Every year, selecting the Fulbright student cohort requires significant effort – and this year, too, was no exception. Our programs department received 1,190 applications from 135 universities across the country. Of these, 88 were chosen: 70 for master’s and 18 for PhD programs. A meticulous process To hone in on the most deserving candidates from over a thousand applications, ...
This quarter saw 54 undergraduate students selected for the Global Undergraduate Exchange (Global UGRAD) Program begin their semester exchange experiences in the United States. Right before they took off, they assembled in Islamabad to attend a pre-departure orientation (PDO) organized by the programs department. The sessions were carefully crafted to ...
Funded by a generous U.S. Department of State grant, Opportunity Funds (OF) students Absar Ahmad and Parkha Shoukat got a chance to attend the three-week EducationUSA Academy program at Boston University. From July 1 to 19, they gained an insider’s perspective on higher education in America and got a glimpse ...
EducationUSA’s Middle East and South & Central Asia Regional Educational Advising Coordinator (REAC) Karen Bauer visited Lahore and Karachi from August 19 to 22. During four packed and productive days, Bauer held one-on-one meetings with the team, met counselors, toured selected schools and Lincoln Corners, and engaged in discussions with ...
Under the umbrella of the Humphrey Impact Awards, administered by USEFP’s alumni department in partnership with the Institute of International Education, Humphrey alumna Dr. Shumaila Memon organized the ‘Girls Leadership Bootcamp’ from July 19 to 20 at the Center of English Language and Linguistics at Mehran University of Engineering and ...
This summer, around 269 Pakistani students admitted to U.S. universities attended EducationUSA’s pre-departure orientations (PDOs) in three cities. These engaging sessions aimed to equip students with necessary information to enable a smooth transition to a new academic and cultural environment. EducationUSA hosts these events every year for students about to ...
From June 1 to 15, ten high school counselors took part in a two-week professional journey organized by EducationUSA and sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan. The group toured multiple campuses in Minnesota and Philadelphia, engaged in various training activities revolving around the U.S. application process, and received an ...
Recognizing Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, Hubert H. Humphrey fellow Riffat Inam Butt organized a conference titled ‘Navigating Climate Governance’ on June 8 at the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The session aimed to shed light on the complexities of climate change and underscore the crucial role of governance in mitigating ...
This summer, Senior EducationUSA Adviser Mashal Khan represented Team Pakistan at the EducationUSA Forum in Washington, D.C., the network’s flagship event. From July 29 to August 1, higher education professionals and EducationUSA advisers from over 50 countries came together to collaborate on strategies and explore student mobility trends. Khan was ...
USEFP regrets to announce the passing of Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship alumna Ms. Lubna Mohyuddin who worked tirelessly and extensively in the field of education in Pakistan. Among her many achievements was the Humphrey fellowship which she received in 2010 to pursue professional development courses at Vanderbilt University. We extend ...
In collaboration with the U.S. Mission to Pakistan and the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), USEFP hosted the 5thannual Hubert H. Humphrey Alumni Conference in Islamabad from May 10 to 12. Propelled by the theme of social responsibility, around 100 alumni from across the country converged to share their valuable insights ...
This quarter saw the end of the academic year and, thus, many heartwarming graduation stories. As Pakistani Fulbrighters in the United States donned their graduation robes, we celebrated their achievements in spirit. Here is what some fresh graduates had to say: Amna Shamshad Fulbrighter Amna Shamshad didn’t just graduate from ...
The month of May saw a string of well-received alumni events and outreach sessions in picturesque cities across northern Pakistan. Here are some highlights: Fulbright Connect Under the banner of Fulbright Connect, the alumni department organized events in Gilgit and Skardu to promote alumni engagement and networking. The gathering in ...
In May, EducationUSA Pakistan’s first in-person ‘all advisers meeting’ of the year was held in Islamabad. Advisers from all three centers assembled at the USEFP office for three days of in-depth discussions about future programming, strategy, and group activities. Some highlights included a collaborative discussion on best practices, solution-oriented presentations ...
Each year, EducationUSA inducts a new cohort for the Competitive College Club (CCC), a year-long group advising program for high achieving students entering their senior year. With a full schedule of exclusive sessions with experts and higher education representatives, one-on-one advising, test preparation, community service, and sheer group energy spurring ...
In March, Humphrey fellow and BBC correspondent Farhat Javed bagged the 2024 Gracie Award for her documentary titled ‘The Last Wakhi Shepherdesses’. Produced and directed by Javed, the documentary is part of the BBC 100 Women. About the project The film follows the last Pakistani Wakhi shepherdesses on one of ...
This quarter, as university acceptances rolled in and prospective students began their visa applications, EducationUSA organized a series of information sessions focused on the F-1 student visa. These seminars, arranged in collaboration with the United States embassy and consulates, demystified the entire process and provided clear and comprehensive information to ...
In May, Team EducationUSA organized thoughtfully crafted trainings for high school counselors in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. All three workshops were a resounding success: counselors enhanced their skills to better support students in their educational journeys and also got a chance to form beneficial connections with one another. Islamabad The ...
Adviser Omer Bashir had a busy April – he represented EducationUSA Pakistan at the annual NAGAP conference in Louisville, Kentucky, from April 24 to April 27, participated in campus visits before and after the conference, and was also invited to tour Rice University in Houston, Texas. Focusing on graduate admissions ...
Driven by an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the team, our human resources (HR) department organized a comprehensive medical examination of support staff in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. On June 26, mobile lab vehicles arrived at the office premises so paramedics could complete necessary medical screening and tests for ...
This quarter, Team USEFP took a big step to increase testing capacity: to cater to the rising demand from academic and professional test-takers, the testing department decided to stay open six days a week (instead of five) at all three testing centers. This move gives students and professionals the flexibility ...
We recently welcomed seven new members to the team. Natalia Khan Khan, an EducationUSA adviser in Lahore, just moved back to Pakistan after a decade in Houston, Texas. In college, she studied biology and is passionate about the natural world, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communication. Khan completed her undergraduate studies ...
USEFP announced two competitive non-degree programs this quarter: the 2025 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship and the 2025 Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program. The Humphrey Fellowship is a 10- to 12-month program that targets mid-level professionals aiming to build on their knowledge base by enrolling in non-degree coursework and getting ...
On March 23, ten of our esteemed alumni bagged prestigious civil awards for their contributions to the country. Here’s more about them: Dr. Shamshad Akhtar Dr. Akhtar was awarded the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Order of Excellence) in recognition of her outstanding service to Pakistan’s economic sector. She is a development economist and ...
EducationUSA Pakistan took things up a notch this Ramadan through unique, reflective programming that strengthened community spirit and brought students, parents, diplomats, and professionals together for meaningful sessions. Thoughtful topics On the very first day of Ramadan, the Lahore team organized a session titled ‘Chat with a U.S. Diplomat’. Monica ...
Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) grantee Momina Khan met Kamala Harris, vice president of the United States, at an event in February on the campus of South Carolina State University (SCSU), an acclaimed historically black university. Khan was invited to the vice president’s campaign stop at SCSU to share her ...
This quarter saw the launch of the Fulbright Women Podcast’s third season. Premiering on Facebook and Youtube every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 PM sharp, this cycle will feature 20 inspirational alumni from diverse fields. Each episode will take us on a particular alum’s journey and their reasons for applying ...
EducationUSA Pakistan has always advocated for diversity and inclusion in the educational sphere, and this year was no exception. To celebrate Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March, the team organized carefully curated events that were well received and led to important conversations. Interactive, engaging discourse ...
March was a busy time for the Alumni department. Through a series of meticulously planned networking events, alumni were able to come together, meet U.S. university representatives, exchange ideas, and form lasting connections. Fulbright Connect in Karachi On March 4, the department hosted Fulbright Connect in the port city. Fulbright ...
For Women’s History Month, we cast the spotlight on some spectacular women who are not just assets to our thriving alumni community but to the country at large. Here’s more about them in their own words: Zara Zahid Fulbrighter Zara Zahid graduated from the Harris School of Public Policy at ...
This quarter, EducationUSA’s Karachi team ventured out of their city to hold information sessions in Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Hyderabad, Petaro, and Jamshoro. These in-person sessions proved to be a great success as they introduced many new students, counselors, and school administrators to EducationUSA’s advising services and to the tangible prospects ...
This quarter, the Islamabad and Lahore test centers passed Prometric’s ‘secret shop audit’ with flying colors by successfully identifying prohibited items (such as pieces of paper) inside the labs. These audits are conducted frequently to check the efficacy of the testing department’s procedures and administrators. Over the years, the USEFP ...
USEFP regrets to announce the passing of Fulbright scholar Dr. Inam ul Haque in October 2023. He held the distinction of being selected as a Fulbright grantee three times: once in 1978, when he went to the Tokyo Institute of Technology instead for a fellowship in chemical engineering, and then ...
The eagerly awaited 2025 Fulbright Student competition for Master’s and PhD level students commenced in November 2023, with the closing date set for February 28, 2024. The announcement received wide press coverage. In a message to potential applicants, USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar encouraged talented students and professionals to consider ...
This year kicked off with the 17th Annual Fulbright Alumni Conference, from January 12 to 14, focused on the theme of climate change. Around 250 alumni of the Fulbright Program, most of whom have completed Master’s or PhD degrees in the United States, gathered in Islamabad to discuss the challenges ...
The Alumni department in partnership with the Institute of International Education awarded 29 grant awards to Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship alumni in Pakistan. Of these, 12 are Alumni Impact Awards and 17 are Professional Development Grants. The Alumni Impact Award is a USD 10,000 grant that supports the development of ...
EducationUSA’s South and Central Asia Regional Forum 2023 was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan at the InterContinental Hotel from October 17 to 20 – and for the Pakistan team, this proved to be an opportunity to make waves. The team formed lasting connections with reps from top U.S. schools (connections that turned ...
The new year saw 54 undergraduate students selected for the Global Undergraduate Exchange (Global UGRAD) Program commence their semester exchange experiences in the United States. A month before they took off, in December, they assembled in Islamabad to attend a pre-departure orientation (PDO) organized by the Programs department. The PDO ...
EducationUSA celebrated International Education Week (IEW), November 13-17, with a series of events that highlighted the advantages of U.S. higher education. Geared towards students, parents, and school counselors, these activities focused on the unique international student experience in the United States. Celebrations commenced with the greatly anticipated High Achievers’ and ...
Around 150 Fulbright grantees from the 2023 cohort assembled in Austin, Texas, from November 11 to 13 for the annual Fulbright Pakistan Student Seminar. The series of activities were designed to assist Fulbrighters in settling in on their campuses and making the most of their exchange journeys. The weekend commenced ...
EducationUSA Pakistan Senior Adviser Shiza Toor won the Innovative Programming Award at the EducationUSA Global Townhall held in December. This recognition shines a spotlight on advisers who are passionate about advising and introduce innovative ideas to enhance their center’s services. Shiza’s notable accomplishments include leading a group of nine Pakistani ...
On October 25, Fulbright Specialist Alumnus Dr. Jim Robinson, Fulbright alumna and mental health counselor Fizza Suhail, and Casim Ovais, a pioneer of improvisational comedy in Pakistan, led a workshop at USEFP’s Lahore office. The interactive presentation and discussion aimed to highlight the psychological benefits of the improvisational mindset in ...
USEFP regrets to announce the passing of Harriet Mayor Fulbright, the first Executive Director of the Fulbright Association and Senator J. William Fulbright’s widow. Other than the Senator, Harriet was the Fulbright Program’s greatest ambassador and advocate. Her demise marks the end of an era and the loss of a ...
Each year, selecting the Fulbright student cohort is not easy – and this year, too, was no exception. Our Programs department received 1,304 applications from 139 universities across the country. Of these, 134 were chosen: 114 for Master’s and 20 for PhD programs. A fastidious process To pick the most ...
For the second time this year, EducationUSA’s South Asia Tour brought U.S. university representatives to Pakistan, with five of the 14 universities touring Pakistan for the first time. From September 17 to 27, the representatives were able to build lasting connections with students, parents, counselors, and key administrators in Pakistani ...
The Alumni department in partnership with the Institute of International Education awarded 29 grant awards to Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship alumni in Pakistan. The awards were given under the Humphrey Alumni Awards banner and successful applicants were selected through an application process comprising 55 proposals reviewed jointly by the U.S. ...
From July 9 to 21, nine high school counselors took part in a two-week professional development journey organized by EducationUSA and sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan. The group attended the annual International Association for College Admission Counseling (International ACAC) conference in Miami and then took part in campus tours organized ...
This summer, EducationUSA received a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan to send four talented high school students to the EducationUSA Academy, a pre-college academic enrichment program. The academy offers international students the chance to partake in college-level writing workshops, campus visits, preparatory undergraduate classes, and cultural activities. Students ...
Under the ongoing U.S. – Pakistan University Partnerships Grants Program (UPGP) 2020-2023, two faculty development programs were launched this quarter. USD 40,000 grant to strengthen management faculty The University of Peshawar’s Institute of Management Studies commenced a five-month teacher training and development program featuring eight public and private sector university ...
An alumni meeting was held at USEFP’s Islamabad office on September 22. The main objective was to plan the 17th Annual Fulbright Alumni Conference. After some productive conversations, the alumni in attendance decided that the conference will be held in the capital from January 12 to 14, 2024, and the ...
A successful visit to Pakistan should always include three things: good food, cultural exploration, and some time to take it all in! When planning the South Asia Tour this fall, Team EdUSA certainly did not miss this memo. The group of 14 U.S. university representatives thoroughly enjoyed many touristy activities ...
This quarter, USEFP’s testing labs garnered high praise from Prometric for providing state-of-the-art examination services in Pakistan. Based on audit performance, candidate survey scores, and a few other measures, the Lahore and Islamabad labs were ranked among the top ten in the entire Australasian region. Some other highlights of the ...
Over the past few months, U.S. professionals and scholars visited Pakistan under the Fulbright Specialist program for two to six weeks to undertake collaborative projects with their counterparts in educational institutions across the country. While their projects covered a wide range of subjects, the end goal remained the same: developing ...
Recently, we traveled across Pakistan, from Gilgit to Karachi, to talk to students about the prestigious Fulbright Program. The team, which included Executive Director Rita Akhtar, Program Director Saleem Razaque, and officers from the Program department, conducted several outreach sessions at public and private colleges and universities. They interacted with ...
In celebration of the Hubert. H. Humphrey Fellowship Program’s 45th anniversary, USEFP’s Alumni department partnered with the Institute of International Education (IIE) to launch the Humphrey Alumni Awards Program. The two limited grant opportunities – the Humphrey Alumni Impact Awards and the Humphrey Alumni Professional Development Grant – are funded ...
This summer, Senior EducationUSA Adviser Aman Bashir and EducationUSA Advising Director Katherine Aziz represented the team at the 75th NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo in Washington D.C. USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar was also in attendance. From May 30 to June 2, Bashir and Aziz showcased EducationUSA Pakistan’s programming to ...
This quarter saw the end of the academic year, which meant many happy graduation stories. As our Pakistani students in the United States donned their graduation robes and caps, we celebrated with them in spirit. Here are some graduation stories from our newly minted Fulbright alumni: Mahwish Khan Khan graduated ...
The highly anticipated EducationUSA South Asia Tour 2023 was announced this quarter, which means Team EducationUSA Pakistan is already hard at work to see it all come together. The tour, catering to U.S. higher education institutions eager to converse with and recruit students from the region, will also cover Sri ...
Under the on-going U.S. – Pakistan University Partnerships Grants Program (UPGP), the Alumni department awarded five new grant awards to the following institutions: International Islamic University Islamabad (Department of Politics and International Relations) Kinnaird College (Post Graduate Department of English Literature) University of Balochistan (Institute of Management Sciences) University of ...
For many lucky students, the summer season is characterized by a scramble to apply for U.S. study visas as acceptances roll in. To ensure that these students get all the information they are looking for, EducationUSA programming includes multiple visa-related sessions, and this quarter was no exception. Addition to the ...
The EducationUSA Opportunity Fund (OF) program helps students overcome seemingly unsurmountable odds to realize their dream of an American education. The brightest, most talented students who lack the financial resources to cover even up-front costs of obtaining admission (such as testing, application fees, and airfare) work closely with EducationUSA advisers ...
This quarter, under the banner of Fulbright Connect, the Alumni department organized nationwide events to promote alumni engagement and networking. Hosted in Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta and Gilgit, the events brought together Fulbright alumni from the Master’s, PhD, Scholar, FLTA, and Humphrey Fellowship programs and were also attended by U.S. ...
This quarter, EducationUSA Pakistan donated the latest GRE and TOEFL preparation books to 19 Lincoln Corners across the country. Students who want to study in the United States can visit the Lincoln Corner closest to them and peruse these books at leisure. Many higher education institutions in the United States ...
USEFP’s testing labs cleared all fortnightly audits carried out by Prometric to check the effectiveness of testing operations in Pakistan. Throughout the quarter, the team consistently adhered to standard operating procedures and security measures, ensuring an impeccable examination experience for test takers across the country. Some other highlights of the ...
The eagerly awaited 2024 Fulbright Student competition for Master’s and PhD level students commenced in January, with the closing date set for April 12. The announcement received wide press coverage. In a message to potential applicants, USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar encouraged talented students and working professionals to learn more ...
USEFP also announced two competitive non-degree programs this quarter: the 2024 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship and the 2024 Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program. The Humphrey Fellowship is a 10- to 12-month program that targets mid-level professionals who want to build on their knowledge base by enrolling in non-degree coursework ...
Resumed after a three-year hiatus, EducationUSA’s South Asia Tour brought 20 U.S. university representatives to Pakistan from February 5 to 15. Over the course of the tour, representatives engaged in various educational, social, and networking activities, including large university fairs in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. These fairs saw a record ...
On March 23, the President of Pakistan bestowed civil awards on three alumni for their outstanding services in various fields. Team USEFP congratulates them for this outstanding achievement. Here’s more about the alumni: Saima Saleem Saima Saleem, Pakistan’s first visually impaired diplomat and Foreign Service Program alumna, was awarded the ...
The university fairs were, by no means, the only highlight of the EducationUSA South Asia Tour that brought 20 U.S. universities to Pakistan in February. Team EducationUSA provided various other platforms to make the tour as beneficial as possible, including carefully curated visits to local high schools and universities and ...
The testing department began the year on a high note as Prometric gave USEFP’s testing sites in Islamabad and Lahore the ‘Inspired Test Center’ award for the second time running. This honor is bestowed on only a handful of highly efficient centers across the globe on a quarterly basis. Some ...
This quarter saw a string of well-attended alumni events. Two of the highlights were: A discussion on human memory In January, Dr. Syed Iqbal Raza, former chair of USEFP’s Board of Directors and a prominent Humphrey alumnus, led a talk at the Fulbright house titled ‘Storage of Human Memory and ...
They say a good mix of work and play is required for any successful tour – and Team EdUSA certainly did not miss this memo. With half of the representatives on the EducationUSA South Asia tour visiting Pakistan for the first time, the group thoroughly enjoyed many tourism activities skillfully ...
This quarter, we welcomed five new members to Team USEFP. Omer Bashir Omer, an EducationUSA adviser in Karachi, recently moved to Pakistan after having lived in Houston, Texas for the past 12 years. He has been in the educational sector for seven years and is passionate about helping students achieve ...
USEFP regrets to announce the passing of Global UGRAD and Fulbright alumnus Anum Nawaz in February 2023. Ms. Nawaz was a writer, psychologist, and artist. She was the founder of Canvas Connection, a platform for exhibiting and selling artwork inspired by abstract expressionism, and the co-founder of My Voices Unheard, ...
In collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and the Humphrey Alumni Association of Pakistan (HAAP), USEFP organized the 4th Annual Humphrey Alumni Conference in Islamabad. Titled ‘Combating Climate Change: Finding a Broad-Based Remedy for the Future’ the conference aimed at finding multidisciplinary solutions to the climate crisis and devising ...
This quarter, USEFP arranged a two-day pre-departure orientation (PDO) in Islamabad for 51 students selected for the Global Undergraduate Semester Exchange (Global UGRAD) Program. The PDO aimed to prepare the students for a smooth transition to life in the United States by covering topics such as campus life, American culture, ...
Ethan Rosenzweig, the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for Academic Programs at the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), called on USEFP in Islamabad on December 16. He toured the premises, met the organization’s core team, and enjoyed conversations over lunch. DAS Rosenzweig was appointed by U.S. President Joe Biden ...
EducationUSA celebrated International Education Week (IEW), November 14-18, with a series of in-person, hybrid, and virtual events that underscored the advantages of U.S. higher education. Geared towards students, parents, and school counselors, these activities focused on the unparalleled international student experience and the wealth of quality programs and opportunities available ...
The Testing department ended the year on a high note as Prometric bestowed all three centers with the ‘Inspired Test Center’ award for their outstanding performance in delivering quality examination services in Pakistan. This honor is given to highly competent centers across the globe on a quarterly basis. Some other ...
In October, EducationUSA’s Lahore and Karachi teams ventured out of their cities to hold sessions in Sargodha, Faisalabad, Daharki, and Hyderabad. These sessions proved to be a great success as they introduced many new students, counselors, and school administrators to EducationUSA’s advising services and tangible prospects of studying in the ...
EducationUSA Pakistan’s last ‘all advisers meeting’ of the year was held in Lahore from November 29-30. Advisers from all three centers assembled at USEFP’s Lahore office for two productive days of strategic planning, in-depth conversations, presentations, and group activities. Some highlights included a pertinent discussion on finding the right balance ...
This quarter, we welcomed Zahra Khan as an EducationUSA adviser in Karachi and Abeerah Fatima Mubasher as Assistant Communication Officer in Islamabad. Khan received a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from New York University. Prior to joining EducationUSA in 2022, she worked in development consulting and psychological research in Pakistan. Now ...
In a bid to promote educational and cultural exchange between the United States and Pakistan, 189 students were awarded the prestigious Fulbright scholarship this year to pursue advanced studies and research in the United States. Most of these students started their Master’s and PhD degrees in various disciplines this fall ...
For the on-going U.S.–Pakistan University Partnerships Grants Program (UPGP), this quarter saw a flurry of activity. Here are some of the highlights: In July and August, USEFP launched three new grants for the Lahore College for Women University, the Institute of Management Sciences in Peshawar, and the University of Science ...
Forty-eight Global UGRAD students arrived in Washington, D.C. on August 2 for the first in-person Welcome Workshop of the program since January 2020. It was held at Gallaudet University before the participants traveled to their U.S. host colleges and universities – a total of 39 host institutions in 24 states. ...
This September, Team EducationUSA Pakistan collaborated with its South Asian partners in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh to host virtual graduate and undergraduate education fairs. The two online events were held a week apart: the Graduate Virtual Fair took place on September 3 for prospective Master’s and PhD students, and the ...
This quarter was a productive one for EducationUSA Pakistan advisers as they orchestrated multiple in-person, hybrid, and virtual events and campaigns that garnered significant traction. Here are some of the highlights: Networking High Teas for Counselors For the first time in three years, the Islamabad and Lahore offices resumed the ...
To celebrate 75 years of U.S.–Pakistan relations and highlight the achievements of alumni, USEFP launched a special video series in August called USEFP Leaders and Luminaries. The five-part series features Fulbright, Global UGRAD, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship, and Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) alumni. These trailblazers belong to different regions ...
EducationUSA Pakistan held its seventh annual Creative Writing Contest for students aged 16 to 19 this summer. Over 240 high schoolers from across the country participated by submitting original works of fiction on one of the following prompts: Write a story about a never-seen-before magical object that turns up along ...
This summer, EducationUSA advisers Maryam Khan and Ayesha Siddiqi attended the EducationUSA Forum and the International Association for College Admission Counseling (IACAC)’s 2022 conference respectively. EducationUSA Forum The annual forum was held in Washington D.C. from August 2 to August 4. The program included concurrent information sessions, a global showcase, ...
This quarter, the testing department continued to efficiently administer exams in a challenging yet rewarding environment. Even as new tests and formats were introduced, Covid-19 safety protocols remained firmly in place. Here are some highlights: Considerable interest in PTE After the launch of the Pearson Test of English (PTE), a ...
USEFP announced two competitive non-degree programs in June: the 2023 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship and the 2023 Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program. The Humphrey Fellowship is a 10- to 12-month program aimed at mid-level professionals who want to build on their knowledge base by enrolling in non-degree coursework and ...
This quarter, under the U.S.-Pakistan University Partnerships Grants Program (UPGP), the Karakoram International University (KIU) in Gilgit, Isra university in Hyderabad, and the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad conducted faculty development training programs in collaboration with higher education institutions in the United States. Extensive trainings KIU’s six-month ...
This quarter, EducationUSA Pakistan donated GRE and TOEFL preparation books to 18 Lincoln Corners across the country and the American Center in Islamabad. Prospective students who want to apply to the United States can peruse these books at the Lincoln Corner closest to them. Many higher education institutions in the ...
On April 1, USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar attended the Fulbright Prize Ceremony and Fulbright Association Luncheon in Washington, DC. She was also part of the International Selection Committee that chose Bono, lead singer of U2, as the recipient of the 2021 J. William Fulbright Prize for International Understanding. In ...
EducationUSA Pakistan’s first in-person ‘all advisers meeting’ in two years was held in the capital city from May 16-19. Advisers from all three offices assembled at USEFP’s Islamabad office for a productive week of discussions, presentations, and group activities. Some highlights included a tour of the National Library of Pakistan, ...
Anushay Anjum – New York University (NYU) As part of the Opportunity Funds (OF) cohort inducted in 2020, Anushay worked with EducationUSA advisers in Islamabad for two years… and all that work paid off when she received a full ride to NYU as a Presidential Honors Scholar. She will be starting college ...
The Humphrey Alumni Association of Pakistan (HAAP)’s Islamabad/Rawalpindi Chapter convened at the USEFP office in the capital city on May 31. Fifteen fellows attended the event, which was primarily organized to welcome HAAP President Dr. Lubna Ayub to Islamabad from Karachi. Over a cup of tea, the Humphrey alumni enjoyed meeting ...
Our Fulbright alumni continue to make us proud and Aaishay Haque, who graduated from Penn State University in Spring 2022 with an MA in Applied Behavior Analysis and a 4.0 GPA, is certainly no exception. During her time in the U.S., Haque became the first Pakistani to be awarded the ...
The Testing department once again saw a busy quarter. Before the 2023 Fulbright Student competition closed on May 11, the team opened extra slots and dates to accommodate more test-takers, responded to Fulbright testing queries in a timely manner, and even provided registration services to any student who did not ...
The highly anticipated 2023 Fulbright Student competition for Master’s and PhD level students commenced in February, with the closing date set for May 11. The announcement received wide press coverage. In a message to potential applicants, USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar encouraged anyone who is eligible, plans to work for ...
In celebration of 75 years of U.S. – Pakistan relations, USEFP held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new headquarters in Islamabad. Those in attendance included the U.S. Mission, Ministry of Education representatives, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan officials, USEFP Board members, vice-chancellors, guests, and alumni. As a symbol of binational ...
Our team marked the beginning of the New Year with the launch of the EducationUSA Pakistan Mobile App. The free digital tool bolsters EducationUSA’s sustained efforts to bring accurate, comprehensive, and current information to students, parents, and educators about opportunities to study at accredited postsecondary institutions in the United States. ...
This quarter, the USEFP team, assisted by EducationUSA advisers, initiated and implemented an extensive outreach program for the 2023 Fulbright Student competition. The multi-fold plan, which will pan out completely by May, includes 58 virtual sessions, various in-person visits to universities, and comprehensive social media marketing. A digital world Of ...
Each year, Team EducationUSA Pakistan revels in the acceptances that roll in for our Opportunity Fund (OF) cohort – a batch of exceptional, driven students who are likely to be awarded full financial aid from U.S. colleges but lack the financial resources to cover upfront costs of obtaining admission. These ...
We spoke to Dr. Nudrat Piracha, a promising young lawyer who has been making waves recently, about her Fulbright experience, her book launch, the vital work she’s currently doing, and so much more… What led you to apply for the Fulbright Program? A desire to grow and excel. I was ...
This quarter, EducationUSA Pakistan’s programming included a distinct focus on life after university and the advantages of a U.S. education in the professional world. During three well-received sessions, panelists and EducationUSA advisers discussed career mapping, their own work trajectories, and changing nature of the professional sphere today. What to aim ...
This quarter saw a significant drop in the Covid-19 infection rate, allowing the Testing department to return to full seating from March 10. This coincided with an increase in GRE registration requests following the 2023 Fulbright announcement, and additional test takers were accommodated smoothly. Here are some highlights from this ...
Selecting the Fulbright student cohort each year is not an easy feat. And this year, too, was no exception. Our Programs department received and processed 1,191 applications from 112 universities from across the country. Of these, 213 were chosen: 138 for Master’s and 75 or PhD programs. A fastidious process ...
This quarter, nineteen Pakistani post-doctoral scholars received Fulbright Scholar grants to conduct groundbreaking research at leading U.S. universities. Funded by the United States Government, the Fulbright Scholar Program is a 12-month program consisting of lectures and post-doctoral research. “[This] program is not only highly competitive and an honor for those ...
Despite the non-traditional circumstances of programming this year, EducationUSA Pakistan celebrated International Education Week (IEW) 2021 with as much enthusiasm and fervor as previous years. High Achievers’ and Counselors’ Recognition Ceremony The week kicked off with a ceremony to applaud the outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements of 221 Pakistani students ...
A team helmed by Fulbrighter Adeel Yousaf won first place at the International Free Mission Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Competition. Organized under the banner of TEKNOFEST – one of the biggest tech events of the world – the contest was held in Bursa, Turkey, in September 2021. Over 240 teams from ...
To ease the transition of many students set to begin their studies on U.S. campuses in Spring 2022, EducationUSA Pakistan organized a two-day virtual pre-departure orientation (PDO) in December. Both 90-minute sessions featured presentations from professionals and experts in the field, followed by interactive breakout rooms aimed to prepare students ...
This quarter, Team EducationUSA Pakistan actively worked to increase its presence on various campuses. This was achieved through a myriad of sponsorships and collaborations, which helped familiarize hundreds of young students with EducationUSA, USEFP, and higher education opportunities in the United States. Model UN The City School Model United Nations ...
USEFP would like to congratulate Dr. Nasir Jamal Khattak who has recently been inducted as Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Swabi. He has over three decades of teaching and research experience and has served in key positions at various institutions. He was the VC of the Kohat University ...
This quarter, the Testing department duly accommodated an increase in registrations for important tests, such as the TOEFL iBT, as it continued to smoothly administer crucial examinations to students and professionals alike. Like the previous quarter, stringent Covid-19 protocols remained firmly in place: staff and test-takers were masked at all ...
This quarter, we welcomed a new EducationUSA adviser to the team: Sana Hasan graduated from Mount Holyoke College with a degree in Psychology and English. She thoroughly enjoyed her liberal arts college experience and now helps prospective undergraduates navigate the application process for universities in the USA. In her free ...
USEFP regrets to announce the passing of Global UGRAD alumnus Haresh Kumar. Mr. Kumar attended the Oklahoma State University in the fall of 2017 as a part of the exchange program. Last year, through the Community Development Initiative (CDI), he raised awareness about water-saving techniques and the prevention of waterborne ...
This quarter has been a significant one in terms of monumental anniversaries. August 1st marked 75 years of the Fulbright Program and September 23rd marked 71 years since the founding of USEFP. Over the decades, the foundation has done outstanding work in promoting cross-cultural understanding, honing the skills of future ...
As part of the U.S.-Pakistan educational cooperation, approximately 142 Pakistani undergraduate students received Global Undergraduate Exchange (Global UGRAD) Program scholarships to study in the United States for one semester and 139 Pakistanis received Fulbright scholarships to pursue graduate studies and research at leading U.S. universities. Now these students are all ...
The U.S. University Virtual Fair 2021, hosted by EducationUSA, was a resounding success. Over 100 accredited U.S. college and university representatives interacted with prospective undergraduate and graduate students as they explored the diverse academic programs available to them at world-class educational institutions in the United States. “Education is vital to ...
Dr. Amjad Saqib founded Akhuwat, an interest- and collateral-free microfinance program, nearly two decades ago. Today, that same not-for-profit program has grown into Pakistan’s largest microfinance institution that helps millions of poor families – and it has now won Dr. Saqib the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2021, the ‘Nobel prize of ...
EducationUSA Pakistan organized a Virtual Pre-Departure Orientation (VPDO) from July 12-16 for students set to begin their studies on a U.S. campus in Fall 2021. The daily hour-long sessions aimed to prepare students for a smooth transition to life in the United States by covering topics such as: preparation and ...
EducationUSA Pakistan’s annual CampUSA went virtual for the second year running. Over a period of three weeks, registered campers took part in interactive, engaging sessions on everything they needed to know about the attending college in the United States. Over 34 students from seven cities were a part of the ...
We spoke to Dr. Zaeem Zia, the District Health Officer currently heading the mass vaccination efforts in Islamabad, about his Fulbright experience, the crucial work he is doing, and so much more… What led you to apply for the Fulbright Program? As a student, I always wanted to study abroad ...
This quarter saw the launch of the second season of Fulbright Talks, featuring 21 Fulbrighters who discussed various issues important to Pakistan’s socio-economic development. The speakers were selected for their immense contributions in their professional fields. Some of the topics showcased this season were: Research findings on child sexual abuse ...
USEFP would like to congratulate Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq Ahmed, an Inland Revenue Service officer and Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow, for his induction as chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). A keen learner, Dr. Ahmed went to the University of Washington in 2010 on a Humphrey Fellowship to further ...
EducationUSA Pakistan once again held its annual Creative Writing Contest for students ages 16 to19 this summer. High school students from across the country participated by submitting original works of fiction that began with the following line: “I pressed the red button and everyone around me lost their memory.” Over ...
Building on the activities of the last quarter, the testing department continued to deliver important standardized exams that enable students and professionals to pursue their goals. Strict Covid-19 protocols remained firmly in place, such as always being masked on the premises, maintaining social distance, and consistently sanitizing hands and all ...
USEFP regrets to announce the tragic passing of Fulbright alumnus Nauman Afzal Afridi. Mr. Afridi was a career civil servant working in the Pakistan Administrative Service since 2005 with a stellar record of performance. Over the years, he took on various administrative positions in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including ...
USEFP announced two competitive non-degree programs – the Humphrey H. Humphrey Fellowship and the Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program – on June 13. The Humphrey Fellowship is a 10- to 12-month program aimed at mid-level professionals who want to build on their knowledge base by enrolling in non-degree coursework ...
In a step toward expanding U.S.-Pakistan educational cooperation, USEFP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to support 125 Pakistanis to pursue PhD studies in the United States, 25 per year for five years. The MoU extends an agreement that funded 125 Fulbright-HEC PhD scholarships ...
The Ramadan Speaker Series hosted by EducationUSA in Pakistan is the cornerstone of programming during the month of fasting. Events are typically held later in the day and capped by a hearty iftar. This year, due to the pandemic, EducationUSA Pakistan continued its annual series virtually. The four Facebook Live ...
EducationUSA advisers work closely with students across the country to increase their chances of fulfilling their dream of a U.S. education. This quarter, we are proud to present six success stories – all these students are headed to schools of their choice this fall. Shayan Husham New York University – ...
Efficient testing services are a crucial part of the higher education process and the USEFP Testing Department’s ability to keep the labs running safely and smoothly is testament to that belief. The score issued by Prometric after the annual audit – an impressive 90 percent – has squarely placed USEFP ...
Edkasa, a fast-growing education technology startup co-founded by Fulbright alum Annum Sadiq, aims to solve what is arguably the country’s biggest problem: access to quality education. With a user base of 55,000 students already, over one million hours of recorded viewing time, more than 250,000 answered student queries in just ...
The EducationUSA Pakistan team places significant emphasis on professional development, networking, and the exchange of ideas and information. For this reason, advisers attend various conferences each year, networking with and learning from top administrators and peers from around the world, who have similar experiences and challenges in the field of ...
Dr. Mohsen Ali and Dr. Izza Aftab are making waves. The pair of Fulbright alum, both professors at the Information Technology University in Lahore, have bagged the coveted Google Research Scholar Award worth USD 60,000 – and they are the only Pakistanis to have won this year. Work that makes ...
We recently spoke to Waqas Idrees, a young energy expert, about his Fulbright experience, his professional trajectory, and so much more. What led you to apply for the Fulbright Program? During my undergraduate studies, I was unable to attend my dream school due to limited finances, so I enrolled in ...
USEFP would like to congratulate the following Fulbright alumni who have recently been inducted as Vice Chancellors: Dr. Kanwal Ameen, University of Home Economics, Lahore Dr. Ameen is an award-winning teacher, author, and researcher who pursued her post-doctoral studies in library science at the University of Missouri in 2010. Before ...
Muhammad Imran Bokhari joined USEFP as Coordinator Testing Services in May 2021. Before this, he served as the project manager for a Department for International Development (DFID) school rehabilitation project in South Punjab. He has also worked with the Aga Khan Development Network, the United Nations, and the Pakistan Poverty ...
By Waseem Anwar* Because “the seeing” eyes “see” very “little,” his inward eye could see it all, and like Milton, Keller, Beethoven* he made, look big, the smallest of small. Where no one dared, he glided smooth, in every ‘clave of blessed souls, to track the strangest, untrodden paths that ever ...
Aspiring students benefit from hearing first-hand experiences of those who have already benefited from a U.S. education and therefore our advisers actively engage alumni as a part of their digital outreach. Since July 2020, 36 virtual sessions have been attended by over 450 prospective students. “While applying to universities, it’s ...
The EducationUSA Opportunity Funds (OF) program helps students from all over the world overcome seemingly unsurmountable odds to obtain a U.S. education. The brightest students who lack even the financial resources to cover the up-front costs of obtaining admission (such as testing, application fees, and airfare) work closely with advisers ...
USEFP announced the opening of the 2022 Fulbright Student competition in March. Since 2005, Pakistan’s Fulbright Program is the world’s largest in terms of financial contribution from the U.S. Government. The Government of Pakistan, through the Higher Education Commission (HEC), has also provided generous support. Every year approximately 100 Pakistanis ...
We recently spoke to Dr. Razia Sultana, an accomplished academic, who shared her thoughts on the Fulbright Program, her professional trajectory, and so much more… What led you to apply for the Fulbright Program? Fulbright is a prestigious and competitive scholarship program and candidates across the world vie to be ...
