The U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs, in collaboration with EducationUSA advisors in the West Bank and Gaza, is set to observe International Education Week (IEW) from November 14-18, 2022. This annual event, now in its 23rd year, is a joint initiative by the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State aimed at highlighting the significance of international education both within the United States and globally.
Throughout November, various activities will be organized to emphasize education's role in equipping Palestinian youth with job skills and preparing them for leadership roles as global citizens. The events include an IEW Open House on November 14 at America House Jerusalem and American International School in Gaza, virtual sessions focusing on Women in STEM from November 14-18, a session on Graduate Studies on November 16, and a College Board expert-led session titled "Find the Right College for You" on November 17.
Additional sessions are scheduled for later dates: "Study with U.S." virtual sessions covering Undergraduate and Graduate Studies on November 20; in-person sessions featuring higher education experts at Red Crescent in Ramallah on November 20, Bethlehem University on November 21, and America House Jerusalem on November 22.
The educational cooperation between the U.S. government and Palestinians is further highlighted by data showing that nearly 485 Palestinian students studied in the United States during the Academic Year 2021-2022—a rise of 14.4 percent from the previous year.
The U.S. Office of Palestinian Affairs administers a significant Access English Language program globally with over 1,100 high school students currently enrolled and an alumni network of around 11,000 individuals. Additionally, they offer a unique Access for Adults program through Amideast targeting Palestinian adults to enhance their English language skills while exposing them to American culture.
Each year, more than 5,000 Palestinian youth benefit from free English language courses provided by three American Spaces located in Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Hebron. Furthermore, approximately 200 Palestinian students, academics, and professionals participate annually in exchange programs to travel to the United States.
In totality during the Academic Year 2021-2022 over 948,000 international students chose to study in the United States which remains a top destination for international education opportunities.
For further details about these initiatives or events related to International Education Week visit https://iew.state.gov or contact USPalestinianAffairs@state.gov.