Islamabad, 21 September, 2014:The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and EducationUSA organized a “Back to School” fair in Islamabad on Sunday to provide Pakistani students an opportunity meet alumni from over 30 U.S. colleges and universities. U.S. Embassy staff members representing their U.S. colleges and universities answered students questions about studying in the U.S., including the application process, campus life in America, and how to get apply for a student visa. USEFP advisers were on hand to answer questions and provide advice to prospective students and parents. The educational fair was held in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy.
U.S. Embassy country Cultural Attaché Judith Ravin, who attended the event, commented: “Worldwide, a U.S. education stands for academic excellence. With Pakistani students in the United States we also enhance the diversity of our campuses.”
USEFPs educational advisers have U.S. degrees as well as training in all aspects of the application process. In addressing the media, USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar said: “The U.S. provides excellent academic opportunities for Pakistani students. With nearly 4,000 higher education institutions, there really is a program for everyone. For some students, financial aid and scholarship options are also available to make a U.S. education especially affordable.”
Since most schools open this time of year, the “Back to School” fair was held to present information valuable to students starting the application process for U.S admissions. In addition to giving an opportunity to meet alumni representatives and educational advisers, the fair enabled students and parents to learn more about application deadlines, admission requirements, and financial aid options. A similar fair, attracting over 1,000 visitors, was held in Karachi on September 14 . On September 23, from6:00 to 8:00 pm (PST)Lahore will hold a virtual Back to School Fair.
USEFP is a bi-national commission established in 1950 by the governments of Pakistan and the United States. It is one of 51 Fulbright Commissions located throughout the world. Fulbright is the flagship educational exchange program of the United States Department of State whose mission is to promote mutual understanding between the people of Pakistan and the United States through educational and cultural exchange. Since its inception more than 62 years ago, about 5,000 Pakistanis and more than 800 Americans have participated in USEFP administered exchange programs.
In addition to the Fulbright program, USEFP offices in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi provide advice and assistance to students interested in studying in the United States. USEFP also runs testing centers in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi administering the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, and other standardized examinations. Students can learn more by visitingwww.usefpakistan.orgorwww.facebook.com/USEFP.