KUWAIT: An increase of 23 percent was recorded in 2011, in the number of Kuwaiti students studying in the United States when compared to the number of students it received from Kuwait in 2010, said a US education consultant. The coordinator for Middle East and North Africa, currently visiting Kuwait to administer 'Education Fair' scheduled today [May 8, from 7pm onwards] at the Kuwait Graduate Society in Bneid Al-Ghar, said that the figures obtained from the Institute of International Education (IIE), a non-governmental organization approved by the US Department of State, appeared to be the most accurate.
Speaking with the reporters yesterday at the Movenpick Hotel, Kristen Cammarata, Regional Education Advising Coordinator said that the number of students from Kuwait could be higher than 3,000. "We do not claim that the number provided by the IIE is 100 percent accurate because it could be higher. However, the survey covered around 4,800 universities and colleges in the US. As of 2011, the number of Kuwaiti students in the United States stood at 2,998," she said. The increase, according to Cammarata, can be attributed to the attention and extra focus made by Education USA, supported by the US Department of State.
She admitted that the international education competition has been tough in the last decade, since many European countries, including some countries in Asia and Australia are offering programs similar to that of the United States. "Students understand that they have more choices. It's their responsibility to choose which school to provide their educational needs. The more research you do, the more you will be able to judge and get acquainted with the university of your choice. One thing to remember, the United States spends 44 billion dollars per year, just for the research. So I advise students to look, examine all factors involved before making a choice," she advised.
Nearly 3,000 students from Kuwait are taking undergraduate, bachelors and graduate courses. "We have several benefits [categories] offered like the OPT's [Optional Practical Training]. In this program, students can work up to 24 months to allow them to get practical experience that compliments the degree they earned. You get your degree, and we give you the opportunity to work," she added.
The rise in the number of Kuwaiti students is encouraging, according to Cammarata, but the effort to promote US education will not be stopped. Education USA is a US State Department network of advisers/consultants and all their services are provided free of charge. "Our goal is to help/provide students with the best possible advise fit for them like academically, socially and financially. What we do, we coordinate with the Ministry of Higher Education here in Kuwait because they want to provide their qualified students with the best education institutions in the US. We are coordinating with them with regards to that," she admitted.
When asked how Education USA is helping international students to cope with cultural differences when a student decides to pursue studies in the United States, Cammarata said, "Education USA, in cooperation with their consular representatives, would usually provide a pre-departure-orientation seminar to familiarize new students about their culture. "We advised them with everything they need, from shopping for their personal needs to buying [halal] food to on-campus mosque. International students office is always there, ready to accommodate and help students succeed. We do not throw students to a completely new environment without proper advice."
In terms of securing a student visa, according to Cammarata, if students have a clear plan about their studies in the United States, they can be easily provided with the visa. Cammarata also advised Kuwaiti students as well as other nationals to visit their one-day education fair to get the best advice possible from the US Embassy consul general and a host of education experts from the United States.
© Kuwait Times 2012
