Ambassador Grappo Opens U.S. University Fair

Ambassador Grappo (right) speaks with U.S. college and university representatives as the U.S. University Fair opens on October 31.

On Wednesday, October 31, Ambassador Gary A. Grappo opened the 2007 U.S. Educational Group University Fair at Muscat's Grand Hyatt Hotel.  Over two dozen United States colleges and universities participated in the event, which was attended by over 750 students, parents, and others interested in learning more about educational opportunities in the United States. 

Speaking at the opening, the Ambassador noted that the large number and diversity of schools represented at the Fair were a sign of the eagerness of U.S. colleges and universities to recruit international students, and especially students from the Middle East.  He quoted Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, saying "The United States has never been more eager to welcome foreign students to our country."

0ver 600,000 international students study in the United States each year, including hundreds of Omani citizens and expatriates based in Oman.  With over 3,000 accredited institutions of higher learning, the Ambassador noted, the United States is sure to offer motivated, qualified students a broad choice of  colleges or universities that meet their academic and professional needs.

The U.S. Educational Group's visit to Oman is part of a tour that is taking the visiting college and university representatives to countries throughout the region.  In Muscat, The U.S. University Fair was organized by the U.S. Embassy's Educational Advising office with the assistance of non-governmental educational organization AMIDEAST.