Linden Tour Report Linden Latin America April 2013 Overview The April 2013 Linden Tour to Latin America, April 7 to 20, was a 13-day tour to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Bogota, Barranquilla, Quito and Panama City. The tour originally included Caracas, Venezuela but due to the fact that we were going to arrive on the day of the presidential elections, we decided to cancel this visit, expressing our concern to our colleagues there and offering our support for a peaceful transition. The tour was planned to position representatives from U.S. colleges and universities in direct contact with Latin American students and parents, high school counselors, advisers and scholarship entities in those locations. Many professional activities were planned including: three university fairs, a special counselor workshop in Brazil, meetings with principal funding organizations, and college fairs as well as multi school fairs. Our group included public and private universities as well as specialty institutions such as an art and design school and an aerospace institute. Over the 13-day period, we saw over 1,950 candidates and met with 55 educational professionals. Our fairs had solid attendance in Bogota and Quito. We were very pleased with the turnout in Bogota, as this was the first time we had an event on a Saturday afternoon. The event was well attended both in quantity and quality and the split of undergraduate to graduate was very satisfying. In Quito, despite a torrential downpour, the students arrived early and we quickly decided to offer concurrent presentations to meet the large turnout. Good diversity was shown in the target fields of study and there was a fairly even divide in undergraduate to graduate degrees sought. The quality of the students in all the fairs, Sao Paulo, Bogota and Quito, was extremely high and the tour members found the candidates to be very knowledgeable about US education, their study goals and career options. It is also worth noting that while electronic registration is a relatively new venture for in this region, over 50% of the candidates registered prior to the events online at the Linden website, making access to the fair quick and streamlined. This procedure is becoming more and more popular with the students at every fair, and they are enjoying the easy access to the fairs. Cultural activities are an important part of the Linden Tour to Latin America and this tour was no exception. Our briefing in Argentina took us on a walking tour of Buenos Aires and our welcome dinner allowed us to enjoy a delicious dinner of outstanding steaks. In Brasilia we had the chance to see the wonderful architectural designs of Oscar Niemeyer and the breathtaking beauty of the Don Bosco Church. Needless to say, the chance to spend a full day exploring Bogota was delightful. From the sights on top of Monserrate, to the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, we learned a lot and had a great time. Of course our night out on the town at Andres Carne de Res left us all in high spirits: it was fun to experience the amazing food and the unusual floor show. It was the perfect way to end the week! Impromptu visits to the Equator and Panama Canal were special treats at the end of the tour for many participants. As always, opportunities for crafts shopping and bargaining were available in each city.

Student Market We continue to see that the US is the desired destination for higher education among Latin American students; this interest is growing as many countries are rolling out government supported scholarship programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. We learned that Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Panama all have robust scholarship programs in place. According to IIE Open Doors 2012, Latin America has experienced a slight decrease of 0.2% in the number of students studying in the United States. During the 2011-2012 academic year, 64,021 Latin American students were studying in the US. Among the leading places of origin for international students in the USA, four countries in the top twenty-five are in Latin America: #9 Mexico, (13,893, with an increase of 1.3% from 2011), #14 Brazil (9,029, up 2.9% from last year), #22 Colombia (6,295, down 2.5%) and #23 Venezuela (6,281 with a 14.4% increase from 2011). The split between those pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees is becoming more evenly divided throughout the region with more interest in undergraduate opportunities in Central America while students in South America, particularly Argentina, and Chile continue to seek graduate studies. In looking at the region, the students’ understanding of the U.S. system of higher education is increasing, as is their ability to engage in more specific dialogue with the university representatives. As far as the fields of study that interest students, business and engineering continued to be the leading areas: however, we noted an increase in the number of students seeking degrees in the health sciences, communication and design. Requests for financial assistance continue to be significant, and several countries in the region are now offering government supported scholarship programs. It is important for the U.S. universities recruiting in this region to understand the processes involved in each country and to seek approval onto the list of endorsed institutions.

BRAZIL Science Without Borders Program http://www.brasil.gov.br/para/press/press-releases/december-2011/brazils-science-without-borders-program/br_model1?set_language=en Objective: The Brazilian Science Without Borders program is a large-scale, nationwide scholarship program that is primarily funded by the Brazilian federal government. The program seeks to strengthen and expand Brazilian education in the areas of science, technology, innovation and competitiveness; by providing opportunities for international studying to undergraduate and graduate students and researchers. The program is a joint effort of the Brazilian Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology, through their respective funding agencies: CAPES and CNPq. Goal: To qualify 100,000 Brazilian students and researchers worldwide through 2014.

Areas of Interest: The program’s areas of interest are primarily the STEM fields (for complete list of specific areas visit website) Scholarship Categories: o Undergraduate Study Abroad o PhD Internships Abroad o Full-Time PhD o Post-doctorate o Professional Education o Senior Fellowships o Visiting Researchers/Scholars How does a university become a host institution? Universities interested in becoming a host institution can receive more information from a local program partner. The partner for the USA is IIE. The university must complete a participation form that enables the partner to identify the schools interested in hosting candidates (completing the form does not oblige an institution to participate/accept candidates). The host school makes the final decision on whether a particular student would be an appropriate fit for the institution. What are the host institution requirements? • Offer strong coursework relevant to the STEM fields. • Accept documentation through the partner, such as Common Application, proficiency tests score reports and transcripts. • Welcome international students by offering exceptional support services, appropriate housing/meal plans and support in securing an internship. How long is the scholarship period? Up to 12 months. It is a one year, non-degree program, and students return to complete their degrees in Brazil when the program ends.

COLOMBIA

COLFUTURO http://www.colfuturo.org/ Objective: COLFUTURO is first and most important sponsor program. Its main objective is to provide Colombian students with more and better study opportunities and enable them to contribute with their experiences of studying abroad to the economic and social development of Colombia.

Selection Criteria: - Have been admitted unconditionally into a high quality graduate program (in any field of knowledge and anywhere in the world).

- Present an international language proficiency examination. - Have an excellent academic record.

Once students have graduated, they must return to Colombia within one year of finishing their programs in order to qualify for a scholarship comprising a 50% waiver of the loan.

Funding information: - Value: Up to US$25,000 - Approved universities: No preselected list applies - Number of awards per year: not specified - Funding applies to: International applicants - Funding duration:Up to 2 years

ECUADOR Senescyt-Becas http://programasbecas.educacionsuperior.gob.ec/ Overview: The program Becas is funded by the Ecuadorian national government via the Senescyt to Ecuadorian citizens with outstanding academic credentials who wish to pursue their undergraduate or graduate degrees abroad. At present, the program is working with a pre-selected list of universities, 175 total but plans are in the making to start to open up this list to any accredited university that applies and meets the program’s strategic area field of study needs. Areas of Interest: The areas of study identified by the government for the scholarship are: Life sciences, Production and innovation, Natural resources, Social Sciences and Art and Culture. At present that only fields definitely not being considered are: MBAs and Law. Funding Information: The program is giving up to 3,500 scholarships and will cover all costs per year, including airfare with the maximum term per degree sought as follows:

- Undergraduate: 7 years - Masters: 2 years - PhD: 4 years - MD with specialization: 8 years

There is no monetary payback required but the recipients of the scholarships are expected to return to Ecuador and work in country on a two for one basis. For each year that they receive funding they are expected to work two; they may work either in the public or private sector.

PANAMA Senesyct- Becas http://www.becas2013.net/catalogo/senescyt-becas-panama/

Overview: The program Becas is funded by the Panamanian national government via the Senescyt to Panamanian citizens with outstanding academic credentials who wish to pursue their undergraduate or graduate degrees abroad. At present, the program works with a pre-selected list of universities, 100 as well as other accredited university that applies and enters into an agreement with the organization. Areas of Interest: The priority areas of study identified by the government for the scholarship are: Engineering, Math, Sciences, Tourism and Hospitality. Funding Information: There is no monetary payback required but the recipients of the scholarships are expected to return to Panama and work in country on a two for one basis. For each year that they receive funding they are expected to work two; they may work either in the public or private sector.

Tour Review Based on the written evaluations and the tour review meeting, the tour members really liked:

• The opportunity to introduce themselves at the start of each school visit and share one highlight about their university’s program and one fun fact;

• The multi-school fairs: these sessions are a great way to maximize our time in each city and see many outstanding students and counselors;

• The sessions with local funding agencies, valuable to know what is available in host countries;

• The quality of the students and well thought out questions they were asking; • At the university fairs the good mix of undergrad to grad and fields of study; • The counselor workshop, topics and networking opportunities; • The group itself, a strong sense of “family” among its members.

For future tours they would like us to:

• Add individual school presentations slots into university fairs; • Include more networking sessions or workshops with counselors; • Work with counselors to arrange for classroom general info and field of study

sessions; • Prepare one page handout on professional fields of study such as medicine, law etc.; • Prepare one page handout on sports scholarships and requirements applicants need

to meet.

Consider the following cities for future Spring tours: Buenos Aires, Curitiba, Sao Paulo, Santa Cruz, Bogota, Barranquilla, Caracas, Quito

Appreciation First of all, I want to thank the tour members. You combined hard work, education and fun in this tour through Latin America. You were easygoing, upbeat and overall professional and I want to thank you for an amazing journey. The attendance at our fairs shows that there are many outstanding students in this region who are seriously considering studying in the U.S. Thanks again for making this trip so extraordinary. I also want to thank our colleagues in Latin America. We relied on them for help with advertising, registration and general promotion of U.S. education before, during, and after our tour. I particularly want thank our friends and colleagues at the EducationUSA offices (BNC’s and Fulbright Offices), U.S. Embassies and all the high school counselors who hosted the tour on their campuses as well as other offices in the region. Their support and help were instrumental to the success of the tour. Finally, I want to thank everyone at Linden: Lauren Olson for her work in making certain that gifts and boxes were handled with capability for us all and Jody Stein for the PR efforts to get all the publications and social media out in a well-timed and efficient matter. A very special thank you to Donald Occhiuzzo who helped me lead the Brazil portion of this tour. Donald’s dedication to the school visits, cultural activities and counselor workshop guaranteed that the tour’s time in Brazil would be excellent. The hospitality and warm welcome that the group received in this country was due to Donald’s hard work. I, as I am sure the rest of the group does, look forward to having the chance to share the road with him again very soon. Lastly, I wish to acknowledge, Kathy Harrington, my boss and friend, I am most grateful for her support, leadership and faith in me. I sincerely was delighted to have led this tour in this region I call home. Respectfully submitted, JoBeth Brudner April, 2013

Buenos Aires, Argentina April 7-8, 2013 11 universities

U.S. University Fair School Visits Briefing Other

Counselor visit at Northlands School College Fair at Lincoln International School College Fair at St. Andrew’s Scots School JoBeth Brudner, Educational Consultant Introductory Meeting Welcome Dinner, El Mirasol del Puerto

55 15

Total Attendance in Buenos Aires 70 Current Market/Trends According to IIE Open Doors in the 2011/12 academic year, 1,888 students from Argentina were studying in the United States (down 10.3% from the previous year). Academic Level The majority of Argentine students study at the graduate level. In 2011/12, their breakdown was as follows: 33% undergraduate 50% graduate students 7% other 10% OPT (Optional Practical Training) Note: While Argentina has shown a downward trend over the last few years in sending students to the USA this tendency is expected to change as upper middle class and upper class families are more interested in sending their children to the USA for undergraduate studies as a result of the present political and economic realities in the country. Highlights

Meeting up with old friends and starting new friendships as the tour got underway. The country briefing, which covered country information, updates on the present

socio-political and economic realities and important educational data as well as a walking tour of major city sights.

Visit to Northlands School with the counselor who discussed the growing interest of the student population and recommended the several types of programs that candidates seek.

Warm welcome at Lincoln International School where students had good questions and solid conversations with the university representatives. Thank you Jane Lowery for your kind hospitality.

Visiting St. Andrew’s Scot School and the enthusiasm of the students there. Welcome dinner at El Mirasol del Puerto, lots of good beef and fine wine, a perfect

way to start the tour.

Sao Paulo, Brazil April 8-11, 2013 18 universities

U.S. University Fair April 9, Hotel Intercontinental,18 universities 70 School Visits Briefing Other

College fair at Pan American Christian Academy College fair at Graded School College fair at St. Francis College Fair at Chapel School Prof. Marcus Freitas, FAAP Workshop for Brazilian Counselors

85 15 90 35

Total Attendance in Sao Paulo 312 Current Market/Trends According to IIE Open Doors, in the 2011/12 academic year, 9,029 students from Brazil were studying in the United States (up 2.9% from the previous year). Brazil is the fourteenth leading place of origin for students coming to the United States. Academic Level The majority of Brazilian students study at the undergraduate level. In 2011/12, their breakdown was as follows: 46.7% undergraduate 32.7% graduate students 11.6% other 9.1% OPT (Optional Practical Training) Historical trends The number of Brazilian students in the U.S. increased steadily in the 1990s, peaking at 8,972 students in 2001/02. After many years of decline, the number of Brazilian students began to rebound in 2006/07, and then increased by 16% in 2008/09. In 2010/11, the number of Brazilian students in the U.S. remained relatively flat, and made up 1% of the total international student population in the United States. Fair Statistics Of the 70 students registered at the fair, we learned that:

• 61% are male, 39% are female • 33% are graduate students, 46% are undergraduate • 16% want to begin studies in 2013, 45% in 2014 • Engineering (9%), Business (22%), Communication (12%),

Architecture/Urban Planning (5%) and Law (5%) are the most popular majors • The average TOEFL score was 257

Highlights

• Quality questions and interaction with students at the university fair, good mix of academic interest and levels of study sought.

• College fairs at the Graded and Chapel School and the cordiality of counselors, the wonderful luncheons were most appreciated.

• The highly motivated and enthusiastic students at Pan American Christian School and St. Francis as well as the supportive staff.

• Informative, up-to-date, briefing by Prof. Marcus Freitas, FAAP on Brazil, its present situation among world leaders and its education system was very informative.

• The Workshop for Brazilian Counselors was an excellent forum to share ideas and network. Very valuable contacts were made.

Brasilia, Brazil April 10, 2013 17 universities

U.S. University Fair School Visits Other

College Fair at School of the Nations College Fair at American School of Brasilia College Fair at Sigma Asa Sul School City tour

90 22

250

Total Attendance in Quito 362 Current Market/Trends According to IIE Open Doors, in the 2011/12 academic year, 9,029 students from Brazil were studying in the United States (up 2.9% from the previous year). Brazil is the fourteenth leading place of origin for students coming to the United States. Academic Level The majority of Brazilian students study at the undergraduate level. In 2011/12, their breakdown was as follows: 46.7% undergraduate 32.7% graduate students 11.6% other 9.1% OPT (Optional Practical Training) Historical trends The number of Brazilian students in the U.S. increased steadily in the 1990s, peaking at 8,972 students in 2001/02. After many years of decline, the number of Brazilian students began to rebound in 2006/07, and then increased by 16% in 2008/09. In 2010/11, the number of Brazilian students in the U.S. remained relatively flat and made up 1% of the total international student population in the United States. Highlights

First time visits to School of Nations and Sigma Asa Sul where enthusiastic students had good conversations with the university representatives.

Warm welcome at American School of Brasilia, kind hospitality of counseling staff. Wonderful city tour of Brasilia amazing architectural structures to enjoy. Thanks

Donald for making this a possibility.

Bogota, Colombia April 11-15, 2013

15 universities U.S. University Fair April 13, Bogota Royal Hotel, 14 universities 135 School Visits Briefing Other

Colegio Nueva Granada Colegio Anglo Colombiano Mini Fair at Centro Colombo Americano Colegio Buckingham Update on funding opportunities- Fulbright and Colfuturo Dinner at Andres Carne de Res Bogota City tour and museums

45 23 24 35

Total Attendance in Bogota 262 Current Market/Trends According to IIE Open Doors in the 2011/12 academic year, 6,295 students from Colombia were studying in the United States (down 2.5% from the previous year). Colombia is the twenty-second leading place of origin for students coming to the United States. Academic Level The majority of Colombian students study at the graduate level. In 2011/12, their breakdown was as follows: 38% undergraduate 44% graduate students 9.1% other 9.0% OPT (Optional Practical Training) Historical trends The number of Colombian students in the U.S. increased steadily throughout the 1990s, peaking at 8,068 students in 2001/02. Colombian students have declined gradually since then, except in 2008/09 when they increased by 5%. Fair Statistics Of the 135 students registered at the fair, we learned that:

• 50% are male, 50% are female • 35% are graduate students, 63% are undergraduate • 26% want to begin studies in 2013, 53% in 2014 • Engineering (16%), Business (26%), Biology/Biomedical/Health Sciences (13%),

Design (8%), and Humanities (5%) are the most popular majors • The average TOEFL score was 257

Highlights The funding update, by the Fulbright and Colfuturo, important information was

learned by all. The warm hospitality of Terry Finnin of Colegio Nueva Granda and ajiaco for

lunch. Visiting so many International School and the enthusiasm of their students. The workshop at Centro Colombo Americano Bogota and the wide variety of

interest of the students from ESL to graduate options. Dinner at Andres Carne de Res, a night to remember and a cultural day getting to

know Bogota!

Barranquilla, Colombia April 15-16, 2013

13 universities U.S. University Fair School Visits Mini fair at Centro Colombo Americano

Barranquilla College Fair at Altamira International School College Fair at Karl C. Parrish School College Fair at Colegio Marymount

75 110 95

140

Total Attendance in Barranquilla 420 Current Market/Trends According to IIE Open Doors in the 2011/12 academic year, 6,295 students from Colombia were studying in the United States (down 2.5% from the previous year). Colombia is the twenty-second leading place of origin for students coming to the United States. Academic Level The majority of Colombian students study at the graduate level. In 2011/12, their breakdown was as follows: 38% undergraduate 44% graduate students 9.1% other 9.0% OPT (Optional Practical Training) Historical trends The number of Colombian students in the U.S. increased steadily throughout the 1990s, peaking at 8,068 students in 2001/02. Colombian students have declined gradually since then, except in 2008/09 when they increased by 5%. Highlights

The fair coordinated by Centro Colombo Americano Barranquilla, the quantity and quality exceeded our expectations.

Interested students and great questions, large turnouts at many of our visits to the Atlamira International School, KC Parrish School and Colegio Marymount. Special thanks for the counselors at these visits for making the group feel very welcome.

Touring around KC Parrish and visiting the Iguanas. Celebrating Raymond Lew’s birthday!! Thank you Eva Faillace for the wonderful

birthday cake.

Quito, Ecuador April 16-18, 2013

13 universities

U.S. University Fair April 17, 13 universities 260 School Visits Briefing

Colegio Americano de Quito Multi School College Fair

• Colegio Americano • Colegio Engling • Liceo Internacional • Academia Cotopaxi • Alliance

Update on Funding Opportunities: Susana C. De Vaca, Exec. Director Fulbright Commission, Quito Ana Villavicencio, Educational Adviser, Fulbright Commission, Quito Daniel Angel, International Scholarship Program Coordinator, Becas- Senescyt Lidia Salinas, Teacher’s Program Analyst, Becas- Senescyt

208

85 45 57 12 9

Total Attendance in Quito 468 Current Market/Trends According to IIE Open Doors in the 2011/12 academic year, 2,160 students from Ecuador were studying in the United States (up 0.5% from the previous year). Academic Level The majority of Ecuadorian students study at the undergraduate level. In 2011/12, their breakdown was as follows: 58% undergraduate 27% graduate students 7% other 8% OPT (Optional Practical Training) Fair Statistics Of the 260 students registered at the fair, we learned that:

• 52% are male, 48% are female • 35% are graduate students, 63% are undergraduate, • 26% want to begin studies in 2013, 53% in 2014 • Engineering (16%), Business (25%),Biology/Biomedical/Health Sciences (15%),

Architecture/ Urban Planning (7%) and Social Sciences (5%) are the most popular majors

• The average TOEFL score was 230

Highlights Well-attended college fair at Colegio Americano, with students from five leading

local international schools. Luncheon at Colegio Americano, which provided the forum to get to know the

counselors and administration at Colegio Americano better. The spirit of camaraderie among these professionals makes Quito a wonderful city to visit.

Briefing by Susana C. de Vaca, her candid remarks about the future of Ecuador and the region, were most appreciated.

Meeting Ana Villavicencio, the new educational adviser at Fulbright Commission Quito.

Introduction to Plan Becas by staff members of Senescyt and learning about the scholarships are administered and how to become an approved university was extremely worthwhile.

A spur of the moment visit to the Equator and historical Quito was the perfect end of the tour for some!

Panama City, Panama April 18-29, 2013

6 universities

U.S. University Fair School Visits Briefing

Balbao Academy Academia Interamericana de Panama Update on Student trends and funding opportunities: Etilvia Arjona, Educational Adviser

45 30

Total Attendance in Panama City 75 Current Market/Trends According to IIE Open Doors in the 2011/12 academic year, 1,122 students from Panama were studying in the United States (down 4.3% from the previous year). Academic Level The majority of Panamanian students study at the undergraduate level. In 2011/12, their breakdown was as follows: 70% undergraduate 21% graduate students 3% other 6% OPT (Optional Practical Training)

Highlights

College fairs at the high schools, the students were well prepared and asked good questions at Balboa Academy and Academia Interamericana.

The welcoming attitude of counselors at the international schools. The briefing offered by Etilvia Arjona, Education USA which covered very

important educational data as well as updates on the government sponsored scholarship programs.

A quick visit to the Panama Canal where a small sail boat and a very large cruise ship were going through.

A wonderful dinner at Las Tinajas; great food, a lively folklore floor show and fabulous company.