A delegation from the United States' Mission to South Africa's Public Diplomacy Section visited the Vhembe region earlier this month to, among others, raise awareness of the exchange opportunities that are available.
The delegates visited the University of Venda (Univen) and met with alumni of various U.S. government-funded exchange programmes, such as the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, the Community College Initiative, and the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
According to Ms Heather Wright, a public diplomacy officer at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, the visit to Limpopo served several purposes. They also visited the University of Limpopo and various libraries, such as the Polokwane City Library. It helped them to gain greater insight into local universities' priorities and to seek out new collaborations.
During the visit, the US Mission's exchange programmes were highlighted and people were encouraged to apply before the deadlines. Three main opportunities were highlighted, the first being the Public Diplomacy Section's funding opportunities. Applications for funding must be submitted before April 30.
Applications for one of the US Government's flagship academic exchange programmes, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, can already be submitted. This programme allows academic scholars to pursue their post-graduate studies in the United States. The deadline for applications is 1 May.
The third programme, the Opportunity Funds Program, is for academically strong students of modest financial means and helps them seek partial and full scholarships for study in the United States. Applicants should not have commenced their undergraduate or graduate studies. The deadline for entries is 1 April.
To learn more about U.S. Government Funded Exchanges, please visit https://za.usembassy.gov/education.