Over 7,900 Pakistani students studying in US universities

Islamabad : Over 7,900 Pakistanis were currently studying at universities across the United States, and the US government would like to increase that number, said Lisa Heller, the US Embassy’s Minister Counsellor for Public Affairs in Islamabad.

A five per cent increase has already been recorded in Pakistani students’ enrolments this year as comparing to last year, Lisa said adding that Pakistan is among the fastest growing emerging market places of origin for international students in the United States and The US government is committed to supporting educational opportunities and academic exchanges for Pakistani students from all backgrounds, said a press release.

The United States embassy and Education USA celebrated International Education Week (IEW), November 18 to 22, by encouraging future Pakistani leaders to study in the United States, home of the world’s top universities.

The 2019 IEW activities included: the annual High Achievers and Counsellors Recognition Ceremony in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, which honoured outstanding students from local high schools and highlighted the hard work of counsellors; a networking event co-hosted by the US Consulate in Karachi that brought together notable Vice Chancellors and Pakistani alumni of US government exchanges; and Study Beyond Borders sessions in Islamabad and Karachi focusing on the benefits of US exchange programmes. The US Embassy also hosted a Power 99 radio Tea-Time and Facebook Live interview on the benefits of studying in the United States.

IEW activities are planned and organised by Education USA advisers who have first-hand experience of study in the United States and are well-positioned to guide students through their applications, said Rita Akhtar, Executive Director of the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) which runs the Education USA programme.

She encouraged students to participate in the free events and opportunities to learn about studying in the United States, adding, Through exposure to new cultures, ways of thinking, and friendships with people from around the world, studying abroad prepares Pakistani students to thrive in an increasingly globalized world.

Education USA offers free guidance and assistance to students interested in applying to or learning about US colleges and universities.

It has offices in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore and its advisers travel throughout the country to provide advice studying in the United States.