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By Rommel C. Lontayao, Reporter
The United States seeks to
further strengthen ties with the Philippines through educational
exchanges between the two countries.
In a discussion with students
during a forum on Monday at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM),
Goli Ameri, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and
Cultural Affairs, said the American government is offering more
student and faculty exchange programs that will lead to better
cultural understanding between the two countries.
“We are reaching to Filipino
students for them to take part in the various programs that the
United States is currently offering,” Ameri added.
She noted that recently, around
2,000 Filipino scholars were sent to the United States to study in
American universities. Around a thousand American students are in
the Philippines also to study.
“Many educational institutions
in the US are very willing to accept students coming from different
countries to promote further understanding of the various cultures
in the academe,” the US diplomat said.
“America’s doors are open so
that students can come to and study in the United States. There are
many universities there that are thirsty to know your culture,”
she told students during the forum.
Ameri said the American
government also seeks to provide education to poor, talented
students.
She added that the United States
has launched an English-language program for children who normally
would not have access to such opportunity.
“We learned in various
discussions with students from different countries that the youth of
today want to connect with the world and the English language is the
tool of choice for them to be able to have this link. That is why we
are trying our best to provide access to the English language,”
Ameri said.
She also noted that the strong
bond between the Philippines and the United States stems from
decades of friendship and common principles on justice, equality,
democracy and on the importance of education.
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