By Mohammad Al-Badah
KUWAIT, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- The US commends the Kuwaiti government for its efforts in increasing the number of Kuwaitis studying in the US, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Evan Ryan said on Tuesday.
"I would like to commend the government of Kuwait, they have a very strong scholarship program, where many Kuwaiti students are studying in the United States," Ryan said at a press conference.
"I met with officials from the ministry of Higher education this morning, and I know the United States is the number one destination to Kuwaiti students," Ryan said, adding that she would like to further increase the number of students coming to US.
In response to a question on the importance of student exchange programs, Ryan said the benefits are tremendous in terms of education and culture experience, noting that "building bridges keeps us all connected." Prior to the conference, Ryan also visited the English Access Microscholarship Program classroom, including local sites related to cultural heritage and art education, and met with exchange program participants and alumni, including those focusing on disability advocacy and youth entrepreneurship and employment.
The US official also talked about how she was proud of the English Access Microscholarship Program which provides a foundation of English language and leadership skills. The program is offered to 13-15 years old students through afterschool classes and intensive summer learning activities.
In response to another question on her views on earlier meeting with exchanged alumni in Kuwait, Ryan said "it was great to hear there was a variety of programs people has participated in, (and) how when they returned share what they learned.
"We had a great suggestion when listening to alumni speaks, to have them scheduled as speakers listed in Kuwait University to talk about so many things to share from their past.
"One of the main points in discussion was on entrepreneurship and how entrepreneurship programs could help people here in Kuwait to help start their business, since as I learned is a new (entrepreneurship) sector here." Other Youth programs offered to students are Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study program (YES), Between the Lines Arabic, International Writers Program, EducationalUSA, MEPI Students Leaders Program, MEPI Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF), and LDF Arab Program.
In 2013, Ryan assumed her position as Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), overseeing a wide range of academic, cultural, private sector, professional, youth, and sports exchange programs to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries and promote peaceful relations.
ECA programs engage youth, students, educators, artists, and emerging leaders in more than 160 countries and the US.
ECA has had over one million program participants to date, including more than 50 Nobel Laureates and over 350 current and former heads of state and government.
In 2009 Ryan served in the White House as Assistant to the Vice President and Special Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement.
Ryan served on the Board of Directors of Peace Players International from 2003 to 2008, she was also a term member of the council on Foreign Relations from 2008 to 2013. (end) mb