U.S. Speakers Highlight the 30th Anniversary of the Normalization of US-China Relations, Student Visas, and Study USA
May 5-7, 2009: Consul General Wendy Lyle teamed up with visiting Embassy officers MaryKay Carlson, Anny Ho and Angela Pan for a series of robust outreach activities in Wuhan to highlight the 30th anniversary of the normalization of US-China relations and provide timely information on “Study USA,” and “Student Visas.” The delegation was warmly welcomed by Huazhong Normal University (HNU) on May 5, Huazhong Agricultural University (HAU) on May 6, and China University of Geosciences (CUG) on May 7. Together, the team reached over 500 university students and distributed 200 copies of CDs and magazines on the U.S. to promote mutual understanding.
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Embassy Speaker MaryKay Carlson engaged 250 students at Huazhong Agricultural University |
At each university, the U.S. team met with the university management team to better understand the university’s collaborative programs with its U.S. partners, toured the campus to see the university facilities, gave lectures to a large crowd of students in both English and Chinese with visa interview role-playing and an extensive period of q-and-a, and attended events hosted by the university to cultivate better relationships. The visits helped build stronger ties with the universities. The team received several invitations to return to the universities for periodic lectures and public diplomacy activities.
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ConGen Wuhan and Embassy Speakers reached out to enthusiastic students in Wuhan |
At Huazhong Normal University, the Embassy/ConGen Wuhan team was greeted by President Ma Min and a team of professors. More than 140 students attended the presentations given by the Embassy officers, and engaged the U.S. team in a series of 20 questions on such current challenges as fighting global financial crisis, and preventive measures for H1N1, as well as specific questions on types of visas, student loans, and health insurance for foreign students in the U.S.
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| Embassy Speaker MaryKay Carlson compared Dr. Sun Yat-sen and President Obama |
At Huazhong Agricultural University, the Embassy/ConGen Wuhan team was greeted by Vice President Zhang Xianlong. As many as 250 students attended the presentations made by the Embassy speakers and eagerly sought advice from the panel. CG Lyle also provided US perspectives on cross-cultural communication issues to dissipate anti-U.S. sentiments.
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| Embassy Speakers Angela Pan and Anny Ho demonstrated student visa interviews |
At China University of Geosciences, the U.S. delegation was greeted by Party Secretary Ding, who presided over the program featuring the Embassy speakers. 120 students and faculty members attended the event and asked a host of questions on bilateral relations, the role of ConGen Wuhan, tips for successful visa interviews, and how to excel in U.S. institutions of higher education.
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| The U.S. delegation was warmly welcomed by 120 students at CUG |
