HYDERABAD: Representatives of around 40 universities from the United States of America and the US Consulate were in the city to address queries and doubts of over 5,000-odd students who have expressed an interest in undertaking undergraduate courses in the US.
In the biggest-ever such fair, students of Class 10 and their parents interacted with the EducationUSA officials to ascertain the opportunities at the undergraduate level and future options.
EducationUSA is the official source of information about higher education in the US, part of the US Department of State’s network of over 430 international student advisory centers worldwide.
Acting US Consul-General and Consular Chief Rebekah Drame, who inaugurated the event, was queried over the deportation of 21 students, to which she replied that the issue was under the purview of the immigration department and she was not aware of the reasons behind it.
However, she warned aspirants not to fall prey to fake universities and apply to only those varsities recommended by the US Consulate, on its website.
Rebekah Drame remarked on the growing ties and strength of US-India partnerships in the education sector, emphasizing the importance of in-person events to help students and parents make informed choices by learning about their options, the student visa application process and other aspects of studying and living in the United States.
She said, “The mission of EducationUSA is, at its core, to help the millions of students it works with every year have a successful future.”
Other US officials also warned students not to use fake documents for visas, as not only would they lose their student visa (F1) but also the chance to apply for other visas.
Sri Latha, a resident of Kompally, who was accompanying her Class 10 daughter to the fair, said, “My daughter wants to pursue her undergraduate programme in the US. This fair is very helpful for us to do the preparations.”
Pradeep Kumar, of Medak, said: “Presently, I am working but I want to pursue my masters in the US. This fair is helpful to find out all the details.”
