On December 3, the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai, in collaboration with the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), officially opened the American Corner at the CUSAT campus in Kochi. This new initiative aims to provide the people of Kerala with a dedicated space for cultural and educational exchange related to the United States.
A Global Network of American Spaces
The American Corner at CUSAT is part of a larger global network of nearly 600 American Spaces. These public cultural and informational centers are run by the U.S. government, offering free access to resources about American culture, education, and society. They serve as platforms for communities worldwide to engage with the U.S. and learn more about its values, innovations, and opportunities.
A Celebration of Innovation and Learning
The American Corner was inaugurated by Jeanne Briganti, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai, along with Prof. (Dr.) M. Junaid Bushiri, Vice Chancellor of CUSAT, and Dr. Rajan Varughese, Member Secretary of the Kerala State Higher Education Council. During the opening ceremony, Briganti emphasized the role of the American Corner Kochi in strengthening the cultural and educational ties between India and the U.S. She noted that the center would foster innovation, learning, and cross-cultural exchange, with a particular focus on empowering girls and women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields.
Exciting Programs and Initiatives
The American Corner Kochi will host a variety of educational programs, all free of charge and open to the public. Some of the inaugural activities include:
- Young Innovators’ Lab: A hands-on workshop series focused on Robotics and 3D Printing, designed for school students and hosted at CUSAT’s Centre for Science in Society (C-SIS).
- Business Communication Workshop: A program aimed at entrepreneurs, organized in collaboration with the Kerala Startup Mission, designed to improve communication skills for business growth.
- eLibraryUSA Training: Intensive training sessions for research scholars at CUSAT to help them make the most of the digital resources available through eLibraryUSA.
Looking ahead, the American Corner Kochi plans to host additional workshops and events, including an AI and Machine Learning workshop in collaboration with IIT Madras in 2025. The space will also feature EducationUSA informational sessions, consultations on U.S. Fulbright Programs, and other exchange programs, supporting educational and professional development.
Open to the Public
Located at the Students’ Amenity Center in CUSAT, the American Corner will be open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, with the exception of second Saturdays and public holidays. This new initiative provides the people of Kochi and surrounding areas with a unique opportunity to explore American culture, gain insights into modern innovations, and access resources that can support their academic and professional growth.
Through initiatives like the American Corner, the U.S. Consulate General aims to deepen the connection between India and the U.S., fostering collaboration, creativity, and educational advancement.
