Islamabad, July 21, 2017
This year’s Pre-departure Orientation (PDO) for grantees of the Global Undergraduate (Global UGRAD) Program brought over 100 Pakistani students to Islamabad for a chance to get better acquainted with the program, and its participants. The U.S. Government-funded Global UGRAD program allows students enrolled in undergraduate programs in Pakistan to spend a semester studying at American colleges and universities.
U.S. Ambassador, David Hale speaking to the grantees at the Global UGRAD PDO in Islamabad.
U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan, David Hale congratulated the students attending, and remarked on the importance of the exchange program.
“Meeting with bright, enthusiastic students like you is one of the best parts of my job,” said Ambassador Hale. “The United States has a long tradition of embracing international students, and I am certain that each of you will represent your nation well and return home to Pakistan with new ideas and skills.”
Managed by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), the Global UGRAD Program has gained immense popularity among Pakistani university going students, with approximately 1,400 Pakistani students having participated in the program since its launch in 2010. This year’s Global UGRAD participants hail from across Pakistan and represent a broad range of academic fields including engineering, business administration, and the sciences.
UGRAD grantees sneak in a few selfies with U.S. Minister Counselor for Public Affairs, Christina Tomlinson!
Also speaking at the event, USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar encouraged students to take full advantage of the academic and extracurricular activities available in the U.S.
“Global UGRAD is not only an academic experience,” Akhtar said. “It is an opportunity to explore community service programs, to share your culture with the Americans you meet, and to broaden your perspective in other ways.”
I believe that everyone has a turning point that changes everything for them. The Global UGRAD Program was that turning point for me.” – Global UGRAD Alumnus, Khushal das Parmar, University of Wisconsin – Richland (Spring 2017)
Khushal das Parmar, and Alvina Ahmad are Global UGRAD alumni who exemplify the success of the program, which provides training, leadership, and community engagement skills to a diverse group of youth leaders from underserved populations across Pakistan.
“I come from the district of Tharparkar, considered one of the most underprivileged areas of Pakistan,” said Khushal. “Since returning from my exchange program, I hope to utilize my skills to the best of my abilities, and contribute towards improving education standards in villages of Tharparkar.”
Similarly, Alvina referenced to the Global UGRAD program as a unifying factor between diverse nations.
“After my return, I have come to realize that what I have in common with my international friends is, faith and hope that each of our countries and its people are striving for excellence,” she said.
Congratulations Global UGRAD grantees!
USEFP is now accepting applications for Global UGRAD Program. To learn more about eligibility, and how to apply, visit here.
