Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission
Education: The American Way
Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission Fulbright Educational Advising Center (FEAC) www.fulbright.ro/educational-advising-center.html Bucharest, April 25, 2012 UNDERGRADUATE NEWSLETTER Volume IV, Spring issue SECTION SECTION SECTION SECTION
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FEAC CORE FEAC NEWS EDUCATIONUSA NEWS WISDOM OF THE SEASON
Section 1: FEAC CORE • •
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Close Up on U.S. Study: Broaden Your Horizons with U.S. Liberal Arts Education U n iv er s ity H ig h li gh t: W e bste r University, St. Louis, Missouri and Vienna campus Student Highlight: Alberto Manca, New York University Abu Dhabi
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EducationUSA Family News: New Member in the FEAC Team Best of Both Worlds: Continuing Internships and New Ones at FEAC Ready, Steady, Ace the SATs with FEAC Resources. Upcoming Tests on May 5 & June 2 FEAC Article in the “International Study Guide” Expanding FEAC Online Advising Resources: Check Out the New FEAC eNewsletters
Upcoming Events: May-July
Section 2: FEAC NEWS
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Exciting Developments: February-April •
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Innovative Outreach by FEAC in Response to New High School Curriculum: “School The Other Way” Week “International Study Day”: A New Outreach Concept Launched April 4 Outreach to Cluj-Napoca Adds New Members to the EducationUSA Family Making an ImPRESSion: U.S. Study and FEAC Highlighted by Cluj Press U.S. Study in the Spotlight at RIUF Bucharest, Timisoara, and Iasi U.S. Study Makes New Friends: Students at Top High Schools in Bucharest Won Over by the EducationUSA Approach
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Learn How to Ace Your Undergrad Application to U.S. Universities: Training Sessions in May-June 2012 “Ion Creanga” Students Will Connect With U.S. Study on May 28. Want FEAC to Visit Your School Too? Creatively Celebrate U.S. Culture: Flag Day, June 14 Pre-Departure Orientation in July: What Comes After Successful U.S. Admissions?
Section 3: EDUCATIONUSA NEWS • • •
A U.S. Professor’s Insights on Learning How to Learn What To Do If You Cannot Visit College Campuses Study Abroad Can Change Your Life
Section 4: WISDOM OF THE SEASON This Newsletter is produced by the Fulbright Educational Advising Center in Bucharest, Romania. If you wish to subscribe or cancel your subscription to this newsletter, please contact FEAC@fulbright.ro.
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SECTION 1: FEAC CORE Bucharest, April 25, 2012 Close Up on U.S. Study Broaden Your Horizons with U.S. Liberal Arts Education By Lindsay Kamakahi, Assistant Recruitment Manager, Webster University, Thailand campus
Lindsay Kamakahi
If you aren’t sure what you want to do after high school, you are not alone. As you near the completion of your high school career, you will hear with greater frequency questions from teachers, counselors, parents, and your peers about what you will do with your future. It is natural to feel a bit of anxiety and maybe some confusion about the road ahead. Your uncertainty about the future is something to be embraced, rather than feared. This is because the future is a seascape of possibilities over which many routes can be blazed.
Most students don’t realize how much of a routine school becomes. It is a comfort zone of familiarity. It is like being a ship in a safe harbor. But as is often said, ships are safe in a harbor, but that is not what ships are made for. A ship is made to sail. A ship can travel to many places by many routes. Now, it is a daunting task when graduation is on the horizon and you have to figure out where you want to go and what you want to do next. Education has provided you with some navigation skills and now it is time to decide your first ports of call. For a good number of people that port of call will be a university. When you look at universities, there are all sorts of school systems available in several different languages all over the world. How do you know what is right for you? You have to ask yourself some tough questions about the place that might be your next home: Would I like to study in the mountains, near the beach, or in a big city? What language and culture will I want to surround myself with? What types of activities do I want to participate in when I attend university? How am I going to pay for school? These are questions that you should think clearly about before trying to find the right university for you. There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. Also, keep in mind that the answers may change over time. I find that unless students are focused upon a particular field that they will turn into their career immediately (aerospace engineering, physics, etc.), they are often drawn to a liberal arts education. It is a worthy port of call for students. Liberal arts institutions provide students with the opportunity to investigate a large number of disciplines in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Most of those who declare a major before starting school change their mind 3-5 times. Students who don’t declare a major still often change their mind 1-2 times on average—proof that the myth that high school graduates should know exactly what they want to do right after high school is, indeed, only a myth. This precisely is the reason why a liberal arts education is so useful to many students in developing and defining their passions. Your education is focused on education for learning’s sake rather than only job Continued on page 3 preparation.
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SECTION 1: FEAC CORE In this sense, you can develop your critical thinking skills by learning about different skill sets than those you naturally excel at. This enables you to experiment with a broad range of general courses in several educational areas to help you define what you want to study as a major (consider a major and minor as your specialization areas). In the U.S. liberal arts system, you can try your hand at a field of study by taking a course or two without fully committing to the field. This system allows you to change your mind and use elective courses to the benefit of finding the major you really want to declare. Many students find they are very passionate in topics that were not previously offered to them and maybe they didn’t even know existed. In this scenario, you may actually find you are torn between two or more areas of study—and you can then major in two or three things you are interested in. If multiple majors aren’t an option, oftentimes you can select a major-minor program. There are some educational systems that don’t allow you to change your mind once you have started in a particular program. If you want to change your mind, you have a tough decision. Should you change and find a better fit for you and throw away all the time, money and credits or just finish the degree although you’ve realized this isn’t what you want to study? Check out university regulations on switching majors if you think there is a possibility you may be unsure of the major you are selecting. There are plenty of options out there – remember you don’t have to chart your entire future on your own. The class mentor or high school counselor’s office is a great place to start. Asking upperclassmen, parents and teachers why they went on the path they did may also help you formulate some ideas. There are EducationUSA locations in case you are looking to study abroad that you can consult with. And if you are really considering a college or university and can make it out for a college visit—I think that is the best way to see what your new home may be like. If that isn’t possible, try to take part in virtual tours of the schools, speak with some of the alumni or current students, and always read up on the current news available on the website. When you graduate from high school, you will find that you are probably on the path to being a lifelong learner. In doing so, you will continue to learn things by traditional and non-traditional means. Some of your education will be experiential, some may be formal, but, in any case, all the building blocks have been stacked in order for you to take another step. We all have different learning styles and needs. You might find that you learn more of a foreign language by being immersed in it for a few weeks than in several months, if not years of language study in the classroom. You might find that a summer job helps you apply many of the skills you have already learned and start to modify things you thought you knew. You will stumble upon some inconsistencies in the world as you knew it, which is inclusive to your growth as a person and your ability to think and take care of yourself in a different manner than you’d previously had. From an educational standpoint, we all celebrate graduates because we are excited to see what the next generation holds. If you didn’t read it when you were younger, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss is the book that comes to mind as graduation approaches. You have the keys in your hands. You, and you alone, will have to decide which door to unlock to unleash your future.
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SECTION 1: FEAC CORE University Highlight Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri and Vienna campus It’s your world. Explore it with Webster University! Monika Navratilova, Department of Recruitment By Webster University Vienna
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Market
Development,
With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University, which was founded in 1915, offers Bachelor (BA), Master (MA), and MBA degree programs, and is present on more than 100 campuses in 7 countries (Austria, China, Switzerland, Thailand, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States). Its 20,000-plus student population represents almost 150 nationalities. The University‘s core values include excellence in teaching, joining theory and practice, small class sizes, and educating students to be lifelong independent learners, prepared to participate in an increasingly international society. Global citizenship at Webster University is not an academic ideal; it’s at the core of the university’s mission: transforming students for individual excellence and global citizenship. At Webster, studying outside the boundaries of one’s own country is recognized as a life-changing opportunity to broaden your horizons, experience new cultures, and grow as a person.
Monika Navratilova
As far as study abroad opportunities go, Webster University doesn’t only partner with international colleges and universities to provide outstanding international study programs. The school also has its won campuses in Austria, China, Switzerland, Thailand, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, where students can spend a semester, a year, or even transfer throughout the network if they so choose. Webster also has study abroad partnerships in places such as Argentina, Japan and Mexico, and offers many short-term opportunities around the globe if students simply can’t spend a semester abroad because of their individual situation. This is a unique opportunity offering many ways to experience an international perspective and prepare students for the future. And people are taking notice. In 2010, Webster University was one of only 34 universities to receive special recognition for its study abroad programs from U.S. News & World Report. Webster was joined by schools such as Columbia, Dartmouth, Duke, Georgetown, and NYU, to name a few. On the Webster study abroad adventure you’ll find students from colleges and universities across the USA taking advantage of this school’s rich study abroad offerings. To enhance their international experience, full-time Webster students may take part in the World Traveler Program and qualify for a free round-trip ticket to one of Webster’s international locations. More on this opportunity at www.webster.edu/studyab. Campus highlights: Webster University, Vienna Vienna: Engage in the rich culture Webster-Vienna was the first private university to be accredited by the Austrian Ministry of Science and Research. Continued on page 5
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SECTION 1: FEAC CORE Webster was also the first university in Austria to offer an MBA program. Also, a cooperative agreement with the University of Vienna makes it possible for Webster students with a BA and MA in international relations to continue on to complete a Doctorate at the Institute of Political Science in Vienna. Overlooking the banks of the Danube River near the United Nations offices, the Vienna campus features modern classrooms, a library, state-of-the-art computer equipment and laboratories, a student lounge, a café/restaurant, and more. The campus enrolls approximately 500 students from around 70 nations. Vienna, the capital of Austria, has been selected three years in a row as the ‘World’s best place to live’ according to the Mercer’s annual Quality of Living Survey 2009-2011. This historic capital is a thriving center of international com-merce, where banking and business districts share the streets with the city’s famous centuries-old opera houses, beautiful architectural landmarks, cafés, magnificent palaces, and the winding Danube River. The city hosts one of the biggest three day music festivals, every year in summer. Student Life in Vienna The majority of students live in off-campus residences, located near public transportation. These accommodations feature shared kitchens, a café, piano, and a rock-climbing room. On-campus student apartments are also available; their amenities include comfortable bedrooms, a main living/ dining room with cable television, full kitchen, and bathrooms. The Student Affairs Center offers participation in exciting activities such as picnics on the river, entertainment and recreational trips, American holiday celebrations, and campus socials. Romanian students on campus Alexandra Marin, BSc Business Administration "At the end of high school, like many other students, I asked myself ‘What university should I choose?’. I looked into the matter and tried to find out as much as possible about universities in Great Britain, Italy, the USA, Germany and also Austria. After taking all possibilities into consideration I chose Webster University in Vienna. Now I am sure I made the right choice. The teaching system at this university is completely different from the one in Romania and, in my opinion, more efficient too. We take exams every week of the semester and in this way we have to study constantly. The small number of students in every class is also a plus because teachers have time to deal with every student’s queries. Thanks to this approach we usually go home and realize we have already acquired the new information without even having to study more. We just have to practice and apply the new knowledge. Besides taking specialty courses, we also study subjects focusing on culture and matters of general knowledge. These courses help to broaden our horizons. This semester I’m taking three interesting courses. They all involve communicating and taking part in many debates on different topics. Students from all over the world come to this university and thus we have a multitude of opinions and experiences to share on different cultures. I really enjoy taking part in extracurricular activities as well. So far we have organized a Halloween party and a Thanksgiving dinner. We have a football team to support and a ping pong championship to Continued on page 6 win.
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SECTION 1: FEAC CORE Every day spent at the university is extremely active and challenging. I never get bored or feel alone even if I am far away from home. I am glad I made this choice and I recommend it to all the other youngsters who are now thinking about their future. My advice is: Come to Webster and have the best experience ever!" Alexandra Balaj, BA Management "The reason I decided to study at Webster is not only because it is close to Romania, which allows me to travel by car and go home every two weeks, but also because Vienna is one of my favorite cities. The University enjoys a great location and the environment makes you feel good. The professors are really nice and well prepared for classes. They care about each student's point of view and take it into consideration. There are lots of activities to take part in, so you will never get bored. Webster University combines working with partying and you truly feel that you are living a student's life at its best! I think coming here is the best decision I have ever made!" Student Highlight Alberto Manca, the Romanian Pioneer at New York University Abu Dhabi In the Undergraduate Newsletter Fall 2011 issue we introduced you to New York University Abu Dhabi, the new academic gem (university highlight available on the FEAC site at http://bit.ly/NYUAD_Profile). Now you can learn what it is like to be a student at NYU Abu Dhabi. By Alberto Manca, FEAC friend and advisee, currently freshman at New York University Abu Dhabi Last year I was almost certain that I would go to the U.S. to study. After winning two silver medals in the International Astronomy Olympiad, I spent most of my last year of high school doing extracurricular activities and preparing for the U.S. standardized tests and the admissions process in general. Although I also applied to universities in the UK as a fall-back option, I was always a fan of the American educational system: even though I was accepted by Cambridge University and visited the campus for an interview, I decided to keep to my U.S.-bound university path. New York University/NYU was among the U.S. universities I applied to. When I was filling out my Common Application, I ticked a box in order to also be considered for enrolment at the Abu Dhabi campus of NYU, but I didn’t really think about it much afterwards. In March, however, I received an unexpected email inviting me to the Candidate Weekend NYU Abu Dhabi was hosting in the United Arab Emirates. Because all expenses were paid, I didn’t have any reason not to go. The 3 days I spent in Abu Dhabi last spring were incredible. I realized that this institution is flexible because it is new, but still enjoys the prestige of a member of the New York University network. When the moment came, I chose NYUAD with a lot of confidence because it offers students the opportunity to prove themselves in an unique, competitive, and multicultural environment. International students account for 95% of the enrollment figure (only 5% are from the Emirates) and the number of countries represented here increases every year. Travel opportunities were another advantage that made me choose NYUAD. During the four years that I will be an NYUAD student, I will spend two Continued on page 7 semesters abroad and have numerous local and international trips.
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SECTION 1: FEAC CORE Furthermore, NYUAD provides extremely generous financial support, as it meets the student’s full need. To put it plainly, financial aid can cover the full cost of tuition, living and personal expenses, etc.. Although when I started high school I thought of myself as an Astronomy Olympic, at the International Computer High School of Bucharest I also discovered an interest in photography, when I took part in the Infomatrix competition, and also in entrepreneurship. These experiences encouraged me to keep exploring different fields of knowledge. Now, I plan to become an economics major with two concentrations: one in history and one in urbanization. Since coming to the sunny NYU Abu Dhabi campus, I’ve gained new appreciation for how the university funding works: if there is a problem to be solved or an idea to be implemented, money is not an issue. We have housing facilities that are much better than the standard standard student housing elsewhere and the food is diverse and tasty. Until now I went on student trips to India, Sri Lanka, and Oman, and during spring break we went to other emirates, where we stayed in five star hotels. Another huge advantage of attending NYU Abu Dhabi is that classes are small and you can develop personal relationships with all your professors, inspiring teachers that in New York may teach classes of 200 students. Wondering whether I miss Romania? Well, yes. Abu Dhabi is great and NYUAD proved to be generous and top of the line in all respects, but I can’t help but miss my country, especially in the very, very hot first and last month of school. I also miss European-style cities with their parks, buildings, and subway systems. Of course being so far from family and friends is also hard, but there is only one hour difference between Abu Dhabi and Bucharest time zones in the summer so I can easily Skype home in between visits. As far as my application goes, in hindsight, I realize that each and every part of the admissions file was important. Nothing is too small when it comes to U.S. admissions, where anything can make a difference. The selection process is truly holistic. Of course, SAT scores (or the less common ACT scores) are important, but while a high score is definitely necessary to be accepted by a good university, it is not sufficient. The TOEFL exam seemed to be only a requirement. After a certain level of proficiency, the score itself isn’t that important. That is why I advise all students to compare their results with the average scores from each university’s class profile (available online) and refrain from retaking the test if they are above average or if they got over 100 points (out of 120) with 25 points (out of 30) points for each section. While numbers are a big part of the application, U.S. schools, unlike ones in other educational systems, care about the person they evaluate and not only about the quantitative elements of their application. They want to know if you can handle life away from home, if you are friendly, involved or passionate about something. Here extracurricular activities are critical. Do not underestimate their importance. Playing an instrument, success in Olympiads or volunteering can bust up anyone’s application. But, again don’t be overconfident: having only international medals might not be enough for some universities. Continued on page 8
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SECTION 1: FEAC CORE The personal statement is a tricky part mainly because it is subjective. I would advise students to be creative, but be careful not to cross the line between creativity and excess of creativity. When it comes to recommendations, having a professor who believes in you is a great advantage. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Efe, my former guidance teacher, for all his support especially in the final year. My classmates and I owe him a significant part of our current success. In the end I would like to encourage everyone to apply to NYU Abu Dhabi, it is truly an amazing institution. I would gladly answer any questions and help any fellow Fulbright Educational Advising Center friends with the application process. Good luck to everyone!
SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS Exciting Developments: February-April Innovative Outreach by FEAC in Response to New High School Curriculum: “School The Other Way” Week Over April 2-6, U.S. study was prominent during the “School The Other Way” week included in the high school curriculum starting this year. The fact that regular classes were suspended allowed students and teachers to engage in a multitude of extracurricular activities, some centered on study abroad. In addition to International Study Day on April 4, FEAC organized and hosted “reverse outreach” as students from two Bucharest high schools, “Lovinescu” and “Cuza”, visited the Advising Center for in-depth dedicated sessions. After connecting at Libraries’ Night held at the U.S. Embassy in October 2011, FEAC visited both schools to present U.S. admissions and financial aid. The follow-up presentations in April sought to address participants’ specific questions and problem areas. On April 2, “Lovinescu” students visited FEAC and explored U.S. application strategies and TOEFL insights, while on April 6 “Cuza” students were inspired by case studies of successful Romanian admissions essay and recommendation letters. Photos of the events at http://on.fb.me/FEACPics! “School The Other Way” participants will get a chance to learn more about successful U.S. admissions during the Undergraduate Admissions Training program offered free of charge by FEAC on a weekly basis during May 22-June 19. “International Study Day”: A New Outreach Concept Launched April 4 The Fulbright Educational Advising Center together with Campus France, DAAD, and British Council have partnered up to set up joint outreach programs meant to introduce high school and college students to the benefits and opportunities of the educational systems in the USA, France, and Germany, to standardized tests like the TOEFL, SAT, IELTS, DELF/DALF, and to help them make the most of studying abroad. Continued on page 9
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SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS The pilot program was successfully launched on April 4 at “Lazar� National College in Bucharest and started traveling to underserved academic communities in the country on April 25. First stop: Galati, followed by Sibiu (May 10), Oradea (May 16), and Petrosani (May 23). Details at http://bit.ly/feac_events.
Outreach to Cluj-Napoca Adds New Members to the EducationUSA Family On March 28-29 FEAC traveled to Cluj to connect with local audiences, inspire them, and then share U.S. admissions and financial aid insights with prospective applicants. The interactive presentation and half-day workshop offered by EducationUSA Romania and hosted by the American Corner Cluj provided an in-depth survey of undergrad study opportunities in the USA, admissions requirements, and insider strategies for attracting financial aid. As such, they were full-house successes which were enthusiastically covered by the local media. The long standing collaboration of the EducationUSA Advising Center at the Fulbright Commission with the American Corner in Cluj once again resulted in comprehensive promotion of U.S. study alongside extensive information on the wide range of advising services available at the Fulbright Educational Advising Center. Pictures on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/FEACPics.
Making an ImPRESSion: U.S. Study and FEAC Highlighted by Cluj Press FEAC is successfully engaging the press in raising visibility of U.S. study and of the EducationUSA admission support services in Romania. As such, the FEAC presence in Cluj at the end of March was lavishly reflected in the local media: from the interview in the Transilvania Live TV show (http://bit.ly/FEAConTV) and radio programs, to more than 18 articles and highlights in the print and online press. The media response was higher than ever as a result of the new pro-active media promotion strategy adopted by our advising center. U.S. Study in the Spotlight at RIUF Bucharest, Timisoara, and Iasi In March, U.S. study and EducationUSA admissions support services were prominent at the Spring edition of the Romanian International University Fair (RIUF), the foremost educational fair in south-east Europe. The fair was organized in Bucharest on March 17-18 and in Timisoara and Iasi on March 20 and 22, respectively. FEAC staff and interns discussed U.S. study opportunities with visitors who stopped by our always busy booths, open throughout the fair in all three cities. Continued on page 10
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SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS Peace Corps and U.S. Embassy reps, together with U.S. Fulbright program reps, were also available at the booths and inspired applicants with vibrant stories from their own successful U.S. study experiences. Participants also learned about the exciting academic and financial aid opportunities available to Romanian students interested in continuing their studies in the USA during the interactive presentations we offered. At the booths and during the presentations offered during the fair, FEAC reached over 1,500 visitors in Bucharest, around 700 in Timisoara and over 750 in Iasi – a total of around 3,000 students, teachers, and parents, out of which around half were prospective undergraduates. More pictures on our Facebook page at http://on.fb.me/FEACPics.
U.S. Study Makes New Friends: Students at Top High Schools in Bucharest Won Over by the EducationUSA Approach In February and March, FEAC visited five high schools in Bucharest – “Lazar”, “I.L. Caragiale”, “Central School”, “I. Neculce” and “G. Calinescu”. On two visits we were accompanied by a U.S. university rep. In addition, on behalf of EducationUSA we offered an interactive presentation on U.S. study at the World Education Fair held at the Hilton Hotel on Feb 12. The sessions reached over 400 students and teachers. The participants were thrilled to learn about a range of appealing features of U.S. campuses: liberal arts education, the personalized curriculum, hands-on learning, the comprehensive support system, as well as the significant financial aid available for international students. Inspiring Romanian success stories together with information on the free online and face-to-face admissions support services provided by our EducationUSA Advising Center wrapped up the events. Resources EducationUSA Family News: New Member in the FEAC Team The EducationUSA team in Bucharest has added a new member: Laura Silvas – a gradute of the American Studies BA and MA at the university in Bucharest – has joined the Fulbright Educational Advising Center thanks to a grant awarded by the U.S. Embassy to the advising operation in Bucharest. Laura has all the makings of a savvy adviser thanks to her previous internship with the advising center and her passion for the U.S. culture and higher education. Continued on page 11
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SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS During her time with EducationUSA Romania she will be focusing on impactful projects such as developing a video library for Romanian students interested in U.S. study, helping with the revamp of the comprehensive advising website http://www.fulbright.ro/educational-advising-center, and more. Despite her difficult daily commute from her home town 100 km away from Bucharest, Laura is full of energy and EducationUSA enthusiasm. Come by FEAC to meet her! Best of Both Worlds: Continuing Internships and New Ones at FEAC As of May 2, the FEAC undergraduate internship team will be strengthened by new members who will contribute their creativity and various skills to the multiple U.S. study projects that our amazing Spring team (pictured right) has developed together with the EducationUSA advisers at the Center. Our interns will be involved in an exciting range of research projects on U.S. universities, in EducationUSA promotional activities including school visits and participation in U.S. culture and study events such as Flag Day, educational video editing and production, and more. Ready, Steady, Ace the SATs with FEAC Resources. Upcoming Tests on May 5 & June 2 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 free resources – textbooks, practice tests, online materials – to prepare for the SAT test administrations in May and June, as well as those in the upcoming academic year (in Oct, Nov, Dec 2012 and Jan, May, and June 2013). FEAC is one of the four 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! FEAC Article in the “International Study Guide” Since 1994, Spindle Publishing Company has been producing a resource booklet entitled the “International Student Guide to the United States of America”. This is an annual publication that is directed at international students who wish to pursue higher education in the United States. Building on FEAC’s expertise and our collaboration with the Guide’s publishers, this year the Advising Center will contribute an article on financial aid opportunities for international students in the U.S. The piece will be included in the International Study Guide coming out in July and on the publication’s website http://www.internationalstudyguide.com/. Watch for it! Expanding FEAC Online Advising Resources: Check Out the New FEAC eNewsletters Starting February, FEAC launched two new eNewsletters featuring comprehensive information on online seminars and training opportunities for applicants to U.S. universities. Continued on page 12 11
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SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS The new resources for undergraduate and graduate applicants can be accessed in the Services section on the FEAC site at http://bit.ly/FEAC_Services. Every month, the eNewsletters highlight upcoming FEAC and EducationUSA webinars, digital video conferences, virtual fairs, as well as other online resources and events inspired or offered by EducationUSA to promote U.S. study.
Upcoming Events: May-July Learn How to Ace Your Undergrad Application to U.S. Universities: Training Sessions in May-June 2012 A new Undergraduate Admissions Training program will start on May 22. The eye-opening sessions scheduled every Tuesday 3-5 pm will highlight U.S. application tips and strategies leading to success: admissions and funding. Join us and learn how to select U.S. study programs and connect with American universities. How to master the art of negotiating strong recommendation letters. How to develop a competitive edge. At the end of program your well-rounded application will show that you are a great fit for the U.S. campus of your choice. Details at http://bit.ly/feac_events. “Ion Creanga” Students Will Connect With U.S. Study on May 28. Want FEAC to Visit Your School Too? On May 28, the Fulbright Educational Advising Center will visit “Ion Creanga” high school in Bucharest to introduce students and teachers to the key features of U.S. education: liberal arts, the personalized curriculum, hands-on learning, study abroad, etc. We will also explore the scholarship options that have made it possible for around 1,900 Romanians, out of which over 850 are undergraduates, to afford studying in the United States this year. Want to join their ranks and thrive on a U.S. campus? In May-June, FEAC will continue its intense outreach program and will interact with students from a wide range of high schools from Bucharest and beyond. If you are interested in U.S. education and would like to learn more about the American university system and the scholarships available for international applicants, 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! Creatively Celebrate U.S. Culture: Flag Day, June 14 Every June, festivity fills the air at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, when the American Embassy’s Public Diplomacy section brings together over 300 students from 5 Bucharest high schools, who celebrate Flag Day through various lively, innovative projects on the 50 states in the USA. An engaging, fun opportunity to research and learn about the specific features of each state and a colorful celebration of team work and intercultural learning! Continued on page 13
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Bucharest, April 25, 2012 Volume IV, Spring issue
SECTION 2: FEAC NEWS To honor a cherished tradition, the Fulbright Educational Advising Center will be there with a booth and with students admitted to U.S. universities. Come meet us! You’ll learn more about the beauty of U.S. undergraduate education and discover how you can successfully apply to U.S. colleges and universities. Get more info on Flag Day and check out colorful pics at http://on.fb.me/FEACPics. Stand by for this year’s pictures in the next issue and on the FEAC Facebook page. Pre-Departure Orientation in July: What Comes After Successful U.S. Admissions? Every summer, the Romanian-U.S. Fulbright Commission and FEAC organize the Pre-Departure orientation, a full-day event meant to facilitate admitted students’ academic and cultural adjustment in the US. This year, participants will get closer to America through presentations and best practice sessions on visa regulations, daily life – read housing, money, community work and much more – and the academic environment, all followed by Q&A sessions. The event will be topped off with networking opportunities and fun. Current Romanian students in the U.S. and alumni of U.S. universities will grace the event. You can do it too! Gain essential admissions info by exploring our Undergraduate admissions website section and sign up for our Undergraduate Admissions Training. Contact us to benefit from free of charge expert advice on planning your application!
SECTION 3: EDUCATIONUSA NEWS A U.S. Professor’s Insights on Learning How to Learn Head to http://bit.ly/StudyHowto to read Prof. Robert Hatch’s article on smart studying tips! The University of Florida professor discusses why learning is a life-long process, explains that being a university student is a full-time job, and details why you should “never – never – never take classes with True – False tests”. Happy reading! What To Do If You Cannot Visit College Campuses During the college selection process and even after receiving your acceptance letters, visiting college campuses in person to choose your home-away-from-home for the following four years is often not feasible. Check out http://nyti.ms/Intl_Students for tips compiled by the New York Times' India Ink blog on what students can do and which resources are beneficial when deciding where to enroll if they cannot make the trip to various college campuses. Make sure you also check the Calendar section on the FEAC site to learn about virtual college fairs and university open houses that will significantly help you better understand the match between your expectations and what your chosen schools have to offer. Study Abroad Can Change Your Life On the multiple ways in which a U.S. education can influence your life, Fabiola Rodriguez-Ciampoli, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, says: “I am living proof of how study abroad can change your life. I came from Mexico to the United States as a Fulbright graduate student. Continued on page 14 13
www.fulbright.ro/educationaladvising-center.html
Bucharest, April 25, 2012 Volume IV, Spring issue
SECTION 3: EDUCATIONUSA NEWS That led to - in addition to a master's degree - falling in love, getting married, becoming a U.S. citizen, campaigning in the 2008 presidential election, and ultimately being chosen to lead public diplomacy for the Western Hemisphere at the U.S. Department of State.” Read more at http://1.usa.gov/IntlStudy. What changes would you like for study abroad to bring about in your life? Share your opinions on our Facebook page!
SECTION 4: WISDOM OF THE SEASON According to Robert Maynard Hutchins, American educator, former president of the University of Chicago, chairman of the Board of Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica, “The object of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives.” EducationUSA is happy to help with the process!
Need more info? 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 Website: http://www.fulbright.ro/educational-advising-center.html Facebook fanpage: http://on.fb.me/feac_ro Location: No. 2, Ing. Costinescu St., Sector 1, Bucharest 011878, Romania
Comments? Suggestions? E-mail us at: FEAC@fulbright.ro All articles are contributed by FEAC staff, unless otherwise stated.
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