OSEAS World
O S E A S * E U R O P E
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OSEAS-World!

Minutes recorded by:

Chair: John D. Hopkins, University of Tampere, Finland

The speakers were all advisers on continents other than Europe. They were each asked to describe themselves and the places they came from, to talk about the differences between their region and Europe and the ways in which these differences may be bridged by adviser mentoring, networking and integration.

Remarks by Rosemarie Arens; Education Adviser, REAC S. America, Fulbright Commission, Lima, Peru

Rosemarie provides support in S. America and has 10 countries under her umbrella. The economic situation in these countries compels students to consider graduate study abroad and Rosemarie receives 2000 requests for advice each year. Between 23,000 and 25 ,000 students are studying the following subjects in the U. S. - Business Administration, English, Technology, Law, Medicine and Environmental Studies. The last subject is greatly concerned with the Amazon jungle.

There is a trend towards short-term professional programs. Her center does not charge for in depth consultations or other services.

Similarities:

Concern for future funding for E.A. Centers

Very interested in technology and its application to E.A. (all EAs are on e-mail - this was not so in Oct.1994)

Bridging: Through technology and conferences where possible
OSEAS ---- Europe ----- South America
Remarks by Carole Cummings, Educational Adviser, Instituto Chileno Norteamericano, Santiago, Chile

The population of Chile is 12,000,000, Santiago 6,000,000. Students wish to study Business Administration and Law.

Offices are organized on a regional basis i.e. decentralized. Bi-national centers are funded by U.S. and S. America, which is typical of S. American exchanges.

Educational priorities in Chile determine the types of projects e.g. USAID teacher programs for training and teaching improvements.

Educational Advising is expanding and becoming modernized. E.g. all EA centers have electronic advising.

The aim is to increase the volume of students studying in the U.S. The speaker stated that it was very important to know your own country, that initiatives can result in funding from various sources and that she carried out a survey of student needs in wh ich she asked "Why don t you want to go?" Her aim is to create a model needs analysis suitable for S. America.

Bridging: Being able to brainstorm.

Remarks by: H. Hanif, AMINEF Educational Advising, Assistant, Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta has a busy EA Center. In 1994 9,000 students went to the U.S.A. His EA Center differs from others because it charges students 18 to become a life-time member. Organizes orientations. Non-members are charged.

Bridging - no comment

Remarks by: Dalia Khalil, Program Specialist, AMIDEAST, Cairo, Egypt

AMIDEAST is a non-profit organization established in 1954 in Cairo. it therefore has 44 years of Educational Advising experience. Her organization is unusual because it is private and authorized by the Ministry of Education

- Not only involved in advising but also in testing and training
- AMIDEAST covers North Africa and the Middle East

Has a 2 way-info system, is able to provide the following services:



Remarks by: Roberta Paola, Educational Adviser, USIS EAC, Durban, South Africa

- Situation is very difficult
- Office run with part-time staff e.g. 4 offices in South Africa. are each staffed for
12 - 16 hr./week only
- Small-scale activities

Bridging - Very few offices are on e-mail so networking is limited

Remarks by: Marti Thomson, Director MACEE Fulbright Commission, REAC/E. Asia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

- Pacific is a progressive area. Students from East Asia and the Pacific comprise 52 percent of the students in the U.S.

- In the 21 countries involved (India is not included) there are 34 EA Centers

Similarities: Situation similar to that in Europe. But in the future Mongolia, Laos, Vietnam will need everything.

Differences: Students pay for advising sessions

Bridging: Information packet goes directly by e-mail to offices in the area. Also to S. Felix in the Netherlands for information.

New events
- Showing of videos
- Organization of summer camps
- Re-entry orientation (planned)
- Outreach-universities (medical)

Marti asked the question, "Whom do we serve?" and gave the following answers:
- 80 graduates
- 10 undergraduates
- 6 high school students
- 4 others

and, "What s new?"

- Newsletter for U.S. returnees: "Brains Beyond Borders."
- HBCU s specific library

Differences
- Size and nature
- Private, American, non-profit
- easy access to HQ (they answer all our questions!)
- Activities include advising, training, legal training, development unit

Staff: 40 are advising

Library: 650 directories, 600 catalogues

Cultural: students are reluctant to read and research: The Egyptian approach Differences: Is to go to work not to study

Bridging: Gopher for REACs - share workload

Similarities:
- Training, Regional conferences and subregional workshops
- Exchange of Advisers
- New advisors/mentoring
- Visits to old advisers
- Seeking sponsorship (AT + T scholarship program)
- Support for pre-departure material
- Space at exhibitions, College Fairs, paid for by corporations, some advertising and
exposure as benefactors


Questions and comments

Prof. Riedinger assisted in the improved technical situation in South America (Brazil)

How are Asia offices funded?
They receive US funding. Volunteers are essential.

How do U.S. university visitors organize visits?
- As EAs and P.Rs they charge a fee.
- In S. Africa the contract center comes free.
- Other visits are arranged
- In S. America visits are arranged in advance. Will assist if given notice through
NAFSA recruitment stall.

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