By Manal El Warraky
Spokesman for the US Embassy in Cairo, Peter Winter, said that US Ambassador Hero Mustafa Garg is keen to enhance cooperation between Cairo and Washington, and that the embassy has a long history of success in implementing educational and community programs in Egypt in partnership with Egyptian institutions and organizations.
The official spokesman for the American Embassy in Cairo added on the sidelines of the opening of the International Forum and Exhibition for Higher Education and Training “Ideojet”, which witnesses wide participation from Egyptian, Arab and international universities, led by American universities.
And to the text of the dialogue..
What is the current role of the US Embassy in Cairo in enhancing cooperation between the United States and Egypt?
The United States cooperates with Egypt and the Egyptian people to advance economic growth by promoting primary and higher education, protecting cultural heritage as an investment in the thriving tourism industry, and providing high-quality training in English and work and life skills to tens of thousands of Egyptian youth.
In addition, the US Embassy is focusing on strengthening educational institutions, developing teaching methods, focusing on supporting entrepreneurship, and expanding technical learning opportunities for all Egyptians.
How does the American Embassy in Cairo work to develop educational and community programs in Egypt?
The U.S. Embassy in Cairo has a long history of success in implementing educational and community programs in Egypt, in partnership with Egyptian institutions and organizations.
For example, the United States has built more than 2,000 elementary schools in Egypt and trained more than 115,000 elementary school teachers to serve 5 million children, and we have also partnered to create 20 STEM schools that provide advanced skills to students.
At the same time, we have focused on providing high-quality English education that enables Egyptian youth to compete in the global market, with our English programs reaching tens of thousands of students and teachers across Egypt.
The U.S. Embassy in Cairo has also played an active role in preparing Egyptian students for their careers. In fact, we have introduced the concept of career guidance and counseling to students and graduates of public universities.
The United States is also establishing 46 employment centers in 34 public universities that will reach 100% of Egyptian public university students thanks to an investment estimated at $63 million.
Thanks to our unique capabilities, for decades the United States has been there to help Egyptian students, parents and teachers with the basics of primary education and also by providing world-class education at universities throughout Egypt.
As I mentioned…what did the American embassy rely on to provide university education opportunities in the United States?
From major public universities to small liberal arts colleges, to community colleges and technical colleges, there is truly a place for all Egyptian students interested in studying in the United States.
The US Embassy in Cairo is committed to helping Egyptian students find the right educational opportunity for them. The Education USA Center, located at AMIDEAST Egypt, provides accurate, comprehensive, and unbiased information about higher education institutions in the United States.
Education USA provides educational services, holds information sessions about higher education, and provides individual counseling about studying in the United States, and all of these services are free to the Egyptian public.
Furthermore, the US Embassy in Cairo also offers a wide range of exchange and scholarship opportunities for Egyptians interested in pursuing their studies or professional development in the United States. In total, more than 27,000 Egyptians have participated in US government exchange programs, and 450 Egyptians travel to the United States annually in Professional and academic exchange programs facilitated by the U.S. Embassy in Cairo.
Not only do these participants have the opportunity to learn more about U.S. history and their areas of study, but they also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in American culture, increase their understanding of the United States and strengthen the ties between our two countries.
What is the role of the US Embassy in cooperation and partnership between Egyptian and American universities?
The U.S. Embassy is committed to strengthening cooperation and partnership between Egyptian and American universities, as Egypt has a young, highly educated population seeking institutions that provide a forward-looking education that prepares them for the job market of the future.
The U.S. Embassy works to strengthen ties between American and Egyptian universities to enhance the skills and knowledge of Egyptian university graduates that will help them contribute to a larger, stronger, and more diversified Egyptian economy.
What is your view on the role of university forums? How do you see the role of the current “Ideojet” exhibition?
The U.S. Embassy in Cairo is pleased to participate in Educate again this year, and we look forward to meeting thousands of Egyptian students interested in pursuing higher education in the United States and Egypt.
We are also happy to talk about all the resources that the U.S. Embassy in Cairo provides to Egyptian students, over the course of the three days of the expo, where participants will have the opportunity to hear from both U.S. officials and graduates of the U.S. government-sponsored program.
Representatives from the US Embassy’s Public Diplomacy Section, Consular Section, Political Section, USAID, and Education USA will present a variety of programs for Egyptian students and their parents during Educate.
