Of the 108 Pakistani undergraduate students awarded the Global Undergraduate Exchange (Global UGRAD) scholarship in the 2024-2025 academic year, 54 are set to embark on their semester exchange journey this month. To help them transition smoothly to colleges across the United States, USEFP hosted a pre-departure orientation in Islamabad. For two days, the selected students came together to learn more about the program, discuss academic expectations and cultural differences, consider strategies for community involvement, and share ideas.
At the orientation, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy Lisa Swenarski shared the U.S. government’s commitment to fostering people-to-people connections between the United States and Pakistan.
“I encourage you to take advantage of every opportunity in and out of the classroom during your time in the United States,” she said while addressing the students. “Enjoy the freedom of intellectual inquiry and respectful debate that are the hallmarks of American campuses and society.”
With students selected from various regions of Pakistan and women making up 59% of the group, this cohort represents a diversity of cultures and fields of study.
“This semester exchange gives American students a chance to meet and learn from Pakistani students, and it gives Pakistani students the opportunity to experience U.S. education and to learn about volunteerism through community service projects,” said USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar. “Thousands of Pakistani university students apply for this program every year, and we are happy to be able to select participants from almost every corner of the country.”
Supporting the development of future leaders of Pakistan, the program has benefitted over 2,600 students who now contribute to the public and private sectors.
