Fulbright scholarships: Students going to US get a preview of how life is like there

180 Pakistanis to pursue higher education in US this year.

ISLAMABAD:

Around 180 Pakistanis will study in universities throughout the United States on the 2012 Fulbright scholarship programme for Masters and PhD degree programmes.

These students, chosen from across the country, will pursue a variety of academic disciplines including business, engineering, social sciences, public policy/administration, education, fine arts, communications, technology, law, and health. The flagship programme covers travel, living, and tuition expenses of the students. They students will be required to return home after the completion of their studies.

A Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) was arranged by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan for the departing students here on Friday. The grantees were briefed about the programme, visa regulations, American culture, US higher education and campus life and adjusting to life as a new student in United States.

The scholars who attended the event were seen asking various questions from the USEFP officials about the US environment and its education system.

Richard A. Hoagland, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy briefed the students about the background of the Fulbright programme.

“The United States has a long tradition of embracing international students and celebrating the diversity that they bring to our campuses and country,” he said.

Since its inception more than 60 years ago, nearly 4,000 Pakistanis and more than 800 Americans have participated in USEFP administered exchange programmes. USEFP also administers the Fulbright programme in Pakistan.

Saima Hafiz, a visually impaired girl from Lahore pursuing her PhD degree in State University of New York, said, “Our study in the US and interaction with the people will help to undermine the growing misunderstanding between the two countries.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2012.