EducationUSA celebrated International Education Week (IEW), November 14-18, with a series of in-person, hybrid, and virtual events that underscored the advantages of U.S. higher education. Geared towards students, parents, and school counselors, these activities focused on the unparalleled international student experience and the wealth of quality programs and opportunities available in the United States.
“Both the United States and Pakistan place a high value on educational exchanges and know the impact a first-rate education can make to an individual, a community, and a nation. Each year the U.S. government sends approximately 800 Pakistanis to the United States to study, including fully-funded fellowships for 100 masters and 50 PhD candidates through our flagship Fulbright Program,” said Jacqueline Deley, Acting Country Public Affairs Officer. “These educational opportunities at top-quality U.S. academic institutions represent an important investment in Pakistan’s future and are emblematic of the value the United States places on our partnership and friendship with Pakistan. Upon their return, these students are poised to succeed in their chosen professional fields and make meaningful contributions to Pakistan and the world.”
This year’s celebrations commenced with a hybrid High Achievers’ and Counselors’ Recognition Ceremony to honor 222 exceptional students and recognize the efforts of dedicated counselors from local high schools across Pakistan. Many U.S. higher education institutions participated by pre-screening student profiles and encouraging these potential applicants to apply during the next admissions cycle.
Students, parents and counselors take part in the quiz competition during the High Achievers’ Ceremony at the Lahore office.
Other events included a week-long radio series and a networking tea for counselors at the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, another rendition of the beloved annual Dramatic Reading Contest, various webinars and panel discussions, and science and creative writing activities aimed at building confidence as students begin to think about the future.
All three EducationUSA centers planned IEW programming with the intent to showcase how higher education in the United States is not just about a rigorous academic experience; it is also about immense personal growth.
“With over 4,000 options to choose from, finding a ‘best fit’ school is no easy feat – EducationUSA advisers and counselors in Pakistan are doing a great job of helping strong students identify institutions where they can truly thrive,” said USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar. “Once in the USA, these students find themselves in the unique position of being able to share stories about Pakistan’s rich culture and heritage with people from around the world. IEW activities, driven by the multi-faceted benefits of U.S. higher education, strengthen our commitment to educational exchange between both countries.”
IEW, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, is an annual opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education worldwide.
