This summer, around 269 Pakistani students admitted to U.S. universities attended EducationUSA’s pre-departure orientations (PDOs) in three cities. These engaging sessions aimed to equip students with necessary information to enable a smooth transition to a new academic and cultural environment.
EducationUSA hosts these events every year for students about to commence their bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programs of study. These PDOs also serve as a celebration of the students’ success.
Conducted at the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad on July 8, and at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Lahore and Karachi on July 10 and July 12 respectively, the events provided crucial information on the American education system, cultural adaptation, student life, classroom culture, and parent preparedness. Attendees also included parents, counselors, alumni, and members of the U.S. consulates and embassy. Along with skillfully crafted panel discussions and productive games, all three PDOs also held a raffle draw that generated a lot of buzz.
According to the International Institute of Education’s 2023 Open Doors report, more than 10,000 Pakistanis studied at U.S. higher education institutions in the 2022-2023 academic year, a 16 percent increase over the prior year. This trend corresponds to the highest-ever international student enrollment rate reported in the United States over the last 40 years.
“The U.S. government is proud to provide free and comprehensive educational advising services to Pakistani students via EducationUSA. A higher education from the United States offers unique and high-quality opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan’s Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs Bettina Malone.
Many students who attended the orientation had worked closely with EducationUSA advisers during their application process, so these events were celebratory for our team as well.
“We’re thrilled to see the number of Pakistani students in the United States surpass pre-pandemic levels,” said USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar. “A U.S. higher education unlocks countless opportunities for students to grow academically and professionally and these students are beginning an exciting journey. Today we celebrate their success as we prepare them for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”
