Wednesday, December 16th, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Info session: Beyond the books: How Social Activities Can Help You Obtain Funding for Grad School
Speaker: Professor and Assistant Dean Ravi Lakshmikanthan, from the Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University
How saving the largest cave in the world, raising funds for shoes for children from Sapa or teaching English to deaf students can help you not only earn a spot, but also a scholarship to one of the top 10 social policy schools in the U.S. During this event, Professor and Assistant Dean Ravi Lakshmikanthan from the Heller School, Brandeis University, will lead a discussion on how one can tie extra-curricular activities and their passion for social change into a strong application for admission.
Wednesday, November 18, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
International Education Week: U.S. – Vietnam Joint Programs Mini Fair and Speech Contest
Venue: American Club, 19/21 Hai Ba Trung St., Hanoi
Come and join EducationUSA and the American Center in this exciting event! On November 18, 2015, the final Speech Contest and the U.S. – Vietnam Joint Programs mini fair (PDF 440 KB), co-hosted by the American Center and EducationUSA Advising Center to celebrate the International Education Week will be held at the American Club, 19/21 Hai Ba Trung St., from 1:30pm to 3:30pm (please like the U.S. Embassy’s Facebook page for updated information about this event). Come join us celebrate the International Education Week, receive a lot of gifts, and support the contestants. 9 U.S.-Vietnam joint programs at undergraduate and graduate levels will be at the fair.
Tuesday, November 10, 2:30 – 4:00p.m.
Info session: 2+2 Program and How to Find the Right Fit
Speakers: Dawn Wood, Director, International Programs, Kirkwood Community College
Thomas Paulsen, Associate Director, Undergraduate Admissions, the University of Iowa
American community colleges offer international students a cheaper entry point into their higher education pursuits via low tuition rates on freshman and sophomore level classes. Often with the added bonus of an easier transition to U.S. –style academics. Students then transfer to four year schools to complete their bachelor’s degree. About 10% of international students studying on U.S. campuses were enrolled in associate degree-granting institutions, as reported in the Institute for International Education’s (IIE) 2014 Open Doors Report. Affordability is one great reason for the 2+2 option. Other benefits of community colleges include excellent instructors, small class sizes, individualized instruction, intensive English language programs, homestay programs and on-campus housing options. This information session will be an excellent opportunity to learn more about the transfer process from community colleges to four year institutions in the United States. Speakers will discuss strategies for making the transfer pathway as easy as possible.
Monday, November 9, 10:00-11:30p.m.
Info session: How Boarding Schools are Changing the Future of Students
Speaker: Tim Viands, Headmaster of Grand River Academy
The decision to attend boarding school is not an easy one. While the quality of resources, activities, and academics offered by boarding schools may be found in local schooling options, boarding schools offer a unique set of benefits and experiences. The education and experiences are life changing and cannot be replicated. Some of the benefits of boarding schools are; creates independence, organization and self-reliance, enables students to interact with people from diverse multicultural and multinational backgrounds, exposing one to different lifestyles and teaches and encourages independence and confidence. Teaching does not only occur within the walls of the classroom students engage with their teachers, coaches, and peers in the dining hall, sports fields, art studios, and dormitories. Statistics show that students who graduate from boarding schools perform better in universities and have accelerated career paths. Come learn more about the real value of a U.S. boarding school education.
Thursday, November 5 from 3:00- 4:30 p.m.
The Most Common First-Year Mistakes International Students Make in the U.S. and Sociology of the #Selfie
Speaker: Dr. Michelle Westfort, Director of Marketing & Admissions, Florida Atlantic University
An award winning speaker, trainer, and university leader with over a decade of experience, Michelle Westfort, has delivered keynote speeches, workshops, and seminars on psychology, education and careers. Michelle Westfort often advises international students preparing for overseas studies in the United States to watch out for common pitfalls. During this event, she will deliver a lecture on high-impact strategies for students to self-assess and focus on what matters most; the student experience. You will learn about what to expect from a university degree in the United States and why making good decisions and focusing on academic efforts can lead to a successful career.
What is it like to study in the “heart of America?”
Tuesday, October 27, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Speaker: Kansas University
With over 4,000 institutions of higher education in the United States, there’s is a range of options available. These options are not limited to the U.S. coasts. You might be surprised to learn that the American Midwest, also known as the “heart of America,” is a diverse land of opportunity. You can find high-quality institutions of all different types and sizes located in urban and rural settings. There are colleges and universities in cities with booming economies, top U.S. companies, diverse communities, and the costs of living is comparatively lower. Additionally, Midwesterners have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming. Please come join this presentation to learn more about various opportunities that exist in the heart of America!
Come learn about how to study business in the U.S.
Monday, October 26, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Speaker: Colorado Heights University (CHU)
The American education system offers a rich field of choices for international students. There is such an array of schools, programs and locations that are CAREER-FOCUSED with an emphasis on practical experience, not just exams and memorizing of facts. Business is a VERB, not a NOUN. It is something you do, and not just something you read about. Students who use the conventions of American English stand apart and are more confident when applying for work of conducting business with the United States and may even have the opportunity to network with business professionals or intern at major corporations while pursuing their studies.
Find out about Job opportunities for Hospitality Management and How Internship Programs Play an Important Role in the Job Market
Wednesday, October 21, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Speaker: University of South Carolina
Most Vietnamese students believe that landing a job in a five-star hotel or a luxury resort is the best experience one can have. Hospitality management remains an in-demand field, especially considering how important it is for any business interacting with the public to ensure customer satisfaction. If graduates are aware of what’s typically required of a specific hospitality management position ahead of time, they’re more likely to find a satisfying career. . Please come explore the world of hospitality management through this information session and learn about latest updates, job opportunities and how to be satisfying career employees in Hospitality Management.
Tips for writing the Perfect College Admissions Essay
Thursday, October 15, 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Speaker: Brandon Fairchild, Assistant Director of International Admissions, Hawaii Pacific University
When it comes to writing college admission essays, the task can be daunting. While most students spend days, sometimes weeks, perfecting their essays, admission officers only spend about three to five minutes actually reading them. Your essay reveals something important about you that your grades and test scores can’t- your personality. It can give admission officers a sense of who you are as well as showcasing your writing skills. Please join Mr. Brandon Fairchild, assistant director of international admissions at Hawaii Pacific University, to learn more about how to craft your best college essay.
Information Session: How to find the best fit school + Mini fair
Wednesday, September 30, 2p.m – 4p.m
Speakers:
University of California/Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
Widener University, Chester, Pennsylvania
Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska
Fordham University, New York City, New York
Augustana College, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
McNeese University, Lake Charles, Louisiana
What is the difference between community colleges and university? How about liberal arts and vocational education? How do I choose the most suitable program? With over 4,500 different degree- granting educational institutions in the United States, it can be difficult to make a decision. During this session, seven experienced US admission officers will give an overview of the US system of higher education, and provide tips to help you find the best fit to reach your personal and educational goals. The information session will be followed by a mini-fair by representatives from schools.
Applying to a U.S. university: Myth vs Reality + Mini Fair
Thursday, September 17, 3p.m – 5p.m
Speakers:
Miami University (Ohio),
University of Minnesota,
University of Oregon,
University of Vermont
Come and join four top public research universities in the United States in this information session on applying to a U.S. university. You will acquire knowledge on what it takes to get into the right selective research institution. The information session will be followed by a mini-fair by representatives from schools.
Wednesday, September 9, 3:00p.m – 4:30 p.m
Education USA 101: An important equation to consider — right fit = right institution + the right place
Speaker: Ms. Patricia Higgins, Pellissippi State Community College, Knoxville, Tennessee;
Dr. Andy Ray, University of Tennessee (Knoxville, TN, USA)
Many students and parents work hard to find an institution that best meets their educational needs. Reputation, rank, size, and cost are just some components of the decision-making process for applicants and their family members. But how much time do students put into investigating where they will be living? How long does it take to go to the grocery store? Is it safe to walk at night? How important is a city’s ranking and where can those rankings be found? Does a “farmers’ market” mean agriculture or does it indicate the new urban culture? Can I live in the same city and attend both a community college and university? This session answers those questions and more. It will also aim to help you know which questions to think about while making this important decision about your future.
Apply to U.S. Universities and Colleges – Is Early Decision Right For You?
Thursday, September 3, 2:00p.m – 3:30p.m.
Speaker: Ms. Morgan Volkart, Lehigh University
If you are thinking about applying to one of the nearly 450 colleges that offer early decision options in the U.S., there are some important questions you should ask yourself and college admissions offices before making this commitment. An understanding of the differences between Early Decision, Early Action, and the benefits/downfalls of applying early is essential. In this session, Ms. Morgan Volkart, Director of International Recruitment at Lehigh University, will give advice specific to international students who are thinking about applying early. She will explain when it is appropriate to apply early, provide insight into the differences between early admission program options, give pros and cons for each option, and answer your questions. Join this session to learn if an early admission plan is right for you!
The Best Way to Communicate about Yourself in the Application Essays
Tuesday, August 25, 3:00p.m – 4:30 p.m
Speaker: Mary de Villiers, University of Notre Dame
Your university application essays reveal one of the most important aspects of you as an applicant: who you are as a person. But what is the best way to communicate about yourself in those essays? EducationUSA’s guest speaker from University of Notre Dame will guide you through the application essay writing process and share insights into how admissions officers, particularly at The University of Notre Dame, use your essay in their holistic review of your application.
High School Education and Home Stay Program
Wednesday, August 19, 3:00p.m – 5:00p.m.
Speaker: Joy My Lien Degenhardt, Three W International
Nowadays, Vietnamese parents send their children to study abroad at younger age. However the range of choices of programs, locations, as well as admission requirements may be overwhelming to most people. This information session will help you familiarize with the American secondary education system, narrow your choices and develop your child’s education plan. Discussion topics will include: how to choose a school and what to look for; homestay vs. boarding programs; general admission requirements and financial aid opportunities. Two specialists will be available to answer any questions you might have. Registration is required at https://goo.gl/QhE2Ug
How to Get into U.S. Graduate School Programs in General and in STEM Fields in Particular
Friday, July 31, 3p.m. – 4:30p.m.
Speakers:
1. Dr. J. Scott Angle, University of Georgia
2. Dr. Gisele Therese Muller-Parker, National Science Foundation (NSF)
3. Dr. Mary Lou Soffa, Professor, University of Virginia
4. Dr. Alba Serrano, Regents Professor, New Mexico State University
5. Dr. Peggy Petrochenkov, VEF Program Officer
6. Dr. Phuong Nguyen, VEF Country Director
You are dreaming of studying in a graduate program in the United States. You are searching for information on how to apply for a graduate degree program. You are wondering how you can make your application stand out. If so, please come and join us in a unique session entitled “How to get into U.S. graduate programs” where you can meet with four renowned U.S. professors coming to Vietnam at the invitation of the Vietnam Education Foundation (VEF) to take part in the 2016 VEF Fellowship and Grant Interview Mission. The panel includes Dr. J. Scott Angle, University of Georgia, Dr. Gisele Therese Muller-Parker, U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Dr. Mary Lou Soffa, University of Virginia, and Dr. Alba Serrano, New Mexico State University. They will share their advice, insights, and guidance on (i) How to get prepared for the application process and what to expect; (ii) The diversity of degrees and institutions in the United States; (iii) The application process; (iv) Writing a statement of purpose that meets the requirements and attracts the special attention of the U.S. graduate admission committee.
Entrepreneurship in the Undergraduate Engineering Program
Tuesday, July 28, 10:00a.m. – 11:30a.m.
Speaker: Professor Daniel J. Lacks, Department of Chemical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH.
A day’s work for a practicing engineer isn’t solving one differential equation after another. The engineer isn’t given a sheet of paper with all necessary data included for a specific problem to be solved, and isn’t asked to find the one unique solution using a pencil, paper and calculator. Nevertheless, this is how university training in engineering traditionally proceeds. Despite this, a real engineer develops technological solutions to societal needs. An engaging way for students to develop expertise in these broader engineering skills is through work on entrepreneurial projects, where all of these facets naturally arise. This presentation will describe these engineering entrepreneurship initiatives, and the impact they have on the undergraduate student experience.
Scholarship Opportunities from Liberal Arts Colleges
Wednesday, July 15, 3:00 p.m – 4:30p.m.
Speaker: Loc Nguyen, International Admission Ambassador, Augustana College (IL), and Caitlin Murphy, Associate Director of Global Education, Lebanon Valley College (PA)
Studying abroad is currently the dream of many Vietnamese students; However, the financial matter always seems to be a huge road-block for students who want to pursue their dream abroad, particularly in the United States. An elite education in the US can be very expensive, but it is an investment for a lifetime. Please join our speakers at the Information session “Scholarship Opportunities from Liberal Arts Colleges.” Our speakers will show you how to overcome the financial obstacle by finding your own valuable scholarship to make your “American Dream” come true.
Pre-departure Orientation
Wednesday, June 24
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Pre-Departure Orientation is an annual EducationUSA event that gives students the opportunity to meet fellow students going to study in the United States, as well as current students. We’ve compiled a great program for you, including information on academic success, socio-cultural adjustment, U.S. alumni experience sharing, and useful tips on travel and living in the United States. Registration to attend the event is required. For more information about agenda and speakers, please click here (PDF 500 KB).
Essential Skills for U.S. Student Life
Friday, June 19 at 3:00 p.m.
Speaker: Ms. Susan Tapia from Stanford University
How to adjust to life on campus? How to succeed in your first year in an American college? Adjusting to a foreign setting has its own challenges and requires special skills for coping. Join Ms. Susan Tapia from Stanford University to learn more about it.
Standardized Test
Friday, June 5 at 10:00 a.m.
Speakers: Experts on TOEFL, IELTS and SAT from IIG and Summit Center
Are you ready to take the TOEFL, IELTS, or SAT? Do you know how to best prepare for the test? Join our experts on standardized tests in this information session. They will share with you tips and best practices on getting high scores.
U.S. Student Visa
Friday, May 29 at 9:30 a.m.
Speaker: Consular Officer
If you are preparing to apply for a U.S. Student Visa and have any questions, please join our Consular Officer in this Information Session.
