Eight exceptional Lao students met with U.S. Ambassador to the Lao P.D.R. Daniel A. Clune, and Public Affairs Officer Pam DeVolder to discuss their upcoming travel to the United States as part of two U.S. State Department student exchange programs. During their meeting, Ambassador Clune congratulated the group on their selection to each program, and encouraged them to make the most of this opportunity, which will benefit their academic and professional development and deepen the ties between Laos and the United States.
Mr. Ketsada Koulabouth from the Lao-American College, Mr. Cheniboun Somvong from the National University of Laos’ (NUOL) Faculty of Engineering, Ms. Sengkham Thongphataysak from NUOL’s Faculty of Law and Political Science, and Ms. Kay Amphone Singhalath from the Lao Banking Institute will be travelling to the University of Montana to participate in the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) program. The SUSI program is a four week intensive academic program whose purpose is to provide undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States, while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills.
Four other students will pursue their studies for a semester at different universities in the United States as part of the State Department’s U.S. Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD). The UGRAD program offers scholarships for one semester or one academic year of study in the U.S. to undergraduate students from Laos. Ms. Monethip Sonethavong from NUOL will study at Humboldt State University in California, Ms. Silima Keopaseuth from NUOL’s Faculty of Law and Political Science will study at Missouri State University in Springfield Illinois, Ms. Khampane Kousonsavath from the Lao-American College will study at Nazareth College in New York, and Mr. Kingsada Sengsavang from the Lao-American College will study at the University of Missouri-Columbia in Missouri.
The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane accepts applications for Undergraduate (UGRAD) and Study of US Institute (SUSI) Program from August to November every year. Interested students can email us at lao_educationusa@state.gov
