U.S. Consulate in Recife Receives University Students from the Science Without Borders Program

December 27, 2011

Students take their U.S. visa at the consulate in Recife

Consul Usha Pitts speaks with students about life in the U.S.

On December 23, the U.S. Consulate in Recife opened its doors to the first wave of Science without Borders students, who are headed to U.S. universities this January.  The approximately 100 youngsters enjoyed a full day of activities beginning with student visa interviews at the Consulate and ending with a pizza party and information session at binational center Associação Brasil-America, co-led by representatives of CAPES and EducationUSA advisor Danyelle Marina. 

During the information session, students learned more about life on a U.S. university campus and how to prepare for their study abroad experience.  CAPES representatives were also on hand to answer detailed questions about scholarship benefits and rules.  Consul Usha Pitts opened the afternoon activities by welcoming students and reflecting on the importance of intercultural exchange and the profound impact that it has on one’s life and worldview.

Science Without Borders is a scholarship initiative of the Brazilian Government which aims to send 101,000 students overseas in the next five years to enhance their studies in various fields in the Sciences.  The U.S. Mission in Brazil, including the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia and the Consulates in Rio, São Paulo and Recife have been working closely with the Brazilian government to support this initiative.  Between Dec 19-23, 630 Brazilian university students in this program had their visa interviews and received a special orientation session.