Walter Parrs during the lecture

Mr. Walter Parrs and Ms. Batoul Mohsen Baqer, Cultural Affairs Assistant, at the American Embassy in Muscat gave  a presentation on "Scholarship and Fellowship Systems in the United States of America: Academic and Student Exchange among Universities."  The presenters talked about the Public Affairs Section in general and the Cultural and Academic Exchange Programs in particular. The Public Affairs Section at the American Embassy in Muscat works to enhance mutual understanding between Americans and Omanis. Primarily, the section seeks to explain U.S. policies, culture, and values using a variety of programs and activities.  Their work in Oman has included supporting the efforts of the Omani government to realize broad- based educational and judicial reforms; promoting women’s empowerment and democratic institutions; developing the economy; and protecting the environment. Ms. Batoul Mohsen Baqer talked about the programs in details. She said "the section offers seven exchange programs that foster exchanges between Omanis and Americans. These programs include the International Visitor Leadership Program, the Fulbright Program, Humphrey Fellowship Program, Voluntary Visitor Program, Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) and Undergraduate Exchange Programs. Then the floor was opened for the questions from the audience.