2011 Summer Institute for International Admissions

Dec. 2011

International

Institutions of all sizes and missions interacted with international counselors at the annual Summer Institute for International Admissions at Georgetown University.

Nearly 60 international school counselors from 43 countries participated in the College Board's 37th Annual Summer Institute for International Admissions, held June 20–24 on the Georgetown University campus. A specialized workshop for new counselors preceded the institute. Representatives of the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, which funded the participation of over half of the counselors, joined in many of the sessions.

Counselors attended a variety of in-depth training sessions on a wide range of topics, including how to write letters of recommendation, a review of ethical and legal issues, financial aid strategies, creating a school profile, social media use, College Board updates, and "third-culture" kids, as well as admission deans panels. Special highlights included a welcome dinner and cultural night, mock admission committee exercise, screening and discussion of the documentary In 500 Words or Less, and a college fair with a record 73 institutions in attendance. College fair registration at the Institute is open to all accredited U.S. colleges and universities on a first-come, first-served basis.

Counselors discuss books, materials, videos and websites to guide students at international schools about college admission, in an interactive session held in Georgetown University’s Intercultural Center atrium.

At the end of the program, one participant commented, "There have been many things I will be taking away from this. My knowledge of the U.S has increased dramatically."

Another counselor noted, "[I] learned a lot of tips, ideas, on how to help my students (seniors now) to be successful in this application process. I feel enthusiastic to go back and apply them."

Counselors were also encouraged to take advantage of networking opportunities throughout the institute.

"[I] made lots of useful professional contacts with fellow counselors and college admission officers," said one participant. "[I] made lots of new friends."

Registration information for the 2012 Summer Institute, New Counselor Workshop and college fair will be available on the College Board website in early 2012.

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