8.5% rise in number of Pakistani students studying in US

Islamabad: 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 EducationUSA 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 programs at colleges and universities throughout the United States. The number of Pakistanis studying in the United States for the 2014-2015 academic year rose to 5,354, an increase of 8.5 per cent over the previous year, according to the annual Open Doors Report.

“The students who participated in today’s pre-departure orientation will join a growing cadre of Pakistanis who are pursuing higher education in the United States,” said Dr. Daniel S. Mattern, the Cultural Attaché at the American Embassy. “As student ambassadors to the United States, they will share Pakistani culture and values while receiving some of the best education in the world.  The increasing number of Pakistanis who choose to study in America is already significant, and we hope this upward trend continues.”

Rita Akhtar, USEFP Executive Director, 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.” In addition to providing free educational advising services, USEFP manages a number of scholarship and professional development exchange programs, including the prestigious Fulbright Program.

EducationUSA Pakistan’s Advising Manager, Umair Khan, congratulated the students and offered them tips.  “Living in a foreign country is challenging and requires courage and a positive attitude.