The Delhi-based American Embassy intends to reach out to the small towns in India to create awareness about the student visas and to dispel the misunderstandings relating to studying in the United States.
The US Embassy is also concerned about the mushrooming agents and touts in various parts of the country, particularly Punjab, and want to spread awareness about the visa process and formalities, said Paul Swider, the American Officer who works in the Embassy's Visa section.
Swider was heading a team of Embassy officials including officials from the United States - India Educational Foundation (USIEF)-who interacted with the students from various educational institutions and answered queries relating to the prospects of education in USA here today.
Punjab's youth have been found to being trapped by Agents. The students usually look for educational prospects and jobs in foreign countries, especially in the US, which is always considered to be the land of opportunity. Many agents have been exploiting the innocent youth who want to go abroad to explore greener pastures.
Paul Swider said the number of students who want to study in the US has been increasing. The Embassy officials held talks with them and their parents and apprised them about the system explaining to them that it is transparent and clear. He added that they wanted to dispel the misunderstanding that the visa process is complicated.
"We try to explain to them what the process is exactly and make them understand that not only do we welcome them in the US, but we also make the process very simple and clear," he stated.
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The team made a presentation to the students of Miri Piri Academy and interacted with students from One-Up Library.
Kirandeep Kaur, Principal of Miri Piri Academy, said that there were reports and complaints relating to these issues coming to the US authorities.
" Through these programs, the students will get to know what is the admission process in colleges and universities in the US. They will get information from delegates who are related to the education ministry in US'', he said.
Rich Bhasin of USIEF, who also gave a presentation to the students, said that the initiative promotes mutual understanding between the nationals of India and the nationals of the US through the educational exchange of outstanding scholars, professionals and students. She said that USIEF also provides Educational Advising Services for Indian students interested in pursuing higher education in the US, and for US students interested in studying in India.
On the second leg of their visit, the team will visit Springdale School.
The team left for Jalandhar and onward to Chandigarh. "We want to focus on smaller towns to create awareness'', Paul Swider said.