From July 13 to 25, ten high school counselors from Pakistan participated in EducationUSA’s Counselor Training Institute (CTI) 2025, a two-week immersion sponsored by the U.S. Embassy and aimed at building counseling capacity in Pakistan. The group toured multiple campuses in Boston, attended two receptions, and engaged in various activities focused on the U.S. application process.
Campus classrooms come alive
Over two packed weeks, the carefully crafted itinerary took the counselors across Massachusetts, where every campus offered a distinct story – from innovation at MIT and creativity at Emerson, to community at Bunker Hill and tradition at Wellesley. The visits brought the variety of U.S. higher education to life beyond brochures and rankings. The group gained insight into the academic environments, student culture, and campus values that shape education in the United States.
“Each campus had its own unique personality, and each visit opened my eyes to what a powerful experience studying in the United States could be for our students,” said Zarafsha Hameed from Supernova School in Islamabad. “I now feel super confident speaking about each of these campuses because I have profoundly experienced them.”
Syed Murtaza Hasan from Karachi’s Cedar College agreed.
“Everything we learned during campus visits was extremely beneficial. We saw how universities operate and make their admission decisions, and how we can improve student profiles. I will now do everything possible to make sure U.S. universities receive complete, solid applications from my students,” he said.
For Sahar Saleemi from Aitchison College, Lahore, visiting such a diverse range of institutions brought the concept of “best fit” to life.
“We experienced the ethos of liberal arts education at Mount Holyoke, Wellesley, and Brandeis; explored business and entrepreneurship at Babson and Bentley; and gained insight into creative learning at Emerson,” she said. “The visit to Bunker Hill Community College offered a valuable perspective on access and alternative pathways, while dinner with UMass Dartmouth allowed for informal yet insightful exchange. Having seen these varied campuses, I can now offer students and parents firsthand guidance on what different types of institutions provide – helping them find the right academic, social, and cultural fit, not just a familiar name.”
The campuses visited were:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Northeastern University
- Tufts University
- Wentworth Institute of Technology
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) (Fenway)
- Boston University
- Bunker Hill Community College
- Harvard University
- UMass Boston
- Emerson College
- Bentley University
- Brandeis University
- Babson College
- Wellesley College
- Olin College of Engineering
- Mount Holyoke College
Learning, linking, and leading
Along with campus visits, the schedule was ripe with other opportunities for professional development and cultural immersion. Counselors attended the International Association for College Admission Counseling (International ACAC) annual conference at Northeastern University which included sessions on admissions trends, financial aid, diversity and inclusion, and the evolving test-optional landscape. Over six nights on Northeastern’s campus, they participated in dynamic university fairs, engaged in networking receptions, and explored campus life.
“The International ACAC conference gave me valuable insight into evolving admission trends, practical tools and usage of AI for application support, and a strong professional network of hundreds of university representatives and counselors,” said Sadia Qayyum from Roots Millenium School in Mirpur. “These connections and resources will directly enhance my ability to guide students more effectively.”
And like any other EducationUSA plan, there was a healthy mix of fun and professional development throughout the trip. The group explored Boston’s historic landmarks, thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant city life, and made friendships that will last a lifetime.
“Belonging to a cohesive counseling community was my most powerful takeaway,” said Nausheen Hammad from Saint Michaels Convent School in Karachi. “The strength and validation that came from this sense of community was beyond any rolodex of business cards and tools. Thank you, EducationUSA, for an unparalleled experience that we will never forget.”
