First Admissions Visit to the Federated States of Micronesia

Associate Dean and Director of International Admissions Yu-wan Wang visited the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) as the first Stony Brook University visit of its kind to conduct training for college counselors, share information about Stony Brook and recruit potential students.

Wang was invited by the U.S. Embassy of Kolonia, along with EducationUSA, a U.S. Department of State network of student advising, to provide training to student advisors from high schools and the College of Micronesia FSM on topics such as the college application process, how to write a college essay, tips on writing a recommendation for students, how institution evaluate transcript, test option, how to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form, and the importance of career services, ending the program with a mock “student college fair.” Stacey Acquaro, international admissions advisor, also participated in the training virtually to introduce participants to the international admissions team at Stony Brook.

Wang explained the unique geographic location of the FSM, and the difficulties for residents living on the island nation. “The geographic location is so different. It’s an island among over 600 Islands and yet, they don’t have the technology to purify the water. Ships visit every three to six days to bring fresh produce,” said Wang.

Wang met with the president of the College of Micronesia and concluded her trip with high school visits and college fairs, widely attended by hundreds of students from neighboring islands and schools. “As I described Stony Brook and what we have to offer,” Wang said, “their question was ‘how can I go?’ and there is so much excitement from students and counselors.”

While there are no current Stony Brook students from the FSM, Wang sees the location as an untapped market for both first year and transfer students, within a community in which leaders hope that students will seek educational opportunities abroad in order to return and help contribute to the economic development of the FSM.