US has a particularly strong connection with students from Saudi Arabia, thanks to the generous support provided by the Ministry of Education and through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program.
TO all the Saudi students who are receiving offers of admission to American universities: congratulations! As the chargé d’affaires at the American Embassy in Saudi Arabia, I want you to know that the US welcomes students like you; we view you as an important part of our country’s connection with the world, and as a valuable addition to our universities. I hope you accept the opportunity to study in the US.
You have put in years of study to prepare for college, you have poured energy and creativity into your application essays, and you’ve worked hard to prepare for English language examinations. You should be proud of your achievements.
Over 1 million foreigners now study in the US. America has long been the world’s top host for international students. These students and their families recognized the value that American universities offer. Graduates of more than 4,500 American institutions of higher education have gone on to become leaders and innovators in many fields around the world. The US has a particularly strong connection with students from Saudi Arabia, thanks to the generous support provided by the Ministry of Education and through the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program.
Students from Saudi Arabia make up the third-largest population of foreign students in the US. I am pleased that so many Saudi students choose to contribute to the dynamism, openness and quality of campuses across the US. Saudi students who live and study in the US acquire education, experience, and links to people and institutions that support their development and advancement, and prepare them to help become leaders in their countries. These graduates are also a pillar of the relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, helping our countries work together to face common challenges.
Colleges and universities across the US value Saudi and other students from abroad for the global perspectives they provide both in the classroom and in our communities. American students benefit from new perspectives about the world, helping them prepare for lives and careers across our increasingly interconnected globe.
US colleges and universities take pride in providing safe, welcoming environments for all their students. Consular officials at the US Embassy in Riyadh and Consulates General in Dhahran and Jeddah work diligently to process student visa requests. Information about the visa process is available at http://ustraveldocs.com/sa/. EducationUSA advisers at our embassy and consulates in Saudi Arabia stand ready to answer questions about studying in the US. You can find an adviser at www.educationusa.state. gov, or https://sa.usembassy.gov/education-culture/educationusa/overview/.
American colleges and universities welcome you, as do the American people and communities throughout our country. I encourage you to accept this lifechanging opportunity to experience an American higher education. Christopher Henzel is chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Riyadh.