Speeches

Remarks by Ambassador Cesar Cabrera at the Pre-Departure Briefing for Students

Mccarty House
Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Dear Students, Parents, and Rectors: 

Good morning.  I just can’t think of a better way to begin my day then to welcome you here today.  We are here this morning to have some fun and learn about American culture and what you can expect when arriving in the United States to begin your studies. 

It is a pleasure having you all here today and I feel honored to be amongst the best and brightest young minds of Mauritius.  This is a very exciting time for all of you as you are about to embark on your academic adventure to the United States.  Everyone here today has made the decision to study in the United States.  Many of you could have chosen to study anywhere but you chose America.  I can assure you that you have all made a very wise choice.  American Universities have the highest quality education in the world.  At American universities you will find leaders in medicine, science, mathematics, communications and information technology.  Whatever your major may be you will have the privilege of having the world’s leading educators as your guide. 
There are over two hundred Mauritians currently studying throughout the United States --Brigham Young University, Cornell, Columbia, Dartmouth, Duke and Georgetown - just to name a few. 

The United States welcomes and encourages international students to come to the U.S. to study.  Although we have implemented new measures to make our borders and the traveling public more secure, we have not changed the basic criteria for visa eligibility to visit or study in the United States.  In the U.S. you will have a unique opportunity during your studies to learn about Americans and their culture first-hand, and at the same time form lasting partnerships that will help you with your post education endeavors. 

These next few years will be a life changing experience as you submerse yourself into a whole new culture and way of life. And as the American Ambassador, I embrace you all with open arms.  When you are abroad I’d like you to think of your time in the United States not just as an academic opportunity, but to take on the role as an informal Ambassador for the country of Mauritius.  Not only will you be learning about the United States and American culture first hand, but at the same time you have an opportunity to introduce Mauritius to your new American friends.

I wish you all the best of luck in all of your achievements and remember you carry an important role with shaping not only the future, but more specifically the future of Mauritius.