By Lysander Tiu
Dumagueteños immersed themselves in U.S. education admission processes through the EducationUSA (EdUSA) #StudyWithUS information session and workshop series held last Jan. 27 and 28 at the Silliman University (SU) Multi-purpose Room.
Hosted by the American Corner (AC) Dumaguete of SU, the event aimed to share insights and tips on the application processes, scholarships, and academic opportunities for universities in the U.S.
In October 2022, June 2017, and January 2015, EdUSA also conducted information sessions, however, this year marked the first time a guidance counselor workshop was implemented.
The sessions for undergraduate students and graduate studies discussed the five steps to study in the U.S., undergraduate programs in U.S. universities, scholarships, and academic exchange programs.
Meanwhile, the session for guidance counselors tackled educational advising for U.S. college admission processes, standardized tests, essays, application requirements, and admission websites.
EdUSA Outreach Coordinator Bryan Alonzo and Sergeant First Class Julius Tuvilla facilitated all three sessions and coordinated with AC Dumaguete for the event.
Alonzo said that the topics chosen for the sessions focused on key areas such as the U.S. education system, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and application processes.
“These resources are designed to provide students and guidance counselors practical tools and up-to-date information they need to set themselves up for success when applying for or guiding students to apply to U.S. colleges and universities,” he wrote.
Furthermore, he said that Dumaguete was chosen as an outreach location because of the “immense potential” among the youth in the city, citing SU Senior High School alumnus Enzo Kho as one of their past advisees.
Meanwhile, AC Dumaguete Library Consultant Sharmaine Luba said that challenges students face in applying to the U.S. include not knowing the admission processes, what steps to take, and which websites to visit.
“That is where EdUSA comes [in], they are the bridge that helps the students and they provide a bridge for that gap. They offer clear and step-by-step guidance on how [to] apply for universities and schools in the U.S.,” she said.
Moreover, Luba shared that the “edge” of the guidance counselor workshop in regard to educational advising is that it offered advice from professionals who are knowledgeable in admitting students to the U.S.
“I think that our guidance counselors are aware [of] the admissions in the PH settings, but not that much in the U.S. setting. So, this is a very good opportunity for them to learn because they have different admission processes,” she furthered.
Attendees included students and guidance counselors from SU, Asian College Dumaguete, St. Paul University-Dumaguete, Foundation University, and Ramon Teves Science High School-Dumaguete.
Participants who missed the event can join EdUSA’s next virtual monthly advising, as well as one-on-one advising with its advisers to assist with college applications on Feb. 22.
