• Studying at American universities gives Palestinian students the opportunity to obtain a high-level education and build their skills.
• The higher education system in America focuses primarily on dialogue, critical thinking, and the exchange of different points of view.
• More than 11,000 persons benefitted from nearly 800 programs at the America Houses in Jerusalem, Ramallah and Hebron during the past year.
• There are approximately four thousand accredited higher education institutions in America, which enables students to choose the university that suits them.
• The number of Palestinian students who enrolled in American universities during the last academic year reached 466 male and female students.
• We provide advisory services to Palestinian students regarding studying in the United States through the “Education USA” program.

On the occasion of International Education Week, the America House in Jerusalem hosted an educational fair for school principals, teachers, students, and parents to learn about the Regional English Language Office, provide advice on education in the United States, and explain consular services related to student visas, professional leadership, and higher education exchange programs.

Al-Quds Newspaper met with Carissa Gonzalez, Diplomatic Consul at the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs, to discuss the America House and International Education Week events, and highlight the benefits of studying in the United States and the educational opportunities available. Below is the text of the interview:

Q: Could you please give us a brief about the America House in Jerusalem and the Open Day event?

We are very excited to offer the Education Fair to the general public and specifically to Palestinian youth. There were a variety of activities throughout the week, including an Education Fair last Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., attended by about 100 youths, both males and females, as well as teachers and family members. It provided useful information about educational and study opportunities in the United States, as well as those implemented by the America Houses in Jerusalem and the West Bank.

The event included three main sections:

Educational Opportunities and University Programs: Comprehensive information is provided about university majors in the United States, how to apply, and scholarships offered by the US government.

Consular Section: We provide guidance on the procedures for obtaining a study visa and advice related to it.

Local Programs at the America Houses: We highlighted year-round activities that support Palestinian youth and help prepare them for the job market in many areas, including entrepreneurship, encouraging youth to participate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, developing linguistic and cultural skills in English, and digital media.

More than 11,000 Palestinian youth benefited from nearly 800 programs in the America Houses in Jerusalem, Ramallah and Hebron over the past year.

Q: On the occasion of International Education Week.. What activities did the America House organize during this week?

In celebration of International Education Week, the U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs held in-person and virtual events at the America Houses in Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Hebron. One of our most prominent activities is providing advisory services through the Education USA program, funded by the U.S. government. This program provides Palestinian students with free advice on studying in the United States, including selecting suitable universities, scholarships, and applying for visas.

Program advisors are available year-round to provide advice to students, answer their questions, and help them achieve their academic goals in the USA.

Q: What are the advantages of studying in the United States that make it a distinctive destination for Palestinian students?

This is a very important question. The United States of America continues to invest in Palestinian youth through education, because studying in the United States has many advantages:

Quality of Education: American universities provide high-quality education, which helps students build their academic and personal skills.

Cultural Exchange: Palestinian students studying in America become ambassadors of their culture, and contribute to building strong cultural bridges between the Palestinian and American peoples.

Scientific Research and Innovation: Studying in America provides Palestinians with opportunities to develop critical skills for success in all fields and to meet global challenges. The higher education system in the United States is unparalleled and continues to attract future leaders from around the world, because studying at American universities is different from studying in many countries around the world. The focus is primarily on dialogue and critical thinking. American professors give students the opportunity for dialogue, academic freedom, exchanging different points of view, and presenting new ideas.

American universities also provide advanced laboratories and opportunities for students to conduct scientific research and work together with professors.

Academic Flexibility: The American education system allows students to choose courses that match their interests, creating a personalized and enriching learning experience.

There are approximately four thousand accredited higher education institutions in the United States, enabling students to choose the university that is right for them.

According to the Open Doors report, the number of Palestinian students who enrolled in American universities during the last academic year reached 466 students, reflecting the growing interest in education in the United States.

Q: Any final words? How can those who were unable to attend the events find out more information?

I encourage everyone to follow the activities of the US Office of Palestinian Affairs on social media, where we constantly post information about programs and events.

Our doors are always open to everyone, and we welcome anyone who would like to benefit from our services.