Islamabad, July 14, 2017
A pre-departure orientation (PDO) was held in Islamabad to celebrate the success of this year’s final candidates for the Fulbright Degree Program. The program is the American government’s flagship academic exchange program, and the program in Pakistan is one of the largest in the world thanks to contributions by both the American and Pakistani governments.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jonathan Pratt congratulated Pakistani students and scholars on receiving the prestigious Fulbright scholarship.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jonathan Pratt congratulated 173 Pakistani students and scholars on receiving the prestigious Fulbright scholarship to pursue advanced studies and research in the United States.
“You made it through an incredibly competitive application process, and you and your families should be very proud of your achievement,” Chargé d’Affaires Pratt said. “I’m especially pleased to see such a diverse group of Fulbright participants here, representing the many geographical regions of Pakistan and different walks of life.”
In addition to this year’s cohort being 54 percent female, this year’s grantees will attend 85 U.S. universities across the U.S. They will pursue a wide variety of academic disciplines, including engineering, social sciences, and energy management.
“The Fulbright Program offers participants an unparalleled opportunity to conduct innovative research and study alongside American peers,” said U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) Executive Director Rita Akhtar. “This academic experience has a transformative effect not only on individual participants, but also on their communities after they return home.”
In addition to this year’s cohort being 54 percent female, this year’s grantees will attend 85 U.S. universities across the U.S. They will pursue a wide variety of academic disciplines, including engineering, social sciences, and energy management.
Fulbright alumni in Pakistan are contributing their professional and educational experience towards the betterment of their communities and society across a variety of sectors in the country. 2014 Master’s Program alumna, Saima Yawar had the opportunity to speak at the PDO regarding her experience at Georgia State University on a Fulbright scholarship.
“When I look at Pakistan and my own journey, I see this program as a cornerstone for development of the future brand of leaders in my country,” she commented. “Pakistani students have gone to pursue study or research in the U.S. and returned to share gains of international learning, whether through continuing research back home or supporting the local communities and economy through business ventures.”
After completing their grant, this year’s cohort joins over 370,000 global participants from around the world as they undertake research, implement skills and ideas, teach, and contribute to society.
Congratulations to the 2017 Fulbright cohort!
Applications for the Fulbright Degree Program are closed for this year. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit www.usefpakistan.org.
