Linden Tour Report: Middle East Fall 2014
Overview
The Fall 2014 Linden Tour to the Middle East was a 16-day tour, from October 11 – 27, 2014, to six major cities:
Amman, Jordan, Kuwait City, Kuwait, Muscat, Oman, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Doha, Qatar
with an optional seventh stop in Manama, Bahrain. The tour was planned to place representatives from U.S. colleges
and universities in direct contact with students and parents, high school counselors, and advisers in those locations.
The group was comprised of 20 tour members and two additional universities participating in the fairs. Our group
included public and private universities as well as institutions specializing in aeronautical engineering, business and
the arts. During the tour, we saw over 3,000 students and met with more than 75 educational professionals.
Our fairs were well-attended and the fairs in Kuwait and Doha had the largest turnouts with a good mix of
undergraduate and graduate candidates at these events. With regard to the fields of study sought, engineering and
business continue to be the most popular career choices followed by computer science, but there was more also
interest in biology and biomedical science as well as design and the social sciences. We also had the honor of
having many of our events officially opened by members of the US embassy and, at the Kuwait fair, we were
especially proud to have Ambassador Douglas Silliman cut the ribbon and welcome the students.
The fair in Muscat, Oman was affected by a last minute decision made by the Ministry of Commerce, not to issue
Linden the University Fair permit. Linden decided to hold an educational seminar and reception and promoted the
event as such. The event consisted of a series of presentations on fields of study in areas such as STEM, Business,
Engineering, Arts and Communication, OPT/ CPT followed by a reception. During the latter part of the program the
university representatives spoke to the candidates and their parents in informal conversation pits about their
universities. This format was well received by all who attended producing opportunities for longer more in-depth
dialogues between candidates and university officials.
It is important to mention that the event in Doha was a joint program offered in conjunction with USEG and that this
fair, held at the Diplomatic Club, was promoted extensively in this city as a mega fair with over 50 US universities
offering US study opportunities to interested students. The event was very well received by the local Qatari and expat
communities and 450 students plus their families attended to meet the universities and inquire about studying in the
USA.
Linden held the Third Educational Forum in the Middle East, this year in Abu Dhabi, UAD. We hosted the
professional development and networking event with secondary counselors attending from Morocco and Saudi
Arabia. In addition to those guests, 12 high school counselors from leading international schools and other
educational entities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai joined us for the workshop along with the EducationUSA advisers from
both cities. Among the program’s highlights were the following points: a discussion on how social media affects
college admission, a reverse fair, cross cultural dialogues to review in small groups and a panel presentation on
majors and career opportunities. One of the key themes presented throughout the day at the Forum was networking,
and we are looking forward to continuing our conversations with all the counselors we met during this very
productive, fun day.
This tour offered several cultural activities. The opportunity to spend some time visiting the city sites is an important
part of the Linden Tour. One cultural opportunity came in Muscat when some of the group spent the morning on an
Island Excursion, watching dolphins, viewing corals and snorkeling. In Abu Dhabi, another group visited Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque. This white marble mosque is especially majestic at sunset when its facade turns bluish grey
in the moonlight. As always, opportunities for crafts shopping and bargaining were available.
Student Market
Middle East: The countries in the Middle East represent a solid market for international student recruitment.
According to IIE’s Open Doors 2013 data, there were 71,170 students from the Middle East studying in the USA. This
is a 26% increase from the previous year.
The academic level breakdown is as follows:
44%
undergraduate
33%
graduate students
20%
non degree
3%
OPT
Students from the Middle East are often sponsored to study abroad by government supported scholarship programs.
It is important for the US Universities recruiting in this region to understand the processes involved in each country
and seek approval to get on the list of endorsed institutions.
Amman, Jordan: According to Open Doors, the number of students from Jordan studying in the USA increased by
more than 2.3% in the 2012-13 academic year, to 2,109. Currently, 52% are studying at the graduate level, 32% are
studying at the undergraduate and 16% are pursuing other (ESL/OPT).
Kuwait City, Kuwait: According to Open Doors, the number of students from Kuwait studying in the USA increased
by more than 37% in the 2012-13 academic year, to 5,115. Currently, 60% are studying at the undergraduate level,
and 40% are studying at the graduate level/other (ESL/OPT).
Approximately 75% of the 8,000 Kuwaiti students are offered scholarships from the Kuwaiti Government to attend
colleges and universities in the USA. A new head of the MOHE was named in January 2014 and this is expected to
impact the programs: the list of approved institutions may be revised again and more art programs will be
incorporated over the next two years. The Kuwaiti government is also willing to fund up to one year of English
Language study in case students do not meet the language admission requirements of the university. However, the
college/university and the program that the student applies to must be on the approved list of the Kuwait Culture
Office in Washington, DC. www.kuwaitculture.com
Oman: According to Open Doors, the number of students from Oman increased by 82.2% in the 2012/13 academic
year to 980. Currently, 45 % are studying at the undergraduate level, and 46% are studying at the graduate
level/other (ESL/OPT).
The Ministry of Higher Education has a list of preselected Institutions. The universities for the Thousand
Scholarships for Post-Graduate studies are listed at http://eservices.mohe.gov.om/Student/Makroma.aspx
Abu Dhabi/ Dubai, UAE: According to Open Doors, the number of students from UAE studying in the USA
increased by 7.6% in the 2012-13 academic year, to 2,256. Currently, 75% are studying at the undergraduate level,
and 25% are studying at the graduate level/other (ESL/OPT).
The Ministry of Higher Education provides lists of the recommended higher education institutions abroad. The
MOHESR website provides information about the application conditions, required documents, approved countries
and areas of specialization for all scholarships that they support. Visit
http://www.mohesr.gov.ae/En/ServicesIndex/Scholarship/Pages/Sepecializations.aspx
Doha, Qatar: According to Open Doors, the number of students from Qatar increased by 1.5% in the 2012/13
academic year to 994. Currently, 78 % are studying at the undergraduate level, and 22% are studying at the graduate
level/other (ESL/OPT).
The Higher Education Institutes’s (HEI) scholarship office is responsible for administering scholarship programs
which enable students to be supported in under-graduate and post-graduate studies at the best higher education
institutions in Qatar and around the world. This office is also responsible for following up on scholarship recipients’
financial and administrative affairs, and monitoring their academic progress by communicating with their respective
universities, guardians and students themselves via e-mails, phone calls, letters or visits.
The Supreme Education Council Announces The New universities list (2014-2016)
The HEI has announced a list of the best universities and colleges from around the world. The list, which is updated
every two years selects the best universities for scholarship recipients based on international ranking criteria.
The scholarship office administers scholarship programs based on the following geographic distribution:
1.
Qatar
2.
Arab region and Australia
3.
United Kingdom & Europe
4.
United States & Canada
http://www.english.education.gov.qa/section/sec/hei/sco
Visit the scholarship portal for more details: http://scholarship.sec.gov.qa/
Manama, Bahrain: According to Open Doors, the number of students from Bahrain studying in the USA increased
by more than 4.8% in the 2012-13 academic year, to 459. Currently, 72% are studying at the undergraduate level,
and 28% are studying at the graduate level/other (ESL/OPT).
The Crown Prince's International Scholarship Program (CPISP) was established in 1999 and the program awards 10
fully funded scholarships each year. The brightest secondary school graduates have been selected on merit to
receive this scholarship. The selection criteria include SAT and IELTS scores, Grade Point Average (GPA), and
results of training programs organized by the CPISP. Over the years the program has grown to also provide
scholarships to Masters and Ph.D candidates. All students choose their own accredited university as well as their
desired field of study. For more details visit: http://www.cpisp.bh/Default.aspx
Competition from other countries, including, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and other Arab countries is keen
therefore it is important for US universities to visit annually, participate in major recruiting events, be included on the
approved scholarship lists and establish good working relationships with the scholarship authorities.
Tour Review
Based on the written evaluations, the tour members would like us to:
 Incorporate more parents events during HS visits, ie: funding presentations
 Include as many multi-school college fairs as possible, these programs are extremely valuable in
maximizing time and seeing students, parents and counselors
 Include more presentations during school visits, ie: How to select a US university, How to prepare a winning
application, how to write a college essay, especially at first time visits or when younger students are
included
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Prepare presentation on studying Medicine and Law in the USA
Prepare a handout or presentation comparing different HS curriculum and how US universities view them
Provide opportunities for universities to meet with Ministry of Education Scholarship department heads to
discuss “ getting on the lists”
Consider the following cities for Fall 2015 tour:
Kuwait, Muscat (school visits only) Dubai, Doha, Manama
Other city options: Sharjah, Amman
What tour member’s liked about this trip: Thoughts from for the tour evaluations:
“Visits were strong, great to have other schools join us. I think adding presentation format at some of the
schools worked well! Overall very I am pleased with this tour. ”
“ All the cities were worthwhile and the quality of connections I made was great. The visits and fairs continue
to be compelling. I thought everything went very smoothly, well done!”
“The Forum is a very valuable event on this tour, I appreciated having the chance to meet counselors from
not only the UAE but also the scholarship entities and Morocco and Saudi Arabia. This day is a real plus.”
Appreciation
First of all, I want to thank the tour members. You were thoughtful, cooperative and overall professional. You
combined interest, knowledge, and fun in this tour throughout the Middle East and I want to thank you for an
extraordinary trip.
I also want to thank our colleagues in this region. We relied on them for help with advertising, registration and
promotion of U.S. education before, during and after our tour. I particularly want thank our friends and colleagues at
the AMIDEAST and EducationUSA offices in the region as well as other centers that assisted us; their support and
help were instrumental to the success of the tour. Again, thanks to all the teams for your competent and enthusiastic
work for Linden.
I also want to thank the members of the US Embassy who joined us at the fairs, spending their time with students
and sharing important information about the US study opportunities with them adds a great deal to the events.
I want to thank everyone at Linden: Liz Theal for her work in handling countless logistic issues and making certain
that gifts and boxes were handled with efficiency for us all and Leah Baines for the PR efforts, her hard work in
getting all the publications and social media out in a timely and efficient matter.
Lastly, thank you Kathy Harrington, for being the “best tour assistant” any tour leader could ask for! Her amazing
organizational skills, steady manner in the face of constant surprises and travel expertise guaranteed this tour to be a
success. I am honored to have shared this tour with her.
The Middle East is a land of warm friendly people, extraordinary sights, and enchanting places to discover. We are
privileged to be able to visit it.
Respectfully submitted,
JoBeth Brudner
November 2014
Amman, Jordan
October 11-13, 2014
11 universities
Linden US University Fair
School Visits
Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel
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International Academy Amman
Mashrek International School
Amman Baccalaureate School
American Community School
Total Students seen in Amman
88
50
45
70
100
353
Other Activities
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Newcomers Meeting
Intro Meeting
King’s Academy- Counselor meeting with Ms. Sonya Bahn
*Registered students – the vast majority of undergraduates attend the Fairs with their parents and siblings and often
graduate-level students bring at least one family member, so the total number of participants in the ballroom is much
greater than the number registered.
Attendance at the Fall 2014 Fair*
Of the 88 registered students at the fair, we learned the following:
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Gender: 65% were male, 35% female
Degree sought: 42% want undergraduate study, 46% master’s degrees and 12% PhDs
Field of Study: 24% want a degree in engineering, 24% in business management and marketing, 8% in computer
science, 5% in biology and biomedical science, and 7% in design
TOEFL Score: The average TOEFL score of those who had taken the exam was 485
Intended year of entry: 65% plan to begin their studies in 2015, 17% in 2016
Citizenship: the predominant citizenships in this event was: Jordanian: 60%, Kuwaiti: 7% , Indian: 6%
 * Any data discrepancy is due to non-disclosure on behalf of the attendees
Amman Highlights
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Meeting up with old friends and starting new friendships as the tour got underway
First time visit to International Academy Amman, the students and administration were excited to host the
Linden tour.
Warm welcomes at Mashrek, Amman Baccauleaurate School ( Kay was a gracious host as always and over
fed us) and Amman Community School. These students are all well prepared so conversations about their
career choices and study options are very focused.
Good meeting with Kings Academy’s new counselor, Sonja Bahn, learning about what is happening on their
campus and sharing university highlight. Looking forward to visiting the school next time the tour in in
Amman.
Quality of students and parents and excellent questions at the public university fair, strong presence of
undergraduate candidates.
Kuwait City
October 13-15, 2014
14 universities
Linden US University Fair
School Visits
Marina Hotel
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British School of Kuwait
Kuwait English School
Al Bayan Billingual School
American School Kuwait
American Creativity Academy (Girls)
American Creativity Academy (Boys)
Universal American School
American International School Kuwait
Total Students seen in Kuwait City
185
20
100
25
40
55
25
22
15
487
Other Activities
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AMIDEAST Country Briefing, Rola Fadalla, Placement Coordinator
Education USA Meeting with Maya Maki, adviser
Welcome dinner at Café Blanc
Attendance at the Fall 2014 Fair
Of the 185 registered students at the fair, we learned the following*:
 Gender: 66% were male, 34% female
 Degree sought: 71% want undergraduate study, 22% master’s degrees and 4% PhD’s.
 Field of Study: 29% want a degree in engineering, 24% in business management and marketing, 11% in biology
and biomedical science, and 5% in architecture and urban planning , 5% in design and 5% in law
 TOEFL Score: The average TOEFL score of those who had taken the exam was 503
 Intended year of entry: 13% plan to begin their studies in 67% in 2015 and 18% in 2016
 Citizenship: the predominant citizenships represented in this event were: Kuwaiti: 36%, Egyptian:21%, Indian:
8%,
Kuwait Highlights
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The country briefing offered by AMIDEAST, which covered country information, important educational data
and the scholarship program. Meeting with EdUSA and learning about their robust outreach program.
The official ribbon cutting ceremony to start the university fair with the presence of Ambassador Douglas A.
Silliman and his wife.
Warm welcome at the International Schools where students had good questions and solid conversations
with the university representatives. Special thanks for the counselors at these visits for making the group
feel very welcome.
Visit to Universal American School was truly meaningful for the Linden Group because of their new high
school counselor Mrs. Ingrid Al Sattam ( former Linden employee.) We could not be more delighted.
Great number of students and parents and focused conversations at the public university fair, strong
presence of undergraduate candidates.
Welcome dinner hot and cold mezze and a traditional grill, a perfect way to start the tour.
Muscat, Oman
October 15-17, 2014
13 universities
Linden US University Fair
School Visits
Grand Hyatt Muscat
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The Sultan’s School
American British Academy
The American International School of Muscat
The International School of Choueifat
Knowledge Gate International School
Total Students seen In Muscat
75
55
180
70
30
35
445
Other Activities
•
•
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Country Briefing, EducationUSA Adviser, Laila Kabbash
Cultural Excursion: Dolphin Watch, Island Excursion
Due to a policy by the Ministry of Commerce in Oman, the Linden event was not granted its permit to hold
the US University fair. In lieu of this situation, we were allowed to hold an educational seminar/reception.
This dramatically affected the turnout of our program.
Attendance at the Fall 2014 Seminar/Reception
Of the 75 registered students at the fair, we learned the following:
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Gender: 61% were male, 39% female
Degree sought: 40% want undergraduate study, 45% master’s degrees and 5% PhDs.
Field of Study: 29% want a degree in engineering, 26% in business management and marketing and 11% in
computer science/ information technology
TOEFL Score: The average TOEFL score of those who had taken the exam was 530
Intended year of entry: 51% plan to begin their studies in 2015, 26% in 2016
Citizenship: the citizenships represented in this event were: Indian: 50%, Omani: 29%,
Muscat Highlights
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The Sultan’s School, American British Academy, International School Choueifat, where students engaged in
well informed conversations with the university representatives.
First US college fair to ever be held on the campus of the Knowledge Gate International School, The
students and administration were excited and engaging. We had a good first encounter with them and look
forward to future programs.
Great session at TAISM followed by a fabulous Indian luncheon, counseling team outdid themselves.
Briefing by Laila Kabbash, EducationUSA Adviser, AMIDEAST, update on the scholarship program.
Educational seminar/ reception. The program consisted of a series of field of study presentations on majors
including: STEM, Engineering, Business and Communication and the Arts as well as OPT/ CPT. These
were followed by a reception in which the university representatives spoke to students and parents
informally in intimate conversation groupings while enjoying an evening tea. The session received high
praises from the public that attended.
The cultural event of dolphin watching, snorkeling and island excursion provided a magical day of activities
for those who went.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
October 17 - 20, 2014
18 universities
Linden US University Fair
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School Visits
40
25
60
20
25
The American International School Of Abu Dhabi
The American Community School Of Abu Dhabi
Horizons Private School
Raha International School
The British School Al Khubairat
Total Students seen in Abu Dhabi
170
Other Activities
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Cultural Activity: Visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Third Educational Forum in the Middle East- 12 High School counselors and members of Educational
Community participated
Attendance at the Fall 2014 Fair - No Fair was held in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Highlights
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College fair at the American Community School Abu Dhabi - the students were well prepared and the entire
counseling team made the group feel right at home. The delicious falafels and cookies were an added treat.
Recipe for Congo Bars will be sent to all!
First Linden college fair at Horizon Private School, students and staff were very interested in the opportunity
to host US universities on their campus and were well prepared and asked great questions.
Warm welcome at The International School Abu Dhabi, Raha International and The British School Al
Khubairat where students had well informed conversations with the university representatives.
The Third Educational Forum in the Middle East was an excellent workshop in which to work on professional
development, discuss hot topics, share ideas and network with 10 local members of the educational
community and two guests that were flown in, one from Morocco and one from Jeddah. Wonderful contacts
were made.
o
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One key topic of the Forum was “How is Social Media reshaping College Admission?” and in order to make
this relevant to the region, Linden conducted a survey with 125 students in the Middle East ( Kuwait, Oman,
UAE) asking them the following four questions:
The finding in percentages are indicated in each question in Red. It is our hope that this information is useful
when deciding what social media is most effective when working with Middle Eastern students.
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How is Social Media reshaping College Admission?
Student Survey- Please indicate yes or no.
1)
Do you use any of the following social media applications?
Facebook __80%___
Twitter __58%___
Instagram _ 73%____
Youtube (postings) ___26%__
Other ____14%_____
2)
Do you think that there is anything in your social media accounts that could positively/
negatively affect your chances of admission?
Positively 9%; Negatively 27%, Does not affect either way 64%
3)
Have you ever sent a friends request to an admission’s officer at a university you are applying
to on Facebook or Myspace?
Yes 27 % No 73%
4)
When researching a university, do you visit its Facebook page? Yes / No
Yes 24% No 76%
a. What details would you like to see posted? Please elaborate. The points that were
most often mentioned were the following:
Information about life on campus. Details about career services, Data about
international students on campus.
Dubai, UAE
October 20 -22, 2014
21 universities
Linden US University Fair
School Visits
Shangri- La Hotel –
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Repton Academy
American School of Dubai
Universal American School
Deira International School
Dubai American Academy
Bradenton Academy
Gems World School
International School of Choueifat- Dubai
Indian School
Dubia International Academy
Total Students seen in Dubai
110
220
18
25
15
30
20
30
180
75
25
748
Attendance at the Fall 2014 Fair
Of the 110 registered students at the fair, we learned the following:
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Gender: 55% were male, 45% female
Degree sought: 50% want undergraduate study, 45% master’s degrees and 5% PhD’s.
Field of Study: 17% want a degree in engineering, 24% in business management and marketing, 8% in biology
and biomedical science, 9% in computer science and 6% in design
TOEFL Score: The average TOEFL score of those who had taken the exam was 383
Intended year of entry: 53% plan to begin their studies in 2015, 26% in 2016
Citizenship: the predominant citizenships represented in this event were: Indian:52%, Emirati: 3%
Dubai Highlights
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The enthusiastic students and supportive staff at Repton School. Students were interested in a wide range
of majors and spoke to all the university representatives and asked great questions.
Multi school events at Dubai American Academy and Universal American School made these programs very
productive; including an essay writing presentation at UAS was a great addition and students were
enthusiastic to attend. Thank you Bradenton Academy and Deira International School for traveling over to
these schools to join us!
The organizational skills of the students at the International School of Choueifat- Dubai who coordinate our
college fair there are very impressive. This event is always a well attended, solid program.
The flow of the students in to the event and the variety of interest shown as well as parents attending made
the program at the Indian School, top notch.
Congratulations to Rema Menon, Counselling Point director on celebrating your 10th year, we were happy
to be part of the festivities.
Doha, Qatar
October 22-25, 2014
19 universities
Linden US University Fair
School Visits
Diplomatic Club- joint event with USEG
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American School of Doha
Doha College
Sherborne School Qatar
Qatar Academy
Total Students seen In Doha
450
100
10
25
50
635
Other Activities
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Country Briefing- Nahid Lawson, Educational Adviser, Public Affairs Section, US Embassy; Karen
Bauer, REAC: MENA
Attendance at the Fall 2014 Fair
Of the 450 registered students at the fair, we learned the following*:
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Gender: 68% were male, 32% female
Degree sought: 18% want undergraduate study, 12% master’s degrees and 1% PhDs.
Field of Study: 15% want a degree in engineering, 8% in business management and marketing, 5% in computer
science
TOEFL Score: The average TOEFL score of those who had taken the exam was NA
Intended year of entry: 34% plan to begin their studies in 2015, 17% in 2016
Citizenship: the citizenships represented in this event were: Indian:50%, Qatari:15%
*Note: Part of information usually requested was left off the forms or not specified.
Doha Highlights
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Interested students and great questions, good turnouts at our school visits. Special thanks for the
counselors at these visits for making the group feel very welcome.
Mrs. Nahid Lawson’s briefing which updated us on the scholarship program and having Karen Bauer,
REAC- MENA attend this session.
The joint University Fair with USEG, outstanding event in both terms of quantity and quality of students who
attended. Good variety of interest in majors sought and levels of instruction, it was great to have so many
US universities in one room talking to students seeking US education.
Last full stop on the tour, great city to end in, so many wonderful students seen, outstanding meals shares,
moments to remember. Until the next time.
Manama, Bahrain
October 25-27, 2014
7 universities
Linden US University Fair
Sheraton Bahrain
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School Visits
Bahrain Bayan School
Ibh Kuldoon National School
Bahrain School
Total Students seen in Manama
25
40
120
185
Other Activities
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Briefing by Samar Hasan, EducationUSA Advisor
Cultural Activity: Visit to Tree of Life and Bahrain Fort
Attendance at the Fall 2014 Fair
No fair was held in Manama
Manama Highlights
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Warm welcome at Bahrain Bayan School and Ibn Khuldoon National School where students had good
questions and solid conversations with the university representatives.
College fair at Bahrain High School, where entire high school was given special permission to miss class to
attend this program and spend the afternoon with the Linden tour. The cordiality of the counselors was
most appreciated.
The briefing by Samar Hasan, Educational Adviser Education USA, Manama. This session was filled with
details about student flows and interests as well as the Crown Prince Scholarship Program (KASP) and
recruiting strategies. Extremely informative.
The opportunity to visit the Tree of Life and the Bahrain Fort, although it was in the scorching heat, seeing
some of the desert, this blessed tree and a bit of this country’s history made our visit so much more
worthwhile.