Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Life-size images of superheroes at the U.S. Embassy stand will invite Comic Con Bolivia visitors to study at U.S. universities in a fictional “American Union” resembling real U.S. schools. “We could not bring superheroes in person, but we have them present via images to show that, although they are superheroes, they also had to work very hard to obtain a university degree,” said Amy Christianson, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer.
From October 7 to 9, Comic Con Bolivia, the largest event of its kind in the country, will attract more than 10,000 expected visitors to the Fexpocruz Siriono Hall in the city of Santa Cruz. The U.S. Embassy will participate in this event for the first time to highlight the importance of high-quality education.
Through participation in the event, the U.S. Embassy aims to motivate young students to consider U.S. universities as an option for higher education. At Comic Con, a representative of EducationUSA, an Embassy-sponsored higher education advising center will provide prospective university students information on studying in the United States. Visitors will also have a chance to tour U.S. university campuses through augmented reality devices.
“When I was a child, I liked Wonder Woman, because in my time she was the only woman in the superhero league. I am very happy that now the comic book universe includes not only more female superheroes, but also a greater diversity of characters that represent all minorities in society,” said Christianson.
U.S. Embassy Vice Consul Karl Mercer will be at the stand impersonating a famous mutant superhero and will also give two presentations on how to obtain a U.S. student visa.
Another highlight at the U.S. Embassy stand will be a contest for comic book artists. The contest will be organized by renowned Santa Cruz artist and former U.S. embassy cultural exchange participant Rodrigo Bazoalto. The winner will be announced and awarded a prize on Sunday, October 9 at Comic Con Bolivia.
