Durres Madrassa High School Students Meet America (June 6, 2012)

Durres Madrassa high school students pose for a group photo

On June 6th, 32 female high students and their teachers from Durres Madrassa High School visited the U.S. Embassy to participate in the “Meet America” program organized by the Embassy’s Information Resource Center Director, Matilda Vangjeli.  The students received a brief overview of the Resource Center, the American Corners in Albania, and the youth programs organized by the Embassy.  Regional Security Officer Barry Hale and Assistant Regional Security Officer Josh Peterson discussed their work and travel experience as Special Agents protecting the Secretary of State and U.S. embassies around the world.  Vice Consul Sean Whalen discussed the Embassy’s consular operations and gave a brief description of the Diversity Visa program and responded to questions about student visa regulations.  Assistant Public Affairs Officer Niles Cole explained in the structure of the U.S. Embassy and the role of the Department of State in Tirana.  Mr. Cole also gave a brief overview of the educational advising services offered by the Embassy to Albanian students seeking to study in the United States.  In addition to receiving answers to their questions about studying in the U.S., the students also received complimentary copies of the IIP publications, “Being Muslim in America” and “U.S. Education in Brief.”