National Education Advising Agent Program

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A strategic plan for a nation-wide, year-long engagement with agents is the core goal of this project. Applicants may provide a phased approach to engage agents from approximately 10 key companies per Consular region (Delhi, North India, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata). Criteria for selection of agent participants may be decided in accordance with the needs of the respective consulates. The plan should include a robust communications toolkit and phased engagements and information sessions with U.S. higher education experts, Public Affairs Sections (PAS), and Consular Sections (CONS). The objectives of these engagements are to 1) clearly articulate U.S. immigration policies, drawing from open, official sources in order to dispel any myths; 2) to inform agents how better to navigate the U.S. university admissions system; and 3) to convey the value of practicing student-focused, ethical counseling. The grantee would advertise the programs appropriately and host it in appropriate venues. At the regional level, the strategy may include introductory meetings with U.S. consulate colleagues, monthly newsletters/emailers, quarterly information sessions, online courses, trade communications through study abroad portals, content partnerships in private education fairs, identification and representation in multi-country education fairs, conferences and events. Applicant proposals must also describe a follow-up plan to evaluate change in understanding of U.S. higher education among selected participants and, if possible, their student/parent clients. The project would culminate in a conference in New Delhi or Hyderabad with all participants from the 5 consular districts. Grantee must work with Public Affairs Section New Delhi to develop selection criteria for the agents to participate in this final conference. The grantee would advertise the program appropriately and host it in suitable venues. (For further details, please refer to the full announcement available under 'related documents' tab)

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