Number of Pakistani students studying in US rises by 3.4 pct

According to details, Education USA at the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) hosted a pre-departure orientation in Karachi for 40 students who will begin their graduate and undergraduate programs in the United States this fall.  Similar orientation sessions will be held in Islamabad and Lahore for a total of 180 students on self-funded and scholarship programs throughout the United States.

Since its inception, USEFP has helped over 5000 Pakistani students achieve their dreams of U.S. higher education through its scholarship programs and free advising services. In his remarks to congratulate the students in Karachi, Education USA Advising Manager Umair Khan spoke of U.S. university classrooms as a reflection of the country’s diversity: “U.S. colleges and universities welcome Pakistani students as they add to the already rich diversity in the classroom.  USEFP is pleased to be able to help talented Pakistani students like you achieve admission to U.S colleges and universities.”

Jeff Gaskill, Consular Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, told the assembled students that “studying in the United States will be a life-changing experience. We hope you will learn as much from your American counterparts as they will learn from you. Study abroad programs connect Pakistani people with American people to promote dialogue and find common ground.

The orientation sessions include practical student information for an international program of study in the United States to maximize the takeaways from such potentially life-changing experiences.  The sessions are designed to help ensure that Pakistani students fully benefit from their travel and study abroad experience. Topics covered include travel documentation, campus life, academics, U.S. society and culture.

In a follow-up panel discussion and question-and-answer session the audience asked about topics ranging from food options to security concerns in the United States. Students mingled with USEFP advisers, U.S. Consulate Karachi officials and alumni over tea and refreshments.

Students interested in U.S higher education should contact [email protected]. To learn more about the scholarship programs and other services they can also visit www.usefpakistan.org or www.facebook.com/USEFP.