educationUSA STUDENT ADVIsING CENTER ACTIVITIES
The US-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission has a student advising service for students interested in obtaining information on higher studies in the United States. Students can obtain information on University / College admission requirements, selection of institutions of higher education, the application process, standardized exams, availability of financial assistance and other aspects of higher education in the United States. In addition, the Library also has reference material needed to prepare for supplementary tests such as TOEFL/GRE/GMAT/SAT. We recently introduced virtual advising sessions which take place every Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. through Facebook chat. Our link is as follows https://www.facebook.com/fulbrightsrilanka. The Fulbright Commission is open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. except on holidays.
Center Activities
Individual Advising
The student adviser takes individual advising appointments as and when students require them. During this session the student adviser addresses any questions and concerns that students or parents may have regarding higher education in the U.S. Each case is carefully assessed and the students and parents are given honest, accurate and current information together with a plan of action to assist them through the process of applying to universities.
Undergraduate and Graduate Orientations
Free Group Advising Seminars, which cover the above mentioned topics, are also conducted at the US-SLFC on a weekly basis for undergraduates and monthly basis for graduates.
Special Sessions
The Advising Center also conducts special workshops for members of the US-SLFC and non-members. These sessions include: Workshops on Selecting Colleges, Financial Aid Workshops, Tips on writing Essays/Personal Statements, Workshops on writing effective letters of recommendations, etc.
Visa Seminars
Visa seminars are held periodically at the US-SLFC where guest speakers from the Embassy of the United Stated are invited to address students about the visa process here in Sri Lanka.
Pre-Departure Orientation
The Fulbright Commission routinely hosts Pre-Departure orientations for students who are leaving to start their studies in the US for the fall semester. Fulbright staff members, Embassy personnel, professors from local as well as American universities, American and Sri Lankan Fulbright Scholars, returning students and students in the country on vacation, etc. speak on topics varying from ‘Understanding Academic Expectations, Surviving Your First Year in America, How to Manage Your Assistantships and Living and Studying in the U.S.. The students and speakers engage in lively discussions both individually and in small groups. Feedback from students has always been positive.