What is EducationUSA?

EducationUSA is the official name for U.S. Department of State-affiliated educational advising centers overseas. Each year EducationUSA centers receive millions of contacts from students all over the world. Centers are staffed by professional advisers, many of whom have studied in the U.S. Advisers provide comprehensive, objective information on all accredited U.S. higher educational institutions. Advisers are not agents or recruiters and are not permitted to receive commissions from colleges, universities or agents.  We ask you to review the State Department's Policy Guidance for EducationUSA Advising Centers regarding Commercial Agents.

What services are offered in EducationUSA centers?

Advisers provide students (and their families) accurate, impartial information about the full range of accredited higher education institutions in the U.S., including two and four year colleges, universities and specialty schools. Advisers help students:
• Select appropriate institutions for their academic and personal goals
• Research and prepare for standardized testing requirements
• Understand the U.S. application & admissions process
• Identify financial aid opportunities
• Apply for a student visa
• Prepare for departure to the U.S.

Where are EducationUSA Advising Centers located?

EducationUSA advising centers operate within a wide variety of institutions, including:
• U.S. Embassies and Consulates
• Libraries
• Fulbright Commissions
• Bi-national centers
• Universities
• Private foundations
• U.S. non-governmental organizations with overseas operations

Who and what are Regional Educational Advising Coordinators (REACs)?

The REAC fosters student mobility between the United States and a specifc region of the world, by overseeing and supporting a regional network of advising centers. REACs act as a resource on educational systems and exchanges; provide assessment, direction, training and quality control of EducationUSA advising centers; and develop and promote the EducationUSA network.

How does EducationUSA help U.S. colleges and universities?

EducationUSA Advisers & REACs assist U.S. admissions offices and international student advisers by:
• Providing information about U.S. schools to prospective international students
• Assisting with in-country recruitment both electronically and on the ground
• Discussing student mobility trends in the region or a country
• Explaining local educational systems, academic credentials, and grading scales

How can my institution partner with EducationUSA?

• Share information about your accredited institution by sending your catalogs, CDs and DVDs, videos, and international student financial aid/scholarship information to EducationUSA centers.
• Encourage your prospective students to contact EducationUSA centers as early as possible to provide on-theground, in-country support throughout the admissions process.
• If you plan overseas travel, contact the EducationUSA center in advance to arrange a meeting, join a group advising orientation or participate in a college fair or other special event at the advising center.
• If you cannot include travel in your budget, send information on local alumni who can represent your college or university at special events. Also connect with EducationUSA centers via video conferencing.
• EducationUSA Advisers can help your prospective students identify sources of financial aid, prepare for the visa interview, and assist in academic and cultural pre-departure preparation.
You can check on our general website (http://www.educationusa.info/highered.php) more information about the following issues:

- Make case for international Recruitment
- Internationalize your campus
- Internationalize your website
- Utilize IIE’s Open Doors Report
- Connect at conferences with EducationUSA
- Engage using social media
- Host our Advisers
- Support Opportunity Students
- Achieve your goals with EducationUSA