Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASMARA142
2009-04-30 13:08:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
POST'S PD EFFORTS HELP ERITREAN STUDENTS STUDY IN
how-toR 301308Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0276
UNCLAS ASMARA 000142
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/PD,AF/E
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
GEORGIANNA PLATT FOR USAID
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SOCI PREL KPAO ER
SUBJECT: POST'S PD EFFORTS HELP ERITREAN STUDENTS STUDY IN
THE U.S.
UNCLAS ASMARA 000142
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/PD,AF/E
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
GEORGIANNA PLATT FOR USAID
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SOCI PREL KPAO ER
SUBJECT: POST'S PD EFFORTS HELP ERITREAN STUDENTS STUDY IN
THE U.S.
1. (U) SUMMARY: Despite poor bilateral relations and
Eritrea's fledgling education system, Post's PD efforts
regularly assist hundreds of Eritreans interested in
educational opportunities in the United States. Post
operates an educational advising system that provides
students with materials on U.S. universities, assists with
standardized testing such as the TOEFL and SAT, and provides
information on scholarships and other funding opportunities.
End Summary.
2. (U) In 2006, the University of Asmara disbanded and broke
off into "separate colleges." Unfortunately, disorganization
and unqualified teachers plague the Eritrean tertiary
education system. Additionally, the Fulbright and
international exchange programs were terminated as a result
of the condition of the colleges and the deteriorating
bilateral relationship with the United States. These
deficits have left many motivated students without
educational opportunities that would provide them an ability
to compete in the global economy.
3. (SBU) Eritrean students that would like to continue their
education in the United States suffer significant challenges.
Embassy Asmara has not provided visa services since February
2007. Currently, Eritrean exit visas are not typically
granted to women under the age of 46 and men under the age of
54. In addition, all Eritrean youth must perform compulsory
military service that may last indefinitely.
4. (U) Despite these challenges, Embassy Asmara's Public
Diplomacy educational advising continues to provide access to
educational opportunities by providing instruction and
materials for colleges, universities, and scholarships to
hundreds of high school students. Public Diplomacy staff
also meet with interested undergraduate and graduate students
twice per week. From April 2008-March 2009, a total of 2,547
interested students met with Public Diplomacy staff to
discuss educational opportunities. In addition, the GRE,
TOEFL, and SAT are offered multiple times per year at an
approved testing site in Asmara. PD's educational advising
program provides preparation material for each of these tests
and assistance with registering for the exams.
5. (U) Post's efforts directly contributed to the 163
Eritrean students studying at American universities and
colleges, a number which puts Eritrea in the top 50% in the
region for international students.
MCMULLEN
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/PD,AF/E
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
GEORGIANNA PLATT FOR USAID
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SOCI PREL KPAO ER
SUBJECT: POST'S PD EFFORTS HELP ERITREAN STUDENTS STUDY IN
THE U.S.
1. (U) SUMMARY: Despite poor bilateral relations and
Eritrea's fledgling education system, Post's PD efforts
regularly assist hundreds of Eritreans interested in
educational opportunities in the United States. Post
operates an educational advising system that provides
students with materials on U.S. universities, assists with
standardized testing such as the TOEFL and SAT, and provides
information on scholarships and other funding opportunities.
End Summary.
2. (U) In 2006, the University of Asmara disbanded and broke
off into "separate colleges." Unfortunately, disorganization
and unqualified teachers plague the Eritrean tertiary
education system. Additionally, the Fulbright and
international exchange programs were terminated as a result
of the condition of the colleges and the deteriorating
bilateral relationship with the United States. These
deficits have left many motivated students without
educational opportunities that would provide them an ability
to compete in the global economy.
3. (SBU) Eritrean students that would like to continue their
education in the United States suffer significant challenges.
Embassy Asmara has not provided visa services since February
2007. Currently, Eritrean exit visas are not typically
granted to women under the age of 46 and men under the age of
54. In addition, all Eritrean youth must perform compulsory
military service that may last indefinitely.
4. (U) Despite these challenges, Embassy Asmara's Public
Diplomacy educational advising continues to provide access to
educational opportunities by providing instruction and
materials for colleges, universities, and scholarships to
hundreds of high school students. Public Diplomacy staff
also meet with interested undergraduate and graduate students
twice per week. From April 2008-March 2009, a total of 2,547
interested students met with Public Diplomacy staff to
discuss educational opportunities. In addition, the GRE,
TOEFL, and SAT are offered multiple times per year at an
approved testing site in Asmara. PD's educational advising
program provides preparation material for each of these tests
and assistance with registering for the exams.
5. (U) Post's efforts directly contributed to the 163
Eritrean students studying at American universities and
colleges, a number which puts Eritrea in the top 50% in the
region for international students.
MCMULLEN