The US Educational Foundation in India (USEFI), New Delhi organised a pre-departure orientation programme for 155 Indian students leaving for higher studies in the US  The programne was held at the American Centre, New Delhi on July 6, 2007. 

Prof. Jane Schukoske, Executive Director, USEFI welcomed the participants and Ms. Anne Seshadri, Assistant Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy addressed the students and shared her experience of higher education in the U.S. 

The day-long event included various interactive sessions and was facilitated by a diverse panel of resource persons consisting of Mr. Richard Sherman, Deputy Consul General, U.S. Embassy, Indian alumni of U.S. universities, Department of State interns from US universities and an American Fulbright scholar. 

The panellists provided the students with a widespread synopsis of culture, academic environment and social life in the U.S.  The sessions attracted numerous questions on cross-cultural issues which helped students get a clear perspective of what to expect in the US 

Informative presentations were made by the sponsors including American Express, Centurion Bank of Punjab [Get Quote] Ltd., ICICI-Lombard General Insurance, Jet Airways [Get Quote] and Matrix Cellular Services informing students about currency, travel, student insurance, air tickets and communication related options for their travel to the US 

Students also participated in a cultural quiz competition and received attractive prizes from the sponsors. Diverse sessions at the pre-departure programme provided several valuable tips to Indian students that were aimed at smooth adaptation to the US academic and social environment. 

The programme also highlighted the significant role USEFI plays in delivering quality services for US-bound Indian students.  In written evaluations, students rated the programme helpful by calling it "Extremely helpful," "Broad and informative," and "Insightful and enjoyable." 

Participants found the message board facility a great way to connect with fellow students travelling to same regions of the US USEFI, New Delhi plans to hold its next pre-departure orientation programme in the first week of August 2007.

If interested in the August orientation, please contact:

Ms. Luna Das
Educational Advisor - North India
United States Educational Foundation in India
Fulbright House
12, Hailey Road
New Delhi-110001
Tel:  91-11-42090909 Ext: 977
Fax: 91-11-23329718
Website: www.fulbright-india.org