Hyderabad | April 25, 2012
IREF Islamic Kids Camp Tours the Consulate
As part of a summer camp for young students, the Islamic Research and Educational Foundation (IREF) brought 30 students to the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad to learn about the role of a foreign mission.
The students met Consul General Dhanani, who said that she felt so welcome in India that she wanted to make the students feel welcome in the U.S. Consulate. American officers who work at the consulate explained to the students the roles of a U.S. Consulate.
Aside from processing visas to the U.S., the consulate also serves as a liaison between the U.S. government and the Indian government and Americans and Indians. The students introduced themselves and enjoyed discussing American and Indian culture and studying in the U.S.
Public Affairs Officer, Carla Benini gave the students some advice about studying in the U.S. “American universities look at more than grades,” she told the students. “They are impressed by students who are passionate about something, for example sports, music, arts, or the environment and take action.” She encouraged the students to pursue their passions outside of school.
The students also took a tour of the Consulate, including the visa windows. One student did a mock visa interview with an officer.