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 webinars – hosted in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and Consulates in Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar – raked in over 85,000 views collectively.
Facilitated by the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, EducationUSA Pakistan kick started the series with a diverse panel of Pakistani students currently studying in the United States. The session was a great opportunity to understand first-hand what studying and living in the USA on your own, with limited access to religious facilities or halal food options, can be like. The audience participated enthusiastically by asking questions about how to prepare, both mentally and physically, for their time in the United States.
The second webinar, Job Interviews: The First 5 Minutes, drew in a more focused audience. Hosted by Brian Brendal, Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Lahore, the session stressed the impact of the first few minutes of an interview. Resume writing, standing out from the crowd, and other related topics were also discussed.
For the third session, EducationUSA Pakistan tackled the cryptocurrency buzz that is currently sweeping across the world. Over the last year, cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, have suddenly become household names. With a solid background in technology, finance, and bio-tech industries, Mustafa Vahanvaty, Political Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, helped a diverse audience understand what cryptocurrency is, how it works, and where this industry could be headed in the future.
The concluding session, U.S Culture: Food & Sports, featured Dante Toppo, Political Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, and Muhammad Iqbal, a student at American University. They discussed the cultural significance of food at some of the most popular sporting events in the United States. Much like Pakistan, the United States has its own unique take on how food and sports go hand in hand. Chicken wings, American football, tailgating, chips and guacamole, churros, baseball and the NBA – this webinar discussed it all, and more!
Please visit the EducationUSA Pakistan Facebook page to view these webinars.
