Press Release

U.S. Embassy hosts pre-departure orientation for admitted students going for studies in the U.S.

June 6, 2008

The American Embassy Educational Advising Centre invites parents and students who have already been admitted to U.S. colleges and universities to prepare for their study by attending an annual Pre-departure Orientation scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2008, from 12:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Embassy’s Msasani compound. Alumni of American Universities, Consular officials, and staff of the Educational Advising Centre will cover a range of topics to help students prepare for their departure to and life in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Embassy spokesperson, topics to be covered will include: Study experiences in the United States; Culture shock; Women students in the U.S.; Life in the U.S.; Campus life; Ethnicity, race, and gender issues; and self reliance; and returning to Tanzania after studies. There will be a question and answer session.

The American Consul will educate participants on consular issues including how to apply for student visa; the criteria for obtaining a visa; how to enter the U.S.; how long can a student stay; what happens when the visa expires; changing schools/programs; the visa lottery and crime in the U.S.

According to the education advisor Frida Mwenegoha, the program will help prepare Tanzanian students for life and study in the U.S. “It is important that students understand what is awaiting them in U.S before their departure.” she stated. Mwenegoha said Tanzania sends over 1,000 students to the U.S. for study each year, and Tanzania ranks seventh among sub-Saharan African countries for the number of students studying in the United States.

She reported that the flow of Tanzanian students to the United States is very healthy, and emphasized the imperative that students return to Tanzania to make important contributions to the country.

Mwenegoha advised those admitted students planning to attend the ‘Pre-departure Orientation Program’ to contact her via telephone 022-2668001 or e-mail, eadar@state.gov to register. She noted that "America is eager to welcome students from Tanzania . These international students contribute to the diversity and quality of education in the United States and are an important part of the rich culture that is America today.”

Students not yet admitted to U.S. institutions, but who are interested in study in the U.S. should not attend this event, but are welcomed to a free educational advising session with our educational advisor. These no-cost sessions are held every Monday and Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the U.S. Embassy. The sessions are open to all students interested in U.S. study at the undergraduate and graduate level.