Educational Advising
Educational Advising Center Membership And Member Services
The U.S. university application process can be particularly challenging for international students to navigate. The forms, the tests, and the terms used are oftentimes confusing and difficult to translate to the Cameroonian educational system. The Educational Advising Center (EAC), located in the James Baldwin Information Resource Center (JBIRC) at the U.S. Embassy is an official, accredited authority on U.S. study. Individualized guidance from an Education Advisor is invaluable to students who are serious about their intent to study in the U.S.
Membership Benefits:
EAC members receive an EAC membership card. With their current card in hand, membership benefits include:
1. The opportunity to pre-schedule an unlimited number of free individual appointments with the Education Advisor (appointments must be requested well in advance during special members-only advising time slots)
2. Free attendance at otherwise fee-based EAC presentations
3. Invitations to free workshops or presentations throughout the year which may include topics such as:
* Test preparation and practice exams
* How to write a personal statement
* Understanding and filling out university applications
* Understanding and filling out the College Board International Student Financial Aid Application
* Pre-departure orientation session
4. Limited loan of EAC resource books (test preparation, university reference guides, etc.) as well as internet access to research universities and complete online applications
Membership Criteria:
To become an EAC member, students must clearly demonstrate to the Education Advisor that:
(1) They are serious students intending to pursue and complete studies in the U.S. with a clear (if not definitive) plan for their education and for their future; (2) They are prepared to carry out that plan; (3)They are capable of gathering the necessary financial support to complete their studies in the U.S.; and (4) They intend to use the knowledge and skills they acquire in the U.S. upon their return to Cameroon. The EAC Membership Application and the application process are designed to assist the EAC in making this determination. For more information on EAC Membership Program, click here (PDF 119 KB).
Membership Fee:
Students must pay a one-time EAC membership fee of 25.000 FCFA to gain access to services.
EAC Membership Application Process:
All those interested in becoming EAC members are required to attend a free General Introduction to Study in the U.S. session and to complete the EAC Membership Application. Applications may be downloaded from here or picked up at the JBIRC at the U.S. Embassy.
Once the membership application is complete, the applicant should email the Education Advisor at YaoundeEDU@state.gov to make a membership application appointment. At this appointment, applicants will be expected to submit the appointment fee (1.000 FCFA), 2 current passport-sized photos, and the completed application, which will be reviewed with the Education Advisor. Based on membership criteria, the applicant will be accepted or denied for membership. This determination could be made at the appointment or at a future date after further consideration by the Advisor.
EAC Membership Card
Students accepted for membership will need to pay the membership fee of 25.000 FCFA in order to receive an EAC Membership Card. They may be asked to return to the JBIRC on a future date to pick up the card.
Forfeiture of Membership
EAC membership is a privilege and not a right. An individual automatically forfeits his or her membership if the EAC determines that s/he has not granted proper respect and consideration to all those involved throughout the process.
EAC Membership Disclaimer
EAC membership does NOT mean:
* You will be accepted by a university.
* You will get a scholarship.
* You will receive a visa.
* You will obtain any advantage except that which you will merit as a result of putting forth the required amount of personal effort.
Full EAC Membership Program Information
Those who apply for EAC membership must read and agree to abide by the member “rules” as explained in the complete EAC Membership Program Information.
James Baldwin Information Resource Center (JBIRC)
EAC membership does not include IRC membership, which must be obtained separately and in accordance with JBIRC rules. For more information regarding access to the JBIRC, please see the IRC webpage. Note that such arrangements must be made in advance.
Useful Information:
For more information about study in the U.S., visit the Education USA web site: http://www.educationusa.state.gov/
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