Guyanese students seeking to study in the United States received free guidance on applications, financial aid and visas at the US Embassy's first EducationUSA University Fair in Georgetown on Friday.

The fair, held at the Atlantic Suites Hotel, brought together several American universities and representatives from the embassy's EducationUSA and consular sections, the Board of Industrial Training and Next Step Guyana.

Deputy Chief of Mission John Crippen said the event reflects the embassy's commitment to widening access to American higher education. He urged students to visit the university booths, ask questions and explore programmes suited to their interests, noting that the United States has more than 4,000 colleges and universities offering courses in engineering, medicine, technology, economics and the arts.

Crippen pointed to Guyanese who have benefited from an American education, among them Dr Vidia Surendra Roopchand, who contributed to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine research team, and athlete Arinze Chance, a University of South Carolina graduate who returned home to establish a sports development organisation.

Their experiences, he said, show what students can bring back to Guyana, whose growing economy requires highly skilled professionals.

"Guyana is at a remarkable moment in its history. The energy sector is booming. New industries are emerging. The demand for skilled professionals in every field has never been higher. Guyana needs people who are trained at the highest levels, who have global networks and who come home ready to lead," he said.

Crippen added that a US education goes beyond academic qualifications, giving students international networks, critical-thinking skills and exposure to innovation that can benefit the country on their return.

For students ready to take the next step, the embassy advised starting at the EducationUSA booth, where advisers explained how to choose institutions and understand the application process. The consular section was also on hand to outline student visa requirements.

"The guidance is free, accurate, and up to date, and it is the most reliable way to navigate applications, financial aid, and the student visa process," Crippen said.
The fair also included information sessions on life on American university campuses and the appropriate use of artificial intelligence in college admissions.