Programs and Events

Pre-Departure Orientation Session for four Fulbright Scholars

American and Lao alumni discuss and share their expertise with four of seven Fulbright Scholars during pre-departure orientation session

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy Vientiane held a pre-departure orientation session at the embassy on Friday, July 2 for four Fulbright scholars who will soon depart for the United States. 

The orientation session began with welcoming remarks by the Public Affairs Officer, Amy E. Archibald, and continued with a briefing to help the four students prepare for their upcoming studies and life in the United States. The group was joined by American and Lao alumni who discussed their experiences in the U.S. and shared their advice. These four scholars will leave Laos in July and August to begin their studies in the United States under the 2007 Fulbright Scholarship program.

The Fulbright Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1946 to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills. This year, the embassy will send seven Fulbright scholars and two Fulbright Humphrey fellows from Laos to study in the United States. The seven Fulbright scholars are Ms. Dalavieng Thiladej, in International Development Studies at Clark University; Ms. Phavanhna Douangboupha, in Information System Management at Rochester Institute of Technology; Mr. Sitthivorada Boupha, in Interpersonal/Cultural Communication at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; Mr. Viboon Sithimolada in Power Systems and Energy Engineering at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Ms. Souphaphone Souannavong in business at Rochester Institute of Technology; and Ms. Vongchanh Indavong, who has already left Laos for her masters program in International Development Study at Ohio University, Main Campus; and Ms. Vilakone Chansamouth, who has also departed Laos for her masters program in Education Planning and Management at Syracuse University. The two Fulbright Humphrey fellows are Ms. Dockeo Phonthachit, studying education at Pennsylvania State University, and Ms. Souphonesa Xaypannha, studying human resource management at Michigan State University.