Six outstanding Lao students will travel to the United States this year to pursue Master’s degrees and to upgrade their professional skills under the prestigious Fulbright Program.
During a recent meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane, U.S. Ambassador to the Lao P.D.R. Daniel A. Clune congratulated the group on their achievement and encouraged them to make the most of this opportunity, which will benefit their professional development and deepen the ties between Laos and the United States.
Ambassador Clune also spoke with the departing students about their individual academic plans. Ms. Manoly Sisavanh will study International Development at Cornell University, Ms. Maniphet Pengsavatdy will study Global Social and Sustainable Enterprise at Colorado State University, Ms. Souliya Channavong will study Public Health at Michigan University, Ms. Sengphet Lattanavong will study International Development at American University, Ms. Mayouly Phommathansy will study Finance at University Illinois-Chicago, and Ms. Pakaiphone Syphoxay will study Economic Development/Finance and Banking at Boston University.
Ms. Manoly Sisavanh, who was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship, said she was honored to pursue a Master of International Development.
“I’m very much looking forward to conducting research focused on protected area management given the challenges posed by economic development on the natural ecosystems and biodiversity in my country,” she said. “I’m so excited to embark on this meaningful journey and looking forward to contributing to the sustainable development of Lao PDR,” she added.
The Fulbright Program is the largest and most acclaimed international exchange program in the world, and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Almost 100 Lao citizens have participated in the Fulbright program, which includes programs for Master’s degrees and professional training. Prominent Lao Fulbright alumni are currently working in key positions in government, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. The U.S. Embassy in Vientiane accepts applications for the Fulbright Program from March – May every year. Interested students can email VientianePublicDiplomacy@state.gov for more information.
