Speeches & Articles

Remarks of Consul General Beth A. Payne
Higher Education in the USA: Opportunities and Challenges
Serampore College, Hooghly August 17, 2009

August 17, 2009

Rev. Dr. Lalchungnunga, Principal
Faculty members and students of Serampore College

It is an honor to be here today to help pay tribute to a man, Dr. William Carey, who was committed to providing a quality education here in India.  And, it is a pleasure to see that the institution he helped create continues to educate India and the world's future leaders.  In the United States, there are few things as essential for America's success as a good education.  As a result, the U.S. makes quality education a high priority and offers the best university education in the world.

Our educational system is more open, diverse and inclusive than ever before in our history.  By continuing to adapt and improve our education system, the U.S. can better address the challenges we face as a nation and work better with our friends and partners to bring peace, prosperity, and quality education to all citizens throughout the world.  A quality U.S. education is also available to students from throughout the world.   Currently there are more than 600,000 foreign students studying at American colleges and universities.  Ninety-four thousand, nearly one lakh, of these students are from India.  Since 2000, India has sent more students to the U.S. than has any other foreign country.

So, why is a U.S. education so highly prized around the world?  First, a degree from an American university or college provides a graduate with a solid foundation in learning and achievement, and sets the course for a lifetime of successes.  Upon completion of university studies, a graduate is equipped with the skills necessary to advance in a career or profession.  Second, a degree earned from an American educational institution is recognized around the world as an achievement in excellence and is highly desirable to employers.  Graduates of American universities are highly sought after, regardless of the degree or academic specialization.
  
A key feature of the American educational system is that students are responsible for their own education.  In-built in our system is a pro-active, hands-on approach; students are invited to ask questions and to challenge conventional wisdom.  Our system of education provides equal amounts of theory and practice.  Ideas are tested and refined in the real world.  Students are empowered to take responsibility for their own education, developing skills such as critical thinking, public speaking, and finding creative, innovative solutions to problems.  Another feature of a U.S. education is that students can participate in internships concurrently with their studies.  Internships allow students to gain valuable real-world experience even before graduation.
        
Students in the U.S. also receive personal attention and assistance with the transition to a U.S. campus.  Most universities in the U.S. have an office dedicated to international students.  This office provides a variety of services ranging from campus orientation to assistance in resume preparation.  Personal and career counseling services are also available.   These services allow foreign students to make a smooth transition onto U.S. campuses and into academic life.
  
If you are interested in studying in the U.S., the best place to start is at the U.S.-India Educational Foundation office (USIEF) in the American Center in Kolkata.  Identifying the right college or university in the U.S. can be overwhelming and too often people choose a school because a relative studied there or a friend recommends it.  USIEF will help you identify the right institution for you - based on your goals, life style and interests.  Then, once you have selection a few institutions, USIEF will help you navigate your way through the student application process and explore possible scholarships to help defray the cost of university tuition.  Once you have your acceptance, I encourage you to attend USIEF's seminars are how to apply for a student visa and how to prepare for your move to the U.S.
 
One of the challenges in obtaining a U.S. education is paying the high tuition that comes with a quality education.  USIEF awards Fulbright Fellowships for research and post-doctoral studies in the U.S.  The Fulbright Program provides grants for graduate students, scholars and professionals.  In addition to the Fulbright program, there are many other exchange programs, such as the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship program for mid-level professionals committed to public service.

While the U.S. Government does not provide a lot of scholarships to foreign students outside the exchange programs I just mentioned, there are literally hundreds of scholarship opportunities in the U.S.  Organizations such as Rotary International awards scholarships and most colleges and universities will defray the cost of tuition through fellowships and assistantships.  Even in the current economic climate, we are finding that U.S. educational institutions still value the diversity and quality of international students they can attract to their campus through various forms of financial aid.  Some students may also find work on campus, which is allowed for up to 20 hours a week.
 
Another challenge is perfecting your English and understanding of American history and culture before leaving for the U.S.  The American Library, located in the American Center in Kolkata, is an excellent resource for students in eastern India who want to practice their English and learn more about America.  The library’s collection includes more than 20,000 books related to American history, literature, politics, art, and culture.  It also subscribes to more than 160 periodicals, and has extensive collections of books.  The library also has computer terminals and wi-fi facilities for your personal laptop.  I invite you to visit the American library, which is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, during your next visit to Kolkata.
 
Dr. William Carey once said, "the future is as bright as the promises of God."  I hope your bright future after you complete your studies here at Serampore University will include the opportunity of studying in the U.S.

Thank you.