Exploring options: US varsities complete visit to Pakistan

The tour represents the seventh visit in five years

ISLAMABAD: Representatives of around 19 American universities on Wednesday completed their visit to Pakistan, to promote US study options for Pakistani students through university and school fairs in three cities.

The universities’ representatives visited Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad. The tour was designed as a cultural experience and recruitment opportunity for accredited US colleges and universities.

It was seventh EducationUSA-led South Asia Tour visit to Pakistan in five years, and was organised by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP).

The South Asia Tour provides an opportunity for brightest high school students of Pakistan to obtain current and accurate information about academics and admissions at accredited US colleges and universities, said a USEFP press release.

The recruiting delegation this year included representatives from Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Murray State University, Valparaiso University, University of Northern Iowa, New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering, Colorado State University, University of Bridgeport, Old Dominion University, Saint Peter’s University, Emporia State University, University of Kentucky, Arizona State University, St Ambrose University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Hiram College, Western Kentucky University, Wichita State University, and Northeastern Illinois University and Kalamazoo College.

In addition to meeting prospective students, university representatives interacted with many institutional counterparts in each city, including principals, counsellors, faculty, and other administrative staff.

Talking about the tour, USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar appreciated the talent and aptitude of Pakistani students and said, “Today’s youth realises that earning a degree from a reputable college or university is the first rung on the ladder to success.

USEFP aims to connect students in Pakistan with US universities.” EducationUSA Advising Manager Umair Khan told The Express Tribune that during the visit in three varsities; around 4000 serious candidates approached desired universities. “This is good in many ways plus Pakistani students can play their role as ambassadors,” he said.

Abdullah, a student of University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, said he was looking for scholarship options in mechanical engineering.

“The merit for scholarships and tuition fee both are high but I am looking for universities which can be helpful,” he said.

Dennis Taylor, a professor of Biology from Hiram College Ohio was attending and guiding students about his college at one of the stalls. He said this is his 16th visit and the first one was back in 1993.

“Students are more sophisticated, well-informed and coming with study options more than engineering and medical disciplines, as compared to my first visit,” he remarked.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 15^th, 2015.