The United States is seeing great interest among Filipinos to study in the US as its one-day education fair on Wednesday attracts more than a thousand students and parents on the first hour alone.

In the 9th iteration of the EducationUSA University Fair in Makati, more than 2,500 registered for face-to-face consultations with the representatives of 43 participating US colleges and universities.

“The University Fair is a great opportunity for students to learn about the wide variety educational opportunities across all 50 US states, whether it’s community college and undergraduate degree at a four-year university, small private school or a large state school, graduate studies— there’s something for everyone at the US,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson said in an interview on the sidelines.

Carlson said this year’s fair is also the largest in terms of participating US higher education institutions and reflects how the US is “raising the bar” of its already strong education collaboration with the Philippines.

According to the annual Open Doors Report, the number of Filipino students in the United States rose past pre-pandemic levels in 2023 to nearly 4,000 students, with New York, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Montana as the top destinations.

In the coming years, Carlson said the US government wants to see this total “rise much higher”.

During the fair, representatives of the participating US higher education institutions provided students and parents information on admissions procedures, academic programs, student life, and scholarship opportunities within the US education system.

US Embassy consular officers were also present to offer guidance on the student visa application process.

Carlson, meanwhile, told parents that it is ideal to start exploring options for their children early so they can prepare them should they choose to study in the US in the future.

“It’s a process. So, it’s good to start early,” she said. “If you’re not here today, next year, when we offer this, bring your 15-year-old, your 16-year-old, get them thinking because when you plant that seed, that gives them time to make sure that they keep up the good grades.” (PNA)