54 students prepare to attend semester in USA

Islamabad:The US government has awarded 54 Pakistani undergraduate students scholarships to study for one semester under the Global Undergraduate Exchange (Global UGRAD) Programme.

Administered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), the exchange program provides participants a unique opportunity to enrich their education by spending one semester of non-degree study at a US university or college, according to a press release.

During the programme, students will also volunteer for community engagement projects in American host communities to strengthen their leadership skills.

USEFP organised a pre-departure orientation in Islamabad to equip the students with essential information about American culture, campus life, visa requirements, and travel guidelines. The spring 2024 cohort represents all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the Islamabad Capital Territory, with women making up 61 per cent of the group.

Since its inception in 2010, the Global UGRAD Program has supported approximately 2,500 participants who now serve as emerging leaders in their communities across Pakistan. These alumni have been honoured with national and international awards for their impactful initiatives in fields including climate change, health, sports, and education.

Minister Counsellor for Public Affairs Bettina Malone shared well wishes with the students as they prepared to embark on the semester exchange. “Your Global UGRAD experience will be life-changing.

Be open, be curious, say yes to opportunities - to join clubs, events, and happenings. Make the most of your time in the United States.” USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar congratulated the students on being selected for this great opportunity, noting that thousands of students from all over Pakistan apply for this merit-based program.