India-US are ‘Natural Allies’ who can solve pertinent global issues concerning world today says Gloria Berbena, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy, Embassy of USA, New Delhi
PM Modi’s upcoming US visit to strengthen Indo-US ties further: Gloria Berbena, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy, Embassy of USA, New Delhi
US Embassy launches ‘English Language Fellowship Program’ at Chandigarh University
Chandigarh University selected by US Embassy for unique ‘English Language Fellowship Program’ at Chandigarh University
Chandigarh, August 22, 2024:
The bi-lateral ties between India and US have got strengthened over the years, both the nations are natural allies and can solve pertinent global issues concerning the world today, said Gloria Berbena, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy, Embassy of The United States of America, New Delhi. Gloria Berbena was attending the launch ceremony of first of its kind ‘English Language Fellow Program’ at the campus of Chandigarh University.
Marking a significant achievement in the field of academics in north India, Chandigarh University has been selected by the US Embassy for a prestigious partnership under the India-US Education Collaboration. As part of the collaboration, Chandigarh University has become the first institution in Punjab where to be selected for the International English Fellowship Program which is a significant recognition of the university's commitment to academic excellence and global collaboration.
In the English Language Fellow Program, highly qualified US educators in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) participate in 10-month-long fellowships at academic institutions throughout the world. As part of the fellowship program, Dr Mahima Singh, a US-based English Language Fellow would be staying in Chandigarh University for a period of 10 month and play a pivotal role in enhancing Professional Communication and project writing skills of Management and Engineering students at the varsity. This initiative is designed to equip students with the language proficiency and technical writing abilities that are essential in today's globalized business and technology landscapes.
Gloria Berbena, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy, Embassy of USA said, “The selection process for this program is highly competitive and we choose our candidates very carefully. Chandigarh University stood out in this space. Each year, the US Embassy sends two Fellows to India after a rigorous selection process involving universities from across the country. Chandigarh University’s selection highlights its growing reputation as a center of academic excellence and its dedication to providing students with a world-class education.”
“US has highest number of Indian students visiting USA for education every year and there has been a rise in numbers in recent past. On average more than 2,00,000 Indian students have been visiting US for study every year in recent years and we lend utmost priority to process the application of Indian students making it an easy and hassle-free exercise. As part of India-US education collaboration, we both the nations have been making significant strides and continue to foster this academic exchange for mutual benefits in future as well. US institutions have been working to build academic partnerships, research and scholarly collaborations with India and Indo-Pacific region. We venture beyond the collaborations and tie-ups in various sectors and lend priority on people-to-people exchange.”
This unique fellow program is sponsored by the US State Department and implemented by Georgetown University, Washington DC. This fellow program would be instrumental in providing sponsorships, scholarships and fellowships for Indian students willing to study in US.
She further said, “India-US relationship is founded on shared values and mutual interests and the fact that during PM Modi’s previous visit to US, a number of MoUs and agreements were signed for partnerships in different sectors be it education, sustainable energy, defence, space, technology and science among others, speaks volume about the strong ties shared between the two nations. Even during India’s Presidency of G-20, when President Joe Biden visited India and held discussions on various matters concerning India-US ties and world affairs, have brought both nations even closer. Now again PM Modi is slated to visit US next month when leaders of other nations would also coalesce at UN Summit, so we see strengthening of Indo-US ties further.”
“Already there are more than 2,00,000 Indian students who visit US for study every year which is the highest number of students from any country that visit US and we would love to grow that number further. We have over 4,500 higher education institutions that offer excellent accredited degree programmes and advance education in US help students get global exposure and global opportunities to grow,” added Gloria.
She further added, “There are trained advisers who provide free services to students and after assessing their areas of academic interest and financial resources to assist them finding the right academic institution. These advisors also help students in the visa application process without any charge.”
Shweta Khanna, Coordinator, US Embassy, Professor RS Bawa, Advisor to Chancellor, Chandigarh University and Ashita Chaddha, Director, University Institute of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Chandigarh University were also present on the occasion.