Remarks at Education Day 2007

Good morning! Labrīt!

It is a great pleasure to be here this morning at Riga Business School and to launch Education USA day. I am always so pleased to visit with students like you, because I believe that young people are the future of any nation.

But, in order to make the greatest impact on the future of your country, you must first take some time to think about your own future. And that is what I would like to talk to you about this morning.

During this seminar, you will learn exactly what is necessary to study in the United States. I will let the experts speak about application forms, scholarships, and campus life, but I would like to take a few minutes to speak to those of you who may be unsure about whether to study in the United States.

The U.S. educational system is diverse, and decentralized. This means that there is no single central government agency governing Colleges and Universities in the United States. So what this means is, that while you have a lot to choose from, you have to do your homework and invest wisely. World-famous research universities like Harvard and Yale offer state-of-the-art facilities, and employ some of the best minds in the world. But, an equally valuable experience can be had at one of America’s smaller institutions – which often offer closer interaction between student and faculty. American schools offer enormous flexibility, innovative programs, top scholars and first-rate facilities. There is, literally, something for everyone.

Whatever type of educational environment you are looking for, I am sure that you will be able to find an institution that meets your needs among the 4,000 colleges and universities in the U.S. Remember, however, your goal is to find the place that suits YOU, as an individual and we are here to help you.

Right now there are more than 500,000 foreign students studying at colleges and universities in the United States. And there are currently 369 Latvian Students studying at 224 institutions of Higher Education. In fact, nearly all American schools - over ninety five percent - enroll at least one foreign student. So you won’t be alone. The US values its visiting students. We recognize that their efforts and sacrifices to study so far from home and build bridges of mutual understanding, promote democracy and economic growth in the world, and in the process significantly enrich the lives of our own students.

Our Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice has said, “In a world where challenges transcend borders, education is essential for making the world more peaceful and more prosperous. American students can better understand global issues by learning other languages and experiencing other cultures first-hand. Moreover, our country has no more valuable asset internationally than the friendship of the millions of young people, citizens, and leaders around the world who understand the United States because they have studied here. “

In closing, I would like to say a few words about our Fulbright Fellowship program. When the American Embassy reopened in Latvia in 1991, we immediately opened the Fulbright Fellowship program. Since then, more than 167 Latvians have used this program to study, teach, or conduct research in the United States. We are truly proud of our alumni. Many of them have become successful lawyers, doctors, public servants, and business representatives, just to name a few. What is more important is that with the experience they have gained in the United States, they have been able to promote change in Latvia. Therefore, I invite you to apply for the Fulbright Fellowship.

You have my best wishes for an exciting and rewarding future. Good luck, and let us know how we can be of help.