Cultural and Educational Outreach at RAK Education Expo

April 24-26, Ras Al Khaimah-

Representatives from the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai are participating at the 2012 Ras Al Khaimah Education, Training and Employment Exhibition, which runs from April 24th to 26th at the RAK Exhibition Center.  During this three-day fair, U.S. Consulate officers will present information and materials on studying at U.S. colleges and universities, address consular issues, and present speeches about U.S. culture and society.

During the opening of the fair on April 24, Public Affairs Officer Hyun Sim presented His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, with gifts including a book about the national parks of the United States.  Mr. Sim and Economic Officer Michael Carney later gave presentations about their hometowns in the U.S. and the student visa process to an enthusiastic audience of Emirati high school students at the Consulate General’s “Moveable Spaces” corner at the Exhibition Center.

The Consulate General’s on-staff education advisor offers guidance regarding the selection of universities, testing, scholarship opportunities, and the application process.  At the EducationUSA Advising Center in the U.S. Consulate General, she is also available to provide information on summer camps and leadership programs and pre-departure orientation workshops for U.S.-bound students.  The EducationUSA Advising Center is open to the public and services are provided at no charge, but must be arranged in advance through an appointment system.      

According to the most recent Open Doors Report issued by the Institute of International Education, over 1,800 Emiratis studied at U.S. institutions of higher learning during the 2010-11 academic year.  

EducationUSA is a global network of more than 400 advising centers supported by the U.S. Department of State.  EducationUSA centers actively promote U.S. higher education around the world by offering accurate, unbiased, comprehensive, objective and timely information about educational institutions in the United States and guidance to qualified individuals on how best to access those opportunities. More information on EducationUSA is found at http://www.educationusa.info/.

To contact or schedule an appointment with the EducationUSA Advising Center at the U.S. Consulate General Dubai, please call 04-309-4142 or email EducationUSADubai@state.gov .

Working in cooperation with public and private partners across the UAE, the U.S. Consulate General in Dubai and the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi support a wide range of cultural and educational programs reflecting the depth and breadth of the U.S.-UAE diplomatic relationship.  For more information, visit www.facebook.com/USConsulateGeneralDubai .