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 Brinn from the U.S. Consul General Lahore had an informal discussion with around 40 students about her work life, schedule, and experiences in Pakistan and other countries.
SSgt Frank from the Lahore consulate and attendees pose for a picture after the session on leadership at the Lahore office.
Other events interspersed throughout the month revolved around community uplift through education, professional development and networking, and how to cultivate leadership potential. All sessions were led by consulate staff members and ended with iftar, with conversations flowing well into the evening.
“There’s really something to be said about coming together during this reflective month, having engaging discussions, and breaking bread as a group,” said a prospective master’s student who attended multiple sessions. “My friends and I always look forward to events at the Lahore office. They’re incredibly helpful.”
Big in-person events
Team Karachi organized two important in-person events during Ramadan: the EducationUSA Networking Iftar for local university representatives and the annual Competitive College Club (CCC) induction ceremony.
The new CCC cohort in Karachi with the EducationUSA team.
The networking event was hosted by Consul General Conrad Tribble at his residence. More than 45 university representatives attended, traded insights into the U.S. application process, gauged trends, and shared stories about the education sector in Sindh. At the CCC event, the team successfully inducted Karachi’s largest cohort to date: 40 students from ten schools across Karachi and Hyderabad.
Panel discussion
Panelists, advisers, and students get ready to break their fast after an invigorating discussion in Islamabad.
On March 21, our Islamabad team hosted a panel discussion to honor women’s history month and Ramadan. Accomplished women alumni of prestigious programs, such as a Humphrey fellow at Emory University and Fulbright scholarship recipients from Columbia University and Harvard University, shared insights on their academic journeys and career paths in Pakistan. The session highlighted the Ramadan experience while studying in the United States. Attendees and panelists later broke their fasts together.
