Islamabad : In order to promote higher education opportunities for Pakistani students, representatives of 41 US universities traveled to Pakistan last week on EducationUSA Pakistan’s 14th bi-annual South Asia Tour. This is largest South Asia Tour organized by EducationUSA at the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) ever to visit Pakistan. In addition to visits to selected schools and universities, a US College Fair was held in Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad that provided thousands of Pakistani students, parents, counselors, and local university officials an opportunity to learn about these universities, explore a wide range of academic programs, and receive first-hand guidance on applying for admission.
“By encouraging more Pakistanis to study in the United States, we enhance mutual understanding between both countries,” said Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Ambassador Paul Jones. “That is why the US government has invested so much to fund exchange programs for Pakistanis and remains committed to supporting Pakistani students interested in pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees programs in the United States.” “Once again this South Asia Tour is breaking records for the number of participating universities,” said USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar. “This shows that US universities are pleased with the quality of students they are meeting in Pakistan.
According to the representatives, Pakistani students are talented and well-prepared for study in the United States and they are ready to welcome more, often providing some financial assistance.” Of these 41 US universities, 10 were visiting Pakistan for the first time. They include Drake University, Indiana University – Bloomington, McNeese State University, New York Film Academy, Northern Illinois University, San Jose State University, Springfield College, University of Vermont, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and Youngstown State University.