THE Georgetown-based U.S. Embassy said 246 Guyanese students are currently studying in the United States, which is an increase of 19.4 percent from the previous year.

The Embassy, in a statement yesterday, said it is committed to continue working with potential students to guide them with the admissions, visa, and financial information they need in order to successfully prepare and apply for study in the United States.

The Embassy noted that during the 2013/14 academic year, the number of international students at colleges and universities in the United States increased by eight percent to a record high of 886,052, confirming once again that the United States remains the destination of choice for higher education.
The Embassy also indicated that, based on a report, more American students – a total of 289,408 – studied abroad for academic credit from their U.S. colleges and universities, although the two percent increase represents a slightly slower rate of growth than the previous year.

“Through President Barak Obama’s 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative, innovative new partnerships are being developed with the business sector, higher education sector, and governments from across the hemisphere to dramatically increase opportunities for educational exchange between the United States and the Americas,” the statement said.

The statement also highlighted the fact that the Embassy observed the 15th Annual International Educational Week from November 17-21 by donating four computer systems and four back-up battery power supplies to the National Library of Guyana to increase access to information.

In brief remarks to the Chief Librarian (acting) and staff at the November 19th donation, U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Mr. Bobby Adelson stated, “Education is a right. With the donation of these computers, the U.S. Embassy hopes to provide greater access to research and reference materials to the people of Guyana. Specifically when thinking about young people, access to information is one way in which they can augment their intellectual capital and support their educational framework.”
Through its American Spots located at the National Library and University of Guyana library, the Embassy also offer resources year round to assist young people is pursuing university studies in the United States.
The American Spots features guide books on selecting a college or university, information on the university application process, scholarship guides, books on how to write strong college application essays, and resources to help students prepare for standardised tests.

International Education Week 2014 is being observed under the theme, ‘International Education is for Everyone’. “International education is crucial to building relationships between people and communities in the United States and around the world. It is through these relationships that together we can solve global challenges like climate change, the spread of pandemic disease, and combatting violent extremism,” said Evan M. Ryan, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
“We also need to expand access to international education for students from more diverse backgrounds, in more diverse locations of study, getting more diverse types of degrees. Only by engaging multiple perspectives within our societies can we all reap the numerous benefits of international education – increased global competence, self-awareness and resiliency, and the ability to compete in the 21st century economy,” Assistant Secretary Ryan remarked.