International Education Week boosts US-PHL learning linkages
THIS November, the Embassy of the United States in Manila marks International Education Week (IEW) with a year of significant achievements in strengthening highereducation cooperation with the Philippines through expanded university linkages and student mobility.
At the core of the successful educationcooperation is the Joint Statement on Higher Education Collaboration, signed at the 2019 Us-philippine Bilateral Strategic Dialogue. It enabled a new US Embassy and Commission on Higher Education working group, a yearlong action plan, and the multi-series “Pathways to Opportunity” speaker program promoting internationalization of Philippine universities. More than 200 local universities have joined such events.
Every November, the US celebrates IEW to promote greater student exchange and academic collaboration. According to the embassy, both countries are dedicated to strengthening higher education linkages and student exchange, even in the face of new and unprecedented challenges. Recent data released by the International Institute of Education showed a 2.2- percent increase in Filipino graduate students studying in the Us—the fourth consecutive year of growth for this demographic.
In celebration of IEW 2020, Educationusa Philippines, the US government’s free educational-advising service, hosted a series of programs designed to promote international education and guide students through the process of applying to US universities. It kicked off on November 16 with a Facebook Live program underscoring the value of a liberal arts education. The following evening, Educationusa hosted an Application Clinic for Grade 12 students. On the 19th, Educationusa organized a virtual Alumni Fair, where Filipino graduates from 15 top US universities will share perspectives and advice about their student experiences.
The IEW closed yesterday, as EducationuSA partnered with American Spaces Phils. to launch a massive open online course or MOOC on the topic, “Applying to US Universities.” Educationusa will also host an application drive for graduates. Students can also participate in an Educationusa essay contest this week on the value of an international education for an opportunity to win an ipad. Information on these events can be found in Educationusa Phils.’ Facebook page.
Aside from its FB page, more information about Educationusa is on Instagram: @educa
tionusa.philippines and on Twitter: @EducatioNUSA_PH.