File:US Universities Expo 2014 Waipapa Marae.jpg

English: The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand successfully organized a second USA Universities Expo in Auckland to recruit promising candidates and advise potential students on admissions requirements, diverse fields of study, applications, campus culture and opportunities for financial aid.

Over twenty institutions were represented at the 2014 Expo including thirteen admissions officers and recruiters from distinguished institutions across America, ten locally-based alumni as well as representatives from EducationUSA, the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section and Fulbright New Zealand. The event was held Saturday, September 20, at AUT’s Sir Paul Reeves Building and included breakout sessions on topics such as sport scholarships, financial assistance, and student visas throughout the day.

The Expo kicked off with a cultural greeting and welcome reception at the Waipapa Marae on the grounds of the University of Auckland which was graciously hosted by Ngati Whatua. This event allowed U.S. university representatives the opportunity to network and mingle with secondary school administrators and others from New Zealand’s education sector as well as U.S. Consulate General staff.

The following Monday, nine institutions joined EducationUSA to conduct outreach at four secondary schools in the Auckland region. Recruiters relished the opportunity to engage with New Zealand students in their own environments at the Kristin School, ACG Senior School, Avondale College and Auckland International College.

With over 5,000 colleges and universities in the United States to choose from, attending an American university can be a transformative experience and identifying the right fit is an important first step. The Universities Expo helps New Zealand students find out more about the options available to them and meet with recruiters, admissions officers and alumni face to face. The number of New Zealand students studying in America has increased every year for the last four years; by more than 8% last year alone. Our hope is to see that trend continue by raising awareness of opportunities and providing accurate, transparent and timely information to all.

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