Exploring Global Opportunities with United States Embassy Roadshow

University of Luzon (UL) officials participated in the U.S. Embassy Roadshow held on December 4, 2024, at the Urdaneta City University, underscoring the institution’s commitment to international education and student development. Prof. Angel S. Reyna Jr., Director for International Relations, and Luis Santiago B. Samson III, Director for Student Affairs, represented UL at the event, which featured discussions on transformative U.S. education programs.

The roadshow was led by Mr. George Mesthos, Deputy Director of Public Engagement at the U.S. Embassy, who introduced key programs such as the Fulbright Scholarship, the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), and EducationUSA. These initiatives aim to foster academic growth, leadership, and cultural exchange between the Philippines and the United States.

Prof. Angel Reyna Jr. expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities these programs present, particularly the Fulbright Scholarship, which offers advanced study and research opportunities in the U.S. “This program paves the way for our faculty and students to engage in meaningful academic collaborations and gain invaluable international exposure,” he said.

Luis Santiago B. Samson III highlighted the YSEALI program’s potential to develop young leaders at UL. “YSEALI equips our students with the leadership skills and global perspectives they need to create positive change, aligning perfectly with UL’s mission to nurture globally competent graduates,” he remarked.

EducationUSA, a U.S. Department of State program that provides resources for studying in the U.S., was also featured prominently. Mr. Mesthos encouraged participants to take advantage of these opportunities, reinforcing the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to supporting Filipino students.

The event marked a significant step in strengthening UL’s internationalization efforts and its alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By leveraging opportunities like the Fulbright Scholarship, which fosters advanced education and research supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education), and the YSEALI program, which develops leadership skills for sustainable community initiatives in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), UL continues to empower its academic community. Additionally, the resources offered by EducationUSA contribute to reducing educational inequalities, directly addressing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). UL’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering global collaboration and preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world while advancing the SDGs.