U.S Embassy in Kigali promotes exchange education programs to Rwandan varsity students

The U.S. embassy in Kigali hosted the college fair for Rwandan students in a bid to promote education exchange that will enhance connection between the United States and Rwanda.

The first ever fair saw over 200 Rwandan students, educators and education officials at the embassy premises in Kigali, on September 20, 2013.

The first ever fair will give the opportunity of linking Rwandan students who want to study at U.S. institutions of higher learning.

U.S. Embassy Kigali Deputy Chief of Mission Jessica Lapenn told the students who gathered for the event that “At its core, the Embassy role is to facilitate and build connections between the United States and Rwanda.”

Lapenn that one of the best ways these connections are built and mutual understanding is fostered is through education exchange.  “For us, that is what this college fair is about.”

Presiding over the event were representatives from five U.S. partner institutions of The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program.

Representatives from Universities such as Duke University, Michigan State University, Stanford University, the University of California at Berkeley, and Wellesley College all gave presentations on their respective institutions.

The institutions also answered questions from Rwandan students eager to learn more about studying in the United States.

The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program is a $500 million, 10-year program to educate and prepare young people – especially those from Africa —to attend partner universities in the United States and to return to make positive changes in their home communities.

The U.S. Embassy in Kigali provides myriad resources for Rwandan students hoping to study in the United States.

The embassy’s EducationUSA advisor, Richard Kaburente, conducts regular advising sessions for interested Rwandan students. He details the steps students who hope to study in the U.S. should take and connects them with scholarship opportunities.

The U.S. Embassy’s Information Resource Center also contains many books on how to apply for university in the U.S., how to find scholarships and practice books for the TOEFL, SAT, GMAT and other standardized tests.

The U.S. Embassy in Kigali also sponsors a variety of international exchange programs each year, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

These exchanges are designed to enhance mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and Rwanda.

U.S Embassy in Kigali promotes exchange education programs to Rwandan varsity students