Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), represented by the Ateneo Internationalization for Mindanao (AIM) Office, joined the 2023 Annual Education USA University Fair held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City on 12 October 2023.
Education USA is a US State Department-funded advising network committed to facilitating access to accurate and comprehensive information about US higher education opportunities and helping institutional leaders meet their recruitment and campus internationalization goals. This event brought together delegates from various Philippine Higher Education Institutions, private and public agencies, students, and representatives from 23 US institutions.
The twenty-three US institutions, namely Cascadia College Bothell, Clark College, College of Southern Nevada, Green River College, Merrimack College, Riverside City College, Moraine Valley Community College, Valencia College, York College of Pennsylvania, Arizona State University, California State University San Bernardino, Kent State University, Lewis University, The University for Creative Careers, University at Albany (State University of New York), State University of New York Plattsburgh, Troy University, the University of Colorado Boulder, The University of Utah Asia Campus South Korea, University of San Francisco, Yale School of the Environment, Xavier University, and the University of Hawaii Manoa actively participated in the event, alongside five other groups, which included representatives from the US Embassy’s Consular Affairs, scholarship organizations like Fulbright Philippines and Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, and testing companies, each with their own informative booths.
The fair commenced with the Opening Message by Ms. Pauline Anderson, Deputy Public Engagement Attaché from the US Embassy, and was followed by a simultaneous Information Session. The Information Sessions, an essential part of the event, featured five distinct talks. Mr. Seohyun Luke Yim, the Regional Educational Advising Coordinator (REAC) of Education USA, led the first talk, focusing on financing studies in the US and discussing scholarships offered by different schools, in addition to those available in the Philippines and from other organizations. Following Mr. Yim’s presentation, Ms. Joanne Fajardo, Process Coordinator of the Philippine-American Educational Foundation (PAEF), delved into Fulbright Scholarships about the opportunities available for Filipinos in various fields, from undergraduate to graduate studies. Next was Ms. Stephanie Burk, who discussed the F1 Student Visa, placing a strong emphasis on the importance of honesty during the visa application process and being well-prepared for financial matters. Each learning session consisted of a concise 15-30-minute talk, allowing the audience to engage by asking questions or seeking clarifications after the talk.
After the initial three talks, Ms. Roch Miguel, a member of Team Education USA, addressed Application Requirements, providing insight into what US schools look for in applicants, highlighting the holistic evaluation that considers not only transcripts but also the students’ genuine interest in learning. Additionally, a Parent Panel session featured parents of students who had completed their education in the United States. They shared their experiences and insights on managing the application process within their respective schools and acquiring the F1 Student Visa. The participating parents included Alex Miel, Janette Yap, Bernard Villamor, and Fiona King.
The AIM Office, represented by its Process Coordinator, Ms. Rikka Paula E. Comaingking, actively participated in the entire event. The event provided a unique opportunity for AIM to engage in meaningful conversations with these institutions on behalf of the University and to forge partnerships with US institutions.
Dr. Nori Tarui from the University of Hawaii at Manoa engaged in the possibility of a partnership with Ateneo de Davao. The primary focus of the conversation was the School of Arts and Sciences, specifically the Social Sciences Cluster. Further, the interest in collaboration stemmed from the presence of Mr. Changwon Yang, a previous visiting researcher from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, who specializes in studying The Establishment and the Challenges of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
A photo opportunity with Ms. Pauline Anderson, Deputy Public Engagement Attaché from the US Embassy.
During one of the Information Sessions with Ms. Stephanie Burk, who discussed the F1 Student Visa, placing a strong emphasis on the importance of honesty during the visa application process and preparation for financial matters.
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