K-State holds first-ever open house by an American university in Saudi Arabia

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Source: Ken Holland, 785-532-5990, kholland@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Megan Wilson, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Friday, April 6, 2007

K-STATE HOLDS FIRST-EVER OPEN HOUSE BY AN AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN SAUDI ARABIA

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University recently hosted an open house at Prince Sultan University in Saudi Arabia's capital city of Riyadh -- the first-ever open house by an American university in the kingdom.

K-State was represented by Kenneth Holland, associate provost for international programs, and Julie Lebo, project coordinator for the office of international programs. During the two-day event, which was promoted through newspaper advertisements, flyers and 100 billboards, Holland and Lebo visited with approximately 650 participants. Lebo made presentations on K-State and its academic offerings at the Women's College of Prince Sultan University, while Holland presented at the school's Men's College.

Participants included high school, technical college and university students, as well as members of the public. Participants were seeking information on admission to the K-State campus in Manhattan or information on K-State's distance education programs. The event also featured a presentation on obtaining student visas by Andrea Appell, vice consul in the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh. Appell said in her presentation that it is now a priority of the U.S. Department of State to allow a larger number of Saudis to study in the United States.

K-State officials also visited with administrators from another university in Saudi Arabia who were looking to formulate an articulation agreement similar to the one that K-State has with Prince Sultan University. The agreement allows students to complete their first two years of college work in Saudi Arabia and the final two years in residence at K-State. Many of these students have governmental scholarships for their study abroad.

Saudi government officials visited with Holland and encouraged K-State to hold similar events in other large cities in Saudi Arabia, such as Dammam and Jeddah, in spring 2008.

Overall, Holland said he felt that the open house was a success.