The number of Filipinos studying in the United States has sustained its growth in three consecutive years, the US Embassy in Manila reported.

Citing an Open Doors survey released this month, the embassy said at least 3,320 Filipino students enrolled in US universities for this year, a 2.9 percent increase from 3,225 in 2018.

“We are delighted to see continued strong growth in educational exchange between the United States and the Philippines, and hope it will continue. Our countries share deep historical and cultural ties, and the Philippines is brimming with talent and opportunity,” US Embassy in the Philippines Cultural Affairs Counselor Matt Keener said.

In reporting the increase, the embassy urged more Filipinos to study in America and to reach out to the EducationUSA, Washington’s official resource for students interested in pursuing higher education opportunities in the US.

“The US higher education system, with its unmatched quality and range of options, is a natural fit for Filipinos seeking an international education and we are ready to welcome the next generation of Filipino leaders,” Keener said.

EducationUSA does not offer scholarships, but it provides free advising services to prospective international students in more than 170 countries and offers student resources and tools to navigate the Five Steps to US Study: researching schools, identifying financing, completing the application, obtaining a student visa, and preparing for departure.

According to the embassy, there are more than 4,500 accredited higher education institutions in the US that Filipinos can choose from. (PNA)