US offers new exchange programme for female Pakistani students

Female Pakistani students from moderate to low-income households have been encouraged to apply for the “Sister2Sister Exchange Programme” to receive education in prestigious universities in the United States.

The programme is funded by the US Department of State and administered by a consortium of partners, including American University, International Education and Resource Network (iEARN-USA).

Candidates fluent in spoken and written English are encouraged to submit academic transcripts, achievement certificates, and reference letters along with the application to the link given on the website, said an official.

The students will have an opportunity to explore additional career pathways by studying medicine, international affairs, gender studies, and pharmacy along with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) subjects in the top US universities.

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Eligibility criteria

All females, aged 18-24, who have completed 12 years of education and are currently studying in any college, university, or institute can avail the opportunity.

An aspirant having at least 70 per cent marks in the last three academic years would be eligible to apply.

Those ineligible to apply for the programme include dual US, Pakistani nationals or US permanent residents, candidates who have already availed any exchange programme in the US in the past two years, students in their final year of university (second year in a two-year bachelor’s programme and fourth year in a four-year bachelor’s programme).

The initiative is part of activities of the Society for International Education (SIE), tasked to develop future career opportunities for the women of Pakistan, an official told APP.

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The programme will work towards developing mentorship programmes and connecting young Pakistani women to academic and professional networks for their educational and career advancement.

It will cover full tuition fees, two-way travel costs, health insurance, accommodation, visa fee, and free food facilities, enabling high school students to attend the universities.

It aims to empower Pakistani female college students to overcome cultural limitations that inhibit their participation in pursuing competitive and lucrative careers.

The young women will be equipped with the educational and professional skills, confidence, and exposure essential to enable them to surmount the socio-cultural impediments, and ensure their contribution to Pakistan’s economy.