ISLAMABAD: The US Embassy in Islamabad and its partners are currently accepting applications from Pakistani students for several US exchange programmes, and have encouraged intending students to apply at the earliest, as deadlines are approaching fast.
Students accepted into these programmes are not responsible for any programme costs; the US government will pay for international airfare and other programme-related expenses for selected students. Undergraduate students interested in public policy can apply for a five-week ‘Study of the US Institutes’ programme in summer 2017, focusing on local, state, and federal public policymaking. Applicants must have at least one semester remaining in their undergraduate studies after the programme concludes. Interested applicants should carefully review eligibility criteria and complete the application form available on the embassy’s website: https://pk.usembassy.gov/education-culture/susi-program/. The last date for applying is November 29.
Undergraduate students aged 25 and below may also apply for the 2017 ‘Undergraduate Semester Exchange Programme’. Selected participants spend one semester in the United States pursuing full-time, non-degree academic study. Applications are due to the US Educational Foundation in Pakistan by November 23, while students can visit www.usefpakistan.org. for more details
Gifted female high school students are encouraged to apply for the ‘Summer Sisters’ exchange programme, which allows them to study science, leadership and international affairs, among other topics, at US universities. Applications for this programme are due to iEARN Pakistan by November 20, and the application instructions are available online at http://iearnpk.org/ss/ss.htm.
On the other hand, young professionals who wish to complete a year of non-degree study at a US community college should apply for the ‘Community College Initiative Programme’. Applicants must be young professionals working in one of the following fields: agriculture, applied engineering, business management and administration, media, tourism and hospitality management, public safety (rescue/disaster management services), and early childhood education. Applications are due by November 30, while more details can be found at www.usefpakistan.org.
The US Department of State sponsors programmes that send approximately 1,000 Pakistanis on exchange programmes to the US each year.