US Ambassador Alina Romanowski

By US Ambassador to Kuwait Alina L Romanowski

To high school seniors in Kuwait: Congratulations! You are about to complete your exams and graduate during the most challenging time for students in many generations. You should be proud of how you persevered through all the adversity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents also deserve our appreciation for supporting their children's education during this very difficult period.

As you embark on the next chapter in your life, I encourage all students to choose a university in the United States. To any parents reading this, please think about allowing your daughters and sons to study in America. Why choose America? The US offers a wide array of quality educational institutions situated in diverse geographic regions across the country. And there's "the American Dream" that you may have heard about through social media, movies, music, or Americans you've met.

I recall with fondness my own experiences at the University of Chicago. Like so many other universities in the United States, Chicago has a vibrant academic and cultural environment with inspiring professors and wide array of international students. There, my mind was opened to so many ways of thinking, of doing - and of dreaming.

For Kuwaiti students who are aware of those benefits but still have doubts, here are three key reasons why you should study in the United States: Safety, ease of application, and a support network that will help you during your time in America and throughout your career.

First, on safety. Currently, over one million international students are studying at US universities and colleges, far more than any other country. University and college campuses across the United States have well-established measures to look after the safety and wellbeing of all students on campus, including international students. For female students, there are many excellent all-female colleges you can consider.

Second, applying to US universities is much simpler than you might think. You can use one application to apply to over 900 US colleges! It's called the Common Application, and at least one college in every state accepts it. Visit commonapp.org and begin filling out your application today!

Even the student visa application process is easier than you think. Once you have been admitted to a US college and receive your enrollment confirmation form (I-20), you can schedule a visa interview at ustraveldocs.com. Students can get an appointment within one week. Kuwaiti student visas are valid for five years, and if you need to renew the visa for any reason, you can do so without another interview. If you have any questions about visas, please email [email protected] and a visa officer will reply to you promptly.

Third, you will have a support network that will help you through the entire process. The US Embassy's Education Adviser can help you pick the school that fits your personality, academic interests, and favorite location- you can email the Adviser at [email protected]. The National Union of Kuwaiti Students can give you advice about where to live and help you get settled in and will continue be a resource throughout your entire time as a student.

Once you arrive on campus, you will have an international student adviser who will help you select courses and maintain your student status under US law. US universities offer special services for international students. And because the United States is home to over 3.5 million Muslims, Muslim students can easily find a university with a Muslim student community and nearby mosques to attend.

After you graduate, you have the option of working on your student visa for 1-3 years at a US company to gain practical work experience and launch your professional career. The connections you will make with talented classmates from around the world and US alumni from your university will benefit you throughout your life.

So, as you think about your next educational options, please contact the US Embassy's Education Adviser for a free consultation. We can help you find the school that fits all your needs! Congratulations again to the class of 2021, and I wish you all the best of luck.