JEDDAH, 4 November 2003 — The US Consulate General has reopened its education office which was closed before the Iraq War.
Educational Adviser Hana Sami told Arab News yesterday: “We’re here to advise students who are thinking of continuing their studies in the United States or who have shown interest in the country’s educational facilities.”
Asked about the visa rules for students, she said: “Issuing a visa takes time — maybe up to eight weeks. Interested students should therefore apply early with all necessary documentation.”
Hana said she had been pleased with the response from the local community. “We’ve been getting a number of inquiries from local students. They have also been walking in for consultation and have been seeking information and guidance on undergraduate and graduate studies as well as English language programs in the United States. They have also been asking about the test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) and distance learning programs,” she said.
Other services the offices offers include helping students find the right university and enrolling in English language institutes before starting college, boarding schools, and information on the graduate record examination (GRE), the graduate management admission test (GMAT), the scholastic assessment tests (SAT) and others.
Students desirous of a walk-in consultation are advised to enter the consulate from the opposite side of the street from the Palestine Street gate. They must have a photo ID.
