U.S. Embassy Hosts Orientation for Ethiopian Students Studying in the U.S.

On August 5, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy hosted a pre-departure orientation and reception for Ethiopian students leaving for the United States on student visas at the Ethiopia Hotel. This event, the first of its kind, aimed to help students prepare for their study abroad and to understand cultural, consular and legal issues relevant to being international students in the U.S.

Opening the program, Public Affairs Counselor Michael McClellan said the Ethiopian students going to the United States would help strengthen people-to-people relations between the two countries.  He commented that the students, in addition to studying, would help Americans learn about Ethiopia and its rich culture and long history of religious tolerance.
Chargé d’Affaires Deborah Malac delivered a key note address. She explained the structure and types of institutions in the U.S. education system. Chargé Malac emphasized the importance of having international students in the U.S. and the important role of educational exchange in diplomatic relations.

Consular Chief Paul Cantrell spoke about the student visa process and invited Vice Consul Scott Driskel to explain the entry procedures students will encounter when they arrive in the United States.  Mr. Driskel also explained the legal context of staying in the U.S. as a student.

The Embassy’s Educational Advisor, Yoseph Shiferaw, shared tips with the students about getting the best results out of U.S. education.  He discussed issues of cultural diversity and differences that the students are likely to encounter and gave hints about how to handle such cases. He emphasized the cultural differences that might appear very different for students when they first arrive in the U.S., and he encouraged students to mingle with local students in order to learn about the American culture. He also explained the academic procedures and culture of U.S. institutions.

Desiree Cormier of the Embassy’s Political Section provided insight into American society and values.  Her presentation aimed to help students understand the nature of the American community and its values and overall culture.

Harvard University sophomore Yoseph Ayele, who came to Addis Ababa for a two month internship program, concluded the program with a presentation on being an international student in the US.  He highlighted the challenges and opportunities of being an international student.  He provided interesting insights and hints on how to manage social interactions and how to become a more involved active member of the community.
The event was followed by a reception, at which the 187 students and parents in attendance had a chance to meet and discuss study abroad issues with the presenters and their fellow students.

In the last two years, the U.S. Embassy has expanded its cooperation with Ethiopian high schools and universities through its outreach programs, education fairs and education advising at the Embassy. The Embassy’s education advising services are available free of charge to the public.  The Public Affairs Office disseminates free information about studying in the U.S. to interested students and hosts two informational sessions with Education Advisor Yoseph Shiferaw each week for graduate and undergraduate students.  These free services help Ethiopian students learn about and prepare for their education options in the U.S.  This year more than two dozen students who used the Embassy’s advising services were able to obtain some form of financial aid, including full scholarships.