Filipino students receive millions in scholarship offers from US universities

MANILA —Thirty-six Filipino advisees of EducationUSA, the U.S. Department of State’s official source on U.S. higher education information, are receiving more than Php37 million in merit and need-based scholarships from accredited American universities for the upcoming 2019-2020 academic year.

EducationUSA advisers worked with these students throughout their college admissions process, including providing advice on identifying scholarship opportunities and applying for financial aid.

These scholars, along with other admitted students and parents, attended EducationUSA’s annual pre-departure orientation (PDO) and sendoff reception for U.S.-bound Filipino students on Saturday, July 20, in Taguig City.  The PDO is the last step in EducationUSA’s Five Steps to U.S. Study, and is free to interested students who will study in the United States in the coming academic year.

This year, PDO participation increased by more than 18 percent from the previous year, and more than half of the students worked with EducationUSA advisers to receive in-depth guidance throughout their college admissions process.  Many of them also participated in EducationUSA’s various programs during the year, including enrichment events, an application drive, and annual U.S. university fairs.

At the orientation, students received comprehensive information on student visas, managing their finances, dealing with culture shock, and U.S. classroom culture.  Current U.S. college students and U.S. university alumni also joined the event to share their success stories, tips, and advice with the outgoing Filipino students.

EducationUSA provides free advising services to prospective international students in more than 170 countries and offers students resources and tools to help navigate the Five Steps to U.S. Study: researching schools, financing, completing the application, obtaining a student visa, and preparing for departure.

There are more than 4,500 accredited higher education institutions in the United States and an EducationUSA adviser can help students narrow their options, define their priorities, and plan their college careers.

EducationUSA does not offer scholarships, but can assist students in identifying scholarship and financial assistance opportunities.

You can find more information about EducationUSA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/educationusa.philippines, on Instagram at educationusa.philippines, and on Twitter at @EducationUSA_PH.