2009 Press Releases
US Consulate and AMIDEAST Host Study USA Fair
Press Release
April 23, 2009
Jerusalem
The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem teamed up with America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, AMIDEAST, to host an information fair about university study opportunities in the United States. The fair, held at the Red Crescent Headquarters in Al Bireh on April 23, was opened by U.S. Consul for Press and Cultural Affairs Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm and Assistant Deputy Minister o Higher Education Dr. Fahoum Alshalabi. The U.S. diplomat and Palestinian Authority representative welcomed university and high school students visiting with their parents and teachers from schools throughout the West Bank and Jerusalem.
“We are proud that American universities and colleges can play a role in strengthening the skills and developing the talents of Palestinian students,” Ms. Schweitzer-Bluhm commented. “Palestinian youth are the foundation upon which a future Palestinian state will rest.”
Dr. AlShalabi thanked the representatives from the eleven American universities and colleges who flew from the United States to personally interact with students, answering questions about admission policies, course offerings and financial aid throughout the day. Palestinian alumni of American universities were also on hand to offer advice and encouragement.
AMIDEAST professional staff offered expert advising services on the process of applying for study in the United States: from researching about the more than 7,000 U.S. institutions of higher education, to taking required tests, to applying for a student visa. AMIDEAST provides services at four centers in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Nablus and Gaza.
AMIDEAST Director Steve Keller invited Palestinian students to further explore study in the U.S. by visiting the AMIDEAST offices. “I have always believed that education is the key to success and American higher education is among the very best in the world. Through my work, I have the privilege of introducing these talented young people to excellent universities throughout the United States.,” he concluded.
Four European universities also participated in the fair for the first time this year.
For more information please contact the U.S. Consulate’s Press Office at 02-622-6908 or 02-622-6909 or Assistant Information Officer Christina Higgins at 054-678-8501 or Hassna Dajani at 054-678-8455.
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