Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: The number of Pakistanis studying in the United States for the 2014-15 academic year rose to 5,354, an increase of 8.5 percent over the previous year, according to the annual Open Doors Report.

The increasing number of Pakistanis, who choose to study in US, is already significant, and we hope this upward trend continues.

They share Pakistani culture and values while receiving some of the best education in the world, said Cultural Attach at the American Embassy, Dr Daniel S Mattern while addressing the Pakistani students, who are leaving for US for study.

Dr Daniel S Mattern said the students who participated in the pre-departure orientation will join a growing cadre of Pakistanis who are pursuing higher education in the United States.”

As many as 70 students, who will study at American colleges and universities starting this fall, attended a pre-departure orientation in Islamabad hosted by Education USA at the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). Similar orientation sessions were held in Lahore and Karachi for a total of 188 students.

The students will be enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programmes at colleges and universities throughout the United States.

USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar spoke about US university classrooms as a reflection of the country’s diversity.

“USEFP aims to strengthen the relationship between US universities and Pakistani students and we are pleased to be able to help talented students like you achieve admission to US colleges and universities,” said a press release.

In addition to providing free educational advising services, USEFP manages a number of scholarship and professional development exchange programmes, including the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship Programme.

Education USA Pakistan’s Advising Manager, Umair Khan, congratulated the students and offered them tips. Khan said, “Living in a foreign country is challenging and requires courage and a positive attitude. A majority of teachers in the American classrooms focus more on class participation, which may count towards final grades.”

He said students currently studying in the United States and some of their parents were also present to share their experiences. Students interested in US higher education should contact advising@usefpakistan.org.

To learn more about our scholarship programmes and other services, please visit www.usefpakistan.org.