Article at a Glance
Over 500 attendees: The EducationUSA 2024 Forum brought together U.S. higher education professionals, EducationUSA experts, and government officials from around the world.
Focus on STEM and AI: Highlighted the urgent need for more STEM graduates, particularly in artificial intelligence, to meet U.S. workforce demands.
Visa Insights: Provided updates on F-1 visa trends and guidelines, aiming to reduce barriers for international students.
Personalized Guidance: EducationUSA advisers offered one-on-one office hours to discuss recruitment initiatives and regional opportunities with university representatives.
Global Networking: The Global Showcase facilitated connections between university representatives and EducationUSA advisers, enhancing international collaboration.
The EducationUSA 2024 Forum, hosted by the U.S. Department of State, brought together over 500 U.S. higher education professionals, EducationUSA experts, and government officials from around the world. This annual event, held this year from July 30 to August 1, 2024, in Washington, D.C., aimed to strengthen international educational collaboration and support the exchange of students, researchers, and educators.
So, what does this mean for you?
To best answer this question, International Student Voice attended this forum to gain better insight into how these collaborations happen and how a conference like this really does help international students.
Spoiler alert: Wow, this forum is just one of many events EducationUSA does that is incredibly important for international students. Keep reading to learn why.
What is EducationUSA?
EducationUSA is a global network, a community of over 430 educational advising centers in more than 175 countries and territories. It provides prospective international students, foreign governments, and educational institutions with accurate, comprehensive, and current information about U.S. higher education. EducationUSA is not a recruiting agency but a reliable resource that promotes U.S. higher education and helps students find the right programs that fit their goals and needs.
Goal of the EducationUSA Forum
The primary goal of the EducationUSA Forum, which is just another word for a place to exchange ideas and views, is to facilitate connections and provide updates on the latest trends and policies in international education.
“I was in [international student] recruitment back in the 90s,” Machelle Allman, Manager of International Recruitment at the University of Washington, Bothell, explained. This was her first time attending the EducationUSA Forum. “This is the gold standard for networking with EdUSA advisers and learning about the trends they are seeing among their students.”
This year's forum celebrated the 25th anniversary of EducationUSA and marked the third anniversary of the Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education. It offered a unique platform for participants to engage with global experts in STEM industries, government officials from the Department of State, and colleagues around the world.
In this article, we will explore the forum's highlights and discuss why international students should care about EducationUSA and how they can benefit from its resources and network.
Insightful Breakout Sessions
Just like any conference or forum, there are sessions to choose from based on your interests and goals. The EducationUSA Forum featured a diverse range of sessions designed to provide in-depth insights into various aspects of international education. These sessions were tailored to address the needs of the U.S. university and college representatives in attendance. Some examples included:
Country/Region Spotlights
Attendees interacting during the EducationUSA 101 session
There was a session for every region of the world where EducationUSA advisers and Regional Managers would provide a “deep dive” into the educational landscapes, cultural contexts, and student needs of those countries and regions. These deep dives provided valuable information for universities and colleges on how to effectively engage with students from these areas, what challenges they might face, and what collaboration opportunities may be available.
For example, I learned in a session from Carolina Talatinian, the country coordinator for Argentina, that Argentina has the highest level of English skills in Latin America. They’ve had a 10% increase in students going to the U.S. to study. Some popular majors for Argentinian students include energy, physics, engineering, mining, agribusiness, law/LLM, and e-commerce.
However, some challenges Argentinian students may face include inflation and changes in exchange rates. However, they are still interested in studying in the U.S. because they are looking for more hands-on opportunities to gain real-life experience.
Sessions like these do positively impact international students. By educating universities and colleges in the U.S. on the trends and challenges of your country, can better help these institutions determine resources and programs to enhance their recruitment efforts and create more inclusive and supportive environments for international students.
Karen Bauer, EducationUSA Regional Manager for the Middle East and Central Asia, answered a participant's question about collaborating with EducationUSA Advisers vs. Regional Managers.
Special Topics and Trends: STEM, AI, and Visa Denial Concerns
During the forum, a few topics were given special attention. These discussions were held in the hotel's ballroom so all attendees could be present, listen, and participate. These topics are some of the most pressing in international education, including the immediate need for more STEM graduates, the rising demand for developing and understanding artificial intelligence (AI), and updates from the Department of State regarding F-1 visa trends and guidelines for the visa interview process.
For example, Matthias Oschinski, a Senior Fellow at Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET), shared that the U.S. is behind other countries, such as Russia, China, and Germany, in producing STEM graduates. He also shared a significant statistic that 62% of Americans do not have a college degree, underscoring the need for international scholars in the U.S.
Additionally, I learned from Bryan Newman with the Policy and Response Unit in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program that universities and colleges can nominate programs to be added to the Department of Homeland Security STEM Designated Degree Program List. It does take about 10 months for a program to be approved, but this provided some insight into how DHS determines what is a STEM program.
Sarah Stewart from the Bureau of Consular Affairs, provided insight into the student visa interview adjudication process and reassured that all embassies and consulates are trained and encouraged to follow consistent protocol. She stated that in her career she has adjudicated over 40,000 student visas.
“We love international students,” Steward stated during her presentation. We don’t want a visa barrier to studying in the U.S.”
During this session, university and college representatives consistently shared their concerns over visa denials for international students from certain countries and asked for clarifying guidance on how to best assist these students.
Steward shared that the most common visa denials are 214(b) immigrant intent or 221(g) administrative processing.
“Does it make sense?” Steward stated. That is the big question most adjudicating officers ask during a visa interview.
What I took away from this particular discussion is that it’s a delicate balance between upholding national security and providing opportunities to international students. There is always room for improvement, and that is why collaboration and communication are so important between all these stakeholders: DHS, Embassies/Consulates, universities/colleges, EducationUSA, and students.
EducationUSA Office Hours
One of the unique features of the EducationUSA 2024 Forum was the opportunity for university representatives to engage in one-on-one discussions with EducationUSA advisers and regional managers from around the world. These office hours provided a dedicated time for personalized interactions, enabling participants to delve deeper into specific issues and opportunities related to their institutions and regions of interest.
This was also an opportunity for a university or college representative to share their intent with the EducationUSA Adviser to conduct specific recruitment initiatives in the country or region. They can often collaborate, such as hosting webinars or events together.
Global Showcase
The Global Showcase was one of the most anticipated events of the EducationUSA 2024 Forum. Held in a fair-like setting, this event brought together EducationUSA advisers, embassy representatives, and university representatives in an interactive and engaging environment.
Each country had its own booth, where advisers and embassy representatives shared detailed information about their educational systems, student demographics, and potential opportunities for collaboration.
Takeaways for International Students
I hope by now you can see the pivotal role EducationUSA plays in helping international students navigate their educational journey in the U.S. This forum highlights what EducationUSA does all year round: Not only do they provide resources for students looking to study in the U.S., but they also provide recommendations to universities and colleges and serve as advocates and resources to Department of State officials.
If you’re looking to study in the United States, here are three major takeaways to consider:
Connect with EducationUSA in Your Home Country
EducationUSA advising centers are located in over 175 countries and territories. These centers provide prospective international students with accurate and comprehensive information about studying in the U.S. By connecting with an EducationUSA adviser in your home country, you can gain valuable insights into the U.S. higher education system, application processes, and scholarship opportunities. Advisers can help you find the right programs that align with your academic and career goals, making your transition to studying in the U.S. smoother and more informed.
Many students choose to work with an agency to apply to a U.S university or college. That’s perfectly fine. Even if you’re working with an agency, it’s still beneficial to connect with EducationUSA.
Looking for Opportunities? STEM is Where It’s At
The forum highlighted the growing demand for STEM graduates in the U.S., particularly in fields like artificial intelligence. With the U.S. trailing behind other countries in producing STEM graduates, there are abundant opportunities for international students in these fields. By pursuing a STEM degree, you not only enhance your career prospects but also contribute to filling critical skill gaps in the U.S. workforce. EducationUSA can guide you in identifying STEM programs and understanding the potential career pathways available to you.
Be Intentional and Genuine
Embarking on the journey to study in the U.S. requires careful planning and genuine commitment. Thousands of professionals are dedicated to helping international students achieve their educational goals. These individuals spend countless hours strategizing communication, outreach, and travel to reach potential students.
Therefore, it is essential to be intentional with your plans and sincere about your intentions. Ensure that your goals and aspirations align with the effort and resources required. Being genuine in your purpose not only helps you stay focused but also builds trust with those who are committed to supporting your success.
By leveraging the resources and support offered by EducationUSA, international students can maximize their educational and career opportunities in the United States. Whether you are just starting your journey or looking for ways to enhance your experience, EducationUSA can be a valuable partner in your academic success.
Important Links for International Students
EducationUSA: https://educationusa.state.gov/
Find an EducationUSA Advising Center: https://educationusa.state.gov/find-advising-center
5 Steps to Studying in the U.S.: https://educationusa.state.gov/your-5-steps-us-study
Information about visas and travel: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
Find your U.S. Embassy or Consulate: https://www.usembassy.gov/
F1 Visa Interview Questions: What to Expect and How to Prepare https://www.istudentvoice.com/post/f1-visa-interview-questions-what-to-expect-and-how-to-prepare
We would like to extend a special thank you to EducationUSA for allowing us to attend the EducationUSA Forum.
Have questions or would like International Student Voice to cover your next event? Contact Carrie Circosta at info@istudentvoice.com
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