Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission
Education: The American Way
Romanian-US Fulbright Commission Fulbright Educational Advising Center (FEAC) www.fulbright.ro/educational-advising-center.html Bucharest, May 3, 2011 UNDERGRADUATE NEWSLETTER Volume III, Spring issue SECTION 1: FEAC CORE SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS SECTION 3: EDUCATIONUSA NEWS SECTION 4: WISDOM OF THE MONTH Table of Contents:
Section 2: FEAC NEWS
Section 1: FEAC CORE
UPCOMING EVENTS
• • •
Close up on US study: Enriching student-faculty relationships University highlight: Grinnell College, IA Student highlight: Corina Varlan, freshman at Grinnell College
Section 2: FEAC NEWS
• •
PAST EVENTS
• • •
RESOURCES
• • •
All of the Advising Center’s events, just a click away: Browse our revamped Calendar section Excellence beats crisis: Get inspired by a brand new Romanian success story Get daily US admissions updates via our interactive Facebook page
UPCOMING EVENTS
• • • • •
Apply, be admitted, get financial aid. Learn how at Undergraduate Admissions Training this May! Students in Sibiu, Baia Mare, and Craiova learn about US study in May US undergraduate admissions made easy: FEAC promotion of EducationUSA webinars Ready, steady, ace the SATs with FEAC help. Upcoming tests dates: May 7 & June 4 US culture and vision: A fond introduction through movie landmarks starting May 4
Creatively celebrating US culture: Flag Day event on June 9 Pre-Departure Orientation in July: What comes after successful US admissions?
• • • •
High school students in Cluj, Timisoara, Iasi, and Oradea, welcome to the EducationUSA family! US study highlights on Romanian national TV and online Extensive promotion of US undergrad opportunities in Bucharest FEAC puts undergraduate study in the spotlight at RIUF Bucharest, Timisoara, and Iasi, with US Consulate support Direct and online visibility for US-like schools in Europe at FEAC Students of “G. Cosbuc” Bilingual Nat’l College in Bucharest discover US education Featured at US Culture Club this March: The Great American West
Section 3: EDUCATIONUSA NEWS • • •
Listen in on how selective US colleges make admissions decisions Alert: Diversity Visa scammers sending fraudulent emails and letters EducationUSA Photo Challenge for int’l students in the US
Section 4: WISDOM OF THE MONTH
This Newsletter is produced by the Fulbright Educational Advising Center in Bucharest, Romania. If you wish to subscribe to or cancel your subscription to this newsletter, please contact feac@fulbright.ro.
1
SECTION 1: FEAC CORE Bucharest, May 3, 2011 Volume III, Spring issue Close up on US study: Enriching student-faculty relationships This is a two-part article by Annie J. Pennell, Ruth Blidar, and Staci Defibaugh presenting both the student and the teacher perspectives. The authors are recipients of the Fulbright Student award 2010-11. The student’s perspective By Annie J. Pennell and Ruth Blidar, Fulbright English Teaching Assistants in Iasi and Timisoara, respectively Despite what popular films may depict, US college life is not simply a joy ride. For those who want to have a successful college experience, learning and high achievement in each class are a considerable Annie, Ruth, and Staci, Fulbright English concern. So, how do you ensure your success on campus? What can Teaching Assistants 2010-11 you do to stand out amongst your peers? It’s actually quite simple: get to know your professors well. During the Class Don’t just show up for class, do the work. If you really want to impress your professors, actively engage with each reading assignment and come prepared to discuss it in class. Your instructors will notice your dedication to the field through your participation. Annie: If you’re shy like me, contributing to class discussions can be challenging. My advanced Shakespeare professor once asked me, “Annie, why don’t you participate more in class?” She made me swear to speak more the following semester in her Revenge Tragedies course, and as a sincerely dutiful student, I promised. How did I manage to overcome my extreme timidity? I wrote down comments and questions while I read. This technique allowed me to refer to my notes rather than develop ideas on the spot. If the opportunity did not present itself in class, I approached my professor afterward, and she always responded with enthusiasm. In fact, she once used my after-class observation to launch a debate the following day. Beyond the Class Your impression on a professor, however, does not end with class participation. To really make your mark, study hard for exams and polish those essays! Professors know quality work when they see it, and they will appreciate your effort. You can even use written assignments as an excuse to use their office hours. Office hours exist for a reason. If you need extra support, take advantage of the time the professor has listed on the syllabus. They are highly qualified scholars and educators at your disposal! Even if you are not struggling, visit your professors to develop a friendly, albeit professional, relationship. Ruth:The interaction and encouragement my supervising professors gave me throughout my student teaching helped me overcome the challenges and develop my teaching skills. I always knew that I could contact them with questions or concerns. Continued on page 3
2
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html
Bucharest, May 3, 2011 Volume III, Spring issue
SECTION 1: FEAC CORE Annie: When I was a graduate student in the College of Teacher Education and Leadership at Arizona State University, I shared my classroom experiences with my instructor during office hours. She would often provide advice through a similar experience of her own; this mutual exchange of experience and knowledge not only strengthened my relations with the instructor, but it also made my education more meaningful. Even After Graduation Developing relationships with your professors transcends success in the classroom. They can become invaluable academic and career mentors. Nothing quite compares to having people to encourage, support, and guide you along your life path. Annie: Years after my undergraduate program, I still glean insight and advice from my Shakespeare professor. When she discovered I started teaching Shakespeare in Romania, she immediately offered up her instructional approaches and lecture notes. Believe me, time invested in developing relations with your professors is time well spent. Ruth: I will always remember how the History Department Chair at my university remembered how much I enjoyed a Chicago fieldtrip during my freshman year and gave me a Chicago architecture book as a graduation gift. The teacher’s perspective By Staci Defibaugh, Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Sibiu Prior to coming to Romania, I taught English to international students for three years at Ball State University in Indiana. During this time, I noticed many differences in terms of what was expected of students in the US compared to their home countries and differences in what they expected of their instructors. Through class discussions, I found that some of the biggest misconceptions of students concerned the approachability and availability of professors. Although it is not acceptable for teachers and students to develop personal relationships outside of the classroom, it is common for them to interact on a more personal level than in other cultures. Teachers typically encourage interaction in class and want students to come to them if they are having trouble in class or don’t understand something. During Class As an instructor in the US, I felt that it was important to have a good relationship with my students. In class, I always wanted to make them feel comfortable about sharing knowledge and experiences and contributing to the class discussion. Although not all classes are designed to encourage student participation, many university professors want students to be involved in class discussions and to ask questions if they don’t understand something. Typically, when instructors ask for questions or contributions from the students, they truly mean it and welcome them from students. In fact, when I ask students for questions or comments and no one responds, I tend to think that they are not really paying attention or don’t care about what we are discussing in class. Being an active participant shows that you care about the content of the class and that you are interested in what you are learning. Office Hours It is required of teachers in the US to have office hours each week in which students can come to the instructor’s office to ask questions or get additional information about a class topic or assignment. Instructors do want students to come by during this time, especially if they are struggling with homework assignments, essays, or class content. Continued on page 4 3
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html
Bucharest, May 3, 2011 Volume III, Spring issue
SECTION 1: FEAC CORE I was always happy when my students came to office hours. It gave me a chance to have one-on-one conversations with them, allowing me to get to know them better and to help with specific issues they were having. Oftentimes it is challenging or impossible to address each student’s questions or difficulties during the class time; office hours gave me a chance to do this. I was also happy to know that my students felt comfortable coming and asking questions, and it showed me that the student was interested in the class and concerned about doing well. This always leaves a positive impression on the instructor. In general, I want students to feel that they can approach me with questions or concerns that they have. I think most teachers in the US feel the same way. The relationship isn’t exactly one of friendship, but it is typically a friendly one, and one which students should develop. University highlight: Grinnell College, IA By Corina Varlan, Grinnell College freshman and FEAC friend Grinnell College is a private liberal arts school of about 1,600 students, located in the small town of Grinnell, Iowa. In the 2011 edition, US News and World Report ranked it 18th among liberal arts colleges in the United States. With American investor, industrialist, and philanthropist Warren Buffet as a trustee, Grinnell is well known for its massive endowment and financial aid opportunities. But Grinnell is more than numbers - it is a way of life. Students come here in search of a unique college experience. Grinnell stands out among other liberal arts colleges by being, indeed, one of the most North Campus Dorms liberal. Even though its location seems remote, almost all of its students are committed social activists, each of them defending their passions and trying to improve their community. The average Grinnellian is involved in a number of student groups, participates in several committees, and never forgets to have a lot of fun in their free time. Sometimes there are so many events happening on campus at the same time - from symposiums, author readings, scholarly convocations to classical or rock concerts, film screenings, dance parties, athletic events, hobby groups, etc. - that you simply feel at a loss while trying to decide how to spend your time. Grinnellians are free-minded, committed individuals. The college specifically runs on a policy of self-governance. That is, students are given full freedom to make their own choices and to run their lives – there are no Residence Advisors, just Student Advisors. This fosters independence and responsibility, while creating an incredible sense of community. All of the clubs and groups are student-run, and the management always consults with the students when creating or implementing policies. Grinnell is also known for its academic rigor. While we play hard, we work even harder. Known as a top feeder for graduate schools around the US, Grinnell provides maybe the purest form of liberal arts education. There are no core curriculum requirements, except for the First year tutorial – a class designed to introduce the freshman student to academic life, college-level writing, and campus academic resources. Students design their own academic paths, with the support and guidance of their advisors, who usually encourage them to explore as much as possible. Classes are small, ranging from as tiny as 3 students to no more than 30. The regular class size is about 15. The focus is on inquiry-based learning; basically, you get to have a lot of input and share your own views and questions with all of your class. This also means that you cannot doze off or daydream in class; the professor is always expecting you to react, every single class. Outside of class, professors are incredibly accessible; you can drop by your political science professor’s office almost at any time to discuss you essay ideas or talk about current Continued on page 5 issues like the situation in the Middle East. 4
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html
Bucharest, May 3, 2011 Volume III, Spring issue
SECTION 1: FEAC CORE Grinnell is well known for its large international student body, comprising about 15% of the student population. While at Grinnell, I have met people from everywhere in the world, all compelled to come here by the quality of the Grinnell education and the incredible financial aid offers available. Most of them come here to get the best education that not only helps build up their academic knowledge, but also encourages self-development. Grinnell supports experience in the real world, too. Most internships can have expenses fully covered by college funds, and the Career Development office is an extraordinary resource that provides contacts and guidance. There’s also plenty of institutional support for independent research projects, here called Mentor Advanced Projects or MAPs. To conclude, Grinnell College is one of the best places to discover exactly what type of education you want and build your own academic trajectory in a supportive environment which fosters community involvement and excellence.
Noyce Science Center
Student highlight: Corina Varlan, freshman at Grinnell College By Corina Varlan, Grinnell College freshman and FEAC friend Hi! My name is Corina Varlan and I attended “Gheorghe Lazar” National College in Bucharest. My journey to Grinnell College started in the 11th grade. As an aspirant to US education, I would frequently visit the FEAC and participate in their events. That was where I met Jon Edwards, Grinnell’s Dean of International Admission, and I got the first glimpses of Grinnell life. His presentation convinced me that Grinnell could be a place for me: a vibrant community of academically ambitious students. Therefore, when it came to applying to US universities, Grinnell was among my first choices. In March, I got a phone call from Jon telling me that I had been accepted and gotten a scholarship covering my full need, which literally made me cry with joy. As you may know, last year was one of the worst times for applicants in financial need - awards were scarce and undersized. The problem, often, wasn’t getting admitted – it was getting sufficient financial support. Grinnell was the only college that personally contacted me; I would get a call every couple of days either from Jon or a current student with whom I’d discuss. They sent me a postcard signed by current international students. I felt so wanted; I felt like that was where I would most feel at home. Even though I was reluctant at the thought of living in Iowa, far from a major city, I accepted their offer. Now I know I chose right. Grinnell has been a marvelous experience for me. Besides taking classes in areas as diverse as Philosophy, Economics, Russian language and literature, Mathematics, Sociology, and Political Science, I feel like I have grown immensely on a personal level. My first semester I was part of the Model United Nations group and we went to an all-American conference in Chicago, which ended up being a really fun experience. I have also been an active member of the school’s Films Committee – this month we hosted the college’s first ever Animation Film Festival and we had two amazing filmmakers visiting campus. We are slowly building our first filmmaking group on campus as well. This semester, I have focused on doing service work, participating in a week-long disaster relief trip to Cedar Rapids and working for our College’s “Liberal Arts in Prison” program, where I teach reading to inmates. Continued on page 6 5
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html
Bucharest, May 3, 2011 Volume III, Spring issue
SECTION 1: FEAC CORE I have got a lot of insight into a concept you hear a lot at Grinnell: social justice. Right now I am also running to be the Vice President of the largest student group on campus – the International Student Organization. All my experiences have given me new perspectives on the world around me, and this is just the beginning! I will not say that adapting to this new culture has not had its difficulties, but I have been able to overcome them with the support of my peers, the Grinnellians doing disaster relief work staff, and the faculty. I feel constantly inspired by my professors: they are in Cedar Rapids, IA incredible human beings who concentrate their whole attention on trying to give you the best education possible. They strive to really know who you are and get the best out of you. This summer, the College’s Department of Russian is partially sponsoring a summer-long program during which I will be able to cover my whole second year of Russian. Next year, I have been selected to be a Peer Mentor in our Peer Connection program, helping first-year students navigate through their first months of college life. I want to be as inspiring to them as most people on campus are to me; they constantly amaze me with the strength of their passion and their efforts. I still have not decided what I want to major in. I have one more year for that. I know that I will be studying abroad, probably in Buenos Aires or Cape Town. The feeling I often have when walking on campus is that I live in this special world of endless possibilities. Just as our school’s slogan professes: “No limits.” Corina and two other int’l students on a trip to Iowa farms
SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS RESOURCES All of the Advising Center’s events, just a click away: Browse our revamped Calendar section Are you in need of expert US admissions advice but unsure of how to connect with us? Check out http://www.fulbright.ro/educational-advising-center/39-aboutfeac/295-calendar.html to see what we’re up to today: we might be presenting on US undergrad study in Bucharest or outside of it, doing outreach with the US Embassy, US Consulate, or Peace Corps, hosting Admissions Training sessions or organizing US Culture Club meetings at the Center, facilitating or setting up online educational fairs or webinars, and more. The advising center is offering you many diverse off- and online events to choose from every day, on top of public hours, so which event will you take part in? Let us know on our Facebook page! Excellence beats crisis: Get inspired by a brand new Romanian success story Roxana, a FEAC fan from Bucharest, has been admitted so far by 3 out of the 10 US schools she applied to. Continued on page 7
6
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html
Bucharest, May 3, 2011 Volume III, Spring issue
SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS Roxans’s relationship with FEAC goes a long way: she participated in Undergraduate Admissions Training, enjoyed individual advising and the Center’s productive critique of her college admissions essay, attended the US university highlights featuring Romanian students in the USA organized by the Center, had free and comprehensive support for the translation certification of her financial aid documents, took part in the US Culture Club sessions put together by FEAC in May 2010, and much more. Roxana’s next academic destination? Colby College in Maine. Colby is offering Roxana a generous financial aid package: an almost full ride covering her tuition, accommodation, round trip to the university, and summer expenses on campus. To give back to the FEAC community that has supported her in so many ways, Roxana will document her success story and have her application package turned into a case study, so that you too can get inspired and follow in her footsteps. Stay tuned! Get daily US admissions updates via our interactive Facebook page Since its creation this fall, the Advising Center’s over 500 fans-strong Facebook fanpage has significantly grown and shaped up into an online community of students and educators who share an interest in US higher education and culture. With so much info and expertise on US study to share with you through our daily posts, we encourage you to join the exciting and inspiring US-themed dialogue on the best educational system in the world at http:// www.facebook.com/pages/BucharestRomania/Fulbright-Educational-Advising-Center-Bucharest-Romania/146966812005466?v=wall#! UPCOMING EVENTS Apply, be admitted, get financial aid. Learn how at Undergraduate Admissions Training in May! Are you a high school student interested in living a vibrant college experience in the United States? During May 3-31, Tuesdays, 3-5 pm, join us for a new Undergraduate Admissions Training program. The five sessions will highlight US application tips and strategies leading to success: admissions and funding. You’ll learn how to select US study programs and connect with your dream American universities. You will master the art of negotiating strong recommendation letters. You’ll explore efficient self-marketing techniques that’ll make you a memorable candidate. The end result? Your strong application will show that you are a good fit for the US campus of your choice. Full details about starting your successful journey to US universities at http://www.fulbright.ro/educational-advising-center/39-about-feac/295-calendar.html#link27. Students in Sibiu, Baia Mare, and Craiova learn about US study this May High school students in the Sibiu, Baia Mare, and Craiova will learn about the benefits of a US education and the admissions requirements through a number of educational events organized by FEAC in conjunction with local American Corners and educational institutions. Continued on page 8
7
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html
Bucharest, May 3, 2011 Volume III, Spring issue
SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS A FEAC rep will visit Sibiu and connect with students of “Gh. Lazar” and “O. Goga” National College, as well as “C. Noica” High School on May 6! We will be in Baia Mare on May 10-11 and Craiova on May 17, host institutions to be confirmed. As always, the passion and professionalism of our on-site partners are proving essential to the success of FEAC’s outreach initiatives. More details will soon be up on our Facebook page so stay tuned! US undergraduate admissions made easy: FEAC promotion of EducationUSA webinars Interested in US study? Want to select schools, write a great admissions essay, and get financial aid the EducationUSA way? The application procedure can vary significantly across the over 4,900 accredited colleges and universities in the US. In Dec. 2010, FEAC started promoting the EducationUSA webinars meant to help applicants better cope with the exciting, life-changing US admissions process. April was “Finance your US studies” month. Many exciting sessions on everything US admissions are coming up – visit our Facebook page and website for details! Recordings of past sessions are available at http:// www.educationusa.info/edusa_connects/. Ready, steady, ace the SATs with FEAC help. Upcoming test dates: May 7 & June 4 Most colleges in the USA use the SAT Reasoning and Subject tests as objective tools for evaluating a student's college readiness and knowledge about various academic subjects. Visit us to access our wealth of resources, all free, to prepare for the upcoming SAT test administrations in May and June, as well as those in the upcoming academic year (in Oct, Nov, Dec 2011 and Jan, May and June 2012). FEAC is one of the three SAT testing centers in Bucharest. You are most welcome to take the tests here! Please bear in mind that our testing capacity is limited to 18 seats for SAT I and 13 for SAT II, so register early to secure a seat. Good luck! US culture and vision: A fond introduction through movie landmarks starting May 4 US study is not just about applying to your dream schools, getting in, and being awarded generous financial aid. It’s about discovering a new culture and fresh perspectives on education, politics, community involvement, and daily life, too. To show you America from within, FEAC, in happy partnership with the US Consulate and the “I.L. Caragiale” Nat’l College in Bucharest, will start a film club, hosted on a regular basis by “I.L. Caragiale” Nat’l College, located 5 minutes from the Advising Center. Every meeting will involve watching a representative US movie, followed by a guided discussion that’ll help foster mutual Romanian-American understanding and appreciation. The movies selected for the first 4 sessions are “Rocky” (May 4), “Dead Poets Society” (May 18), “The Shawshank Redemption” (June 1), and “Good Will Hunting” (June 15). Not from Bucharest? You can still join in this project: Watch the movies and post your thoughts on them on our Facebook page, in the Discussion threads we’ll dedicate to the US Movie Club!
8
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html
Bucharest, May 3, 2011 Volume III, Spring issue
SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS Creatively celebrating US culture: Flag Day event on June 9 Every summer, festivity is in the air at the US Ambassador’s residence in June, when the American Embassy’s Public Diplomacy section brings together approximately 250 students from 5 Bucharest high schools, who celebrate Flag Day through various lively, innovative projects developed on the 50 states in the USA. An engaging, fun opportunity to research and learn about the specific features of each state, its history, personalities and their major accomplishments, not to mention a colorful celebration of team work and inter-cultural learning! The Fulbright Educational Advising Center will be there with a booth and students admitted to universities in the USA. Our goal? To highlight the beauty of US undergraduate education and share successful application tips with all US culture fans in attendance. Get more info on Flag Day and check out inspiring pics in the May 2010 and June 2010 issues of our Undergraduate Newsletter and on the US Embassy Facebook fanpage. Stand by for this year’s pictures in the next issue of this newsletter and on the FEAC Facebook page! Pre-Departure Orientation in July: What comes after successful US admissions? Every summer, the Romanian-US Fulbright Commission and FEAC organize the Pre-Departure orientation, a full-day event meant to facilitate admitted sutdents’ academic and cultural adjustment in the US. This year, participants will discover America from behind the scenes during presentations and best practice sessions on visa regulations, daily life – encompassing housing, money, community work and much more – and the academic environment, followed by Q&A sessions. The event will be topped off with networking opportunities and fun. Current Romanian students in the US and alumni of US universities will grace the proceedings. You can do it too! Gain essential admissions info by exploring our Undergraduate admissions website section and sign up for our Undergraduate Admissions Training. Start planning ahead so that July 2012 finds you at the Pre-Departure orientation. Contact us to benefit from free of charge expert advice on planning your application. We look forward to hearing from you! PAST EVENTS High school students in Cluj, Timisoara, Iasi, and Oradea, welcome to the EducationUSA family! In February-March, FEAC travelled across Romania to connect with underserved populations and share US admissions and financial aid insights and tips with dynamic future applicants. The interactive presentations and training programs during the Romanian Int’l University Fair and hosted by the American Corner in Cluj and top high schools in the cities we visited (“N. Balcescu” and “G. Sincai” in Cluj, “G. Ibraileanu” in Iasi, and “M. Eminescu” in Oradea) were complemented by press conferences and significant coverage in the press and the local radio and TV news programs. Warm thanks to our dedicated local partners: the American Corners in Cluj and Iasi and Eurolingva Center in Oradea!
9
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html
Bucharest, May 3, 2011 Volume III, Spring issue
SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS US study highlights on Romanian national TV and online In March, FEAC highlighted US study opportunities and the American approach to education on TV and the Internet. US admissions and financial aid, as well as the EducationUSA support available at the Advising Center, were fondly presented in fastpaced interviews on TVR Info and TVR Iasi and during an online interview. Watch some of the recordings at http://www2.tvr.ro/interviuri/ and keep an eye out on our Facebook page and website for more videos. Extensive promotion of US undergraduate opportunities in Bucharest: FEAC connects with hundreds of high school students eager to study on US campuses This winter, FEAC has connected with and also revisited undergraduate audiences in Bucharest. So far, we’ve talked US admissions with students at “G. Cosbuc” Bilingual Nat’l College, the Int’l School of Bucharest, Matei Basarab” Nat’l College, the Int’l Computer High School of Bucharest, “N. Kretzulescu” Economics High School, and “Gh. Lazar”, “Cantemir Voda”, “I.L. Caragiale”, “Spiru Haret” and “Ion Creanga” Nat’l Colleges. Are you interested in getting a US education? Take initiative, tell your teachers about FEAC and contact us at feac@fulbright.ro to discuss a FEAC presentation in your high school. We look forward to visiting you! FEAC puts US undergraduate study in the spotlight at RIUF Bucharest, Timisoara, and Iasi, with US Consulate support The Romanian Int’l University Fair in mid March attracted over 12,000 visitors in Bucharest, Timisoara, and Iasi. FEAC was for the first time present at all three locations. We joined forces with the US Consulate section in the US Embassy to reach a wide audience. FEAC met prospective applicants during the various in-depth presentations on US undergraduate study we offered in all three cities, at out booth in Bucharest, and during university and high school visits we organized in partnership with the American Corner in Iasi alongside the RIUF sessions. Did you attend RIUF and meet us there? Tell us on our Facebook page!
Direct and online visibility for US-like schools in Europe at FEAC Friday March 11 marked FEAC’s debut in the EducationUSA webinars arena. Our first offering, “Explore US-like institutions in Europe!”, introduced advisees from various parts of the country to colleges and universities in Europe which provide a US-style higher education. Our guest presenter, Anna Boyd, Admissions Counselor at Jacobs University Bremen in Germany, highlighted similarities & differences between US-like and US universities and provided details on the Jacobs approach to US education. Continued on page 11
10
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html
Bucharest, May 3, 2011 Volume III, Spring issue
SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS Our guest presenter, Anna Boyd, Admissions Counselor at Jacobs University Bremen in Germany, highlighted similarities & differences between USlike and US universities and provided details on the Jacobs approach to US education. Our successful webinar was followed by a “Jacobs Meet & Greet” hosted by the Advising Center, a perfect opportunity for US study fans and Jacobs applicants to learn more about the school, its philosophy, and the financial aid it offers to top applicants.
Students of “G. Cosbuc” Bilingual Nat’l College in Bucharest discover US education On March 18, 10th grade students at “George Cosbuc” Bilingual Nat’l College in Bucharest visited FEAC for a comprehensive introduction to US undergraduate education. Guided and inspired by their English teacher, the students discovered unique and most appealing features of US education: the liberal arts philosophy, personalized curriculum, campus support system, and student-faculty relationships. Participants also discussed best admissions practices and financial aid opportunities. They will continue honing their US application skills during Admissions Training in May. Featured at US Culture Club this March: The Great American West On Tuesday March 15, FEAC visitors went on an informative, interactive, and fun journey along the West Coast of the United States. Shandin Rickard, our US intern, enthusiastically shared her experience of living and studying in California and Oregon. Over 30 high school, undergrad, and graduate level fans of US study discussed modern Western American culture and learned more about one of the most famous regions of the world, birthplace of Hollywood, Disneyland, Microsoft, NIKE, Starbucks, and more.
SECTION 3: EDUCATIONUSA NEWS Listen in on how selective US colleges make admissions decisions Wondering how the application process works at top US universities and what colleges are looking for in a prospective future freshman? Check out a recent National Public Radio interview (approx. 8 min. long) on admissions at Amhest College, MA, which only accepted 1,000 of the more than 8,000 students who applied this year. Go to http:// www.npr.org/2011/03/28/134916924/Amherst-Admissions-Process for the full recording and transcript. Alert: Diversity Visa scammers sending fraudulent emails and letters To study in the US, you’ll need an F1 visa. When the time comes to apply for your visa, make sure that you research the topic thoroughly and contact the US Embassy and FEAC for visa details and support. Continued on page 12
11
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html
Bucharest, May 3, 2011 Volume III, Spring issue
SECTION 3: FEAC NEWS According to the Department of State, Office of Visa Services, there’s recently been a notable increase in fraudulent emails and letters sent to Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) program (Visa Lottery) applicants. The scammers behind these fraudulent emails and letters are posing as the US government in an attempt to extract payment from DV applicants. Whatever type of visa you are applying for, make sure you only trust official government sources. More about keeping safe from fraud attempts at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html. EducationUSA Photo Challenge for int’l students in the US Enjoying a happy educational experience at a US university? We at EducationUSA encourage you to take part in the on-going Photo Challenge to share your inspiring US admissions and campus adjustment stories with your peers. If selected, your photos could become a key part of EducationUSA publications and online resources and provide inspiration for prospective applicants around the world! Read all about this exciting opportunity on our website, in the Calendar section at http:// www.fulbright.ro/educational-advising-center/39-about-feac/295-calendar.html#link35.
SECTION 4: WISDOM OF THE MONTH
The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. (Sydney J. Harris)
Need more info? Comments? Suggestions? Contact us! Public hours at the Fulbright Educational Advising Center (FEAC): Tue: 1:00 - 7:00 pm
Wed-Thu: 1:00 - 5:00 pm
Phone no.: 021-231 9015
E-mail: feac@fulbright.ro
Website: http://www.fulbright.ro/educational-advising-center.html Facebook fanpage: Fulbright Educational Advising Center, Bucharest Romania Location: no. 2, Ing. Costinescu St., Sector 1, Bucharest 011878, Romania
All articles are contributed by FEAC staff Mihaela Arsene and Sinziana Medvetchi, unless otherwise stated.
12
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html