Outline agreement between the American embassy and the Antonine University and Amideast

The Antonine University represents Lebanon and the Higher education sector in a seminar in Texas

The cultural attaché at the American Embassy Mr. Kenneth Jones announced an outline agreement between the Embassy and the Antonine University in cooperation with Amideast USA- Middle East. This agreement aims at preparing proficiency programs in English language and specific seminars that enable students to get English degrees and enroll for American prestigious courses.

Mr. Jones congratulated the Antonine University and conceded Mrs. Cynthia Eid head of the language center at the University, a grant to participate in the seminar at the end of March in the capital Saint Antonio, Texas. 5000 participants will take part from all over the world to discuss the issue of “Teaching Learning – Learning Teaching”

Mr. Jones announcement took place at the University campus during an information meeting held by Amideast representatives about the prospects of higher education in the states and the admissions to American universities. Father Fady Fadel, Secretary General, representing Father Louis Rohban, Rector, as well as the entire administrative and teaching staff attended the meeting.

Mrs. Cynthia Eid, in a brief welcome speech thanked the Embassy for its cooperation, and emphasized the importance of broadening the students’ educational horizons.

Then Mrs. Suzan Daniels, Amideast advisor, detailed the situation in American Universities and encouraged students to access web sites and to check the credibility and the accreditation of the selected universities. She also recommended a thorough investigation of the specificity of programs, and the international recognition of various degrees prior to final decisions. Mrs. Daniels mentioned the facilities and the grants available in many American universities as well as the accommodations.

After a brief account on the differences between private and public universities, Mrs. Daniels defined the mission of Amideast in education and training services and the facilitating role they play in admission procedures. She detailed steps taken by competent experts to help students refine their choices and gather the required documents for registration. An extensive explanation was provided on entrance examinations provided at Amideast headquarters.

Wood

 On the other hand, Mr. Radney Wood the assistant to the “Fullbright program” encouraged the students to apply for this grant supported initially by the American embassy but run by Amideast. “We look forward, he said, to seeing Lebanese students join this program before the limit date for candidature on 15/7/2005”. Target beneficiaries are BS degree students who graduated or who are under way in a field approved by the Lebanese Ministry of higher education”. After a short display of the formalities and requirements of “fullbright program”, Mr. Wood insisted that the program excludes all of medical, dental, pharmacy and engineering students. It is meant to help candidates registered for computer and civil engineering courses provided they meet the requirements.

Jones

 At the end, Mr. Jones congratulated Mrs. Cynthia Eid for the American grant that will enable her to represent the university and Lebanon in the seminar in Saint Antonio- Texas. He then addressed the students and pointed out the importance of honesty and transparency while applying for a visa to the states. He also insisted on the fact that visa formalities fall within the exclusive competence of the American embassy.