
information on
standardized tests required for admission such as TOEFL, SAT and GRE.
Advisers at USIA-affiliated
centers provide impartial, accurate information about the full range of
accredited institutions of higher learning in the United States and do
not serve as agents or recruiters.
A network
of eight Regional
Educational Advising Coordinators (REACs)
provides expertise and field-based support, training and liaison for
educational advisers in the USIA network.
U.S. Domestic Activities
International
students make a significant contribution to U.S. academic life by enhancing
the diversity on campuses, bringing a fresh perspective, introducing
American students to different cultures and, finally, by making a substantial
contribution to the U.S. economy. In recognition of the importance of
international exchange and the contributions of non-sponsored (i.e.,
not U.S. Government-funded) students, E/ASA supports various activities
designed to make their experience in this country a rewarding one.
The Branch
works with partner organizations to strengthen the services that support
international students and scholars on U.S. campuses, and funds professional
development and training for foreign student advisers, admissions personnel,
and others at U.S. universities and colleges. The Branch also seeks
to introduce students to American society and culture through seminars,
home-stays, volunteer opportunities and
other activities.
USIA
provides information to international education professionals through
supporting the development of various publications, including Open
Doors, the
annual census of the international academic community in the United
States, and Advising
Quarterly,
a journal for
educational advisers.
In further
recognition of the importance of wide participation in international
exchange, USIA promotes study abroad for U.S. students.
Cooperative Agreements
The Branch
does not fund individuals directly but develops cooperative agreements,
usually including funding, with organizations to fulfill the activities
outlined above. Agreements fall into the general categories of support
for overseas advising centers, international student enrichment programs,
and professional development for international education professionals.
In keeping with the practice of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs, the majority of the Branch's cooperative agreements are competed
through an announcement in the Federal Register at least every
three years.
For
additional information on grant opportunities, please contact the Branch
or consult the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' list
of open Requests for Proposals.
Advising and
Student Services Branch (E/ASA)
United States
Information Agency
Room 349
301 4th Street,
SW
Washington,
DC 20547
Tel: 202-619-5434
Fax: 202-401-1433
E-mail:
advise@usia.gov
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