Last quarter, Senior Adviser Aman Bashir traveled to Los Angeles (LA) to represent EducationUSA Pakistan at the annual National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) conference from September 26 to 28. This was followed by campus visits in LA and Pittsburg, arming Bashir with a wealth of new information to bring back to his students.
Professional development
Every year, the NACAC conference brings together educators, counselors, and admission officers from across the world. Touted as “the premier conference” for college admission professionals, it features insightful sessions, in-depth discussions, and a plethora of networking opportunities for experts to form meaningful connections that could serve them in further supporting their students in their transition to higher education.
This year, Karen Bauer, EducationUSA’s regional educational advising manager for South and Central Asia, led a standout session that provided valuable insights about student mobility and support services in the region. Bashir was at hand to offer Pakistan-specific information.
“NACAC was an incredible opportunity. I truly learned a lot by engaging with peers and experts in the field,” said Bashir. “It was an honor to represent EducationUSA Pakistan.”
LA calling
After the conference, Bashir and a group of EducationUSA advisers from various countries visited the California State University, Northridge (CSUN) campus to explore facilities and programs. Faculty and staff members were quick to share information about academic programs, support services for international students, and campus life.
Graduate opportunities in Pittsburgh
The group then traveled to Pittsburgh, where they toured the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University. These visits were instrumental in gaining a deeper understanding of graduate programs and admissions processes at these institutions.
“The graduate school recruiters we met provided detailed information on application requirements, funding opportunities, and student life. Both universities gave us comprehensive campus tours, allowing us to explore their state-of-the-art facilities and vibrant student communities. The University of Pittsburgh impressed me with its strong emphasis on research and innovation, while Carnegie Mellon stood out for its cutting-edge programs in technology and engineering,” said Bashir.
