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 March
and April kept USEFP busy in interviewing candidates for several
programs. So far in 2011, USEFP has reviewed 6000
applications and interviewed
591 candidates for 321 grant awards. Fulbright outreach was
another major activity; with the Fulbright
deadline approaching, program staff was busy
spreading the word about the program nationwide.
In addition to outreach to universities all over
Pakistan, USEFP held a DVC with 37 universities
from all over the country. Many thanks to the HEC! The first batch
of 15 Public Administration / Public Information
Professionals left for U.S. on April 3 and already
they are receiving great press there. A batch of
15 journalists left shortly afterwards on April 30
and are now busy in Washington D.C., after which
they will take up professional internships.
Fulbright, Global UGrad, and CCI grantees remained
active in cultural and educational activities in
the U.S., including winning several competitions.
Arranging travel (and assisting with visa
applications) for a record number of grantees
traveling to or from Pakistan was another
challenge. Fulbright Scholars also came from the
U.S. to Pakistan, although few in number, they
made a big impression with plenty of press
coverage and busy slates of activities.
The last week of March was very exciting for
USEFP’s EducationUSA advising centers. With
support from the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, USEFP
was able to host and organize an educational tour
of delegates from colleges and universities in the
U.S. to Islamabad. The South Asia Tour 2011 had
participants from 11 U.S. higher education
institutions. This tour allowed Pakistani students
to meet university representatives face to face to
discuss higher education opportunities in the U.S.
and was the first-ever event of its kind to take
place in Pakistan. The delegates visited Sri
Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal before stopping in
Pakistan. Earlier this year USEFP participated in
Pakistan's largest education expo by Dawn in
Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad enabling us to
interact with over 9000 students and parents.
Alumni across the country remained busy in social
work and networking activities. The GB chapter
celebrated Earth Day while the Lahore chapter
explored ways to engage young
returning alumni. Dr. Bano, a Fulbrighter makes
alumni proud by winning Sitara-e-Imtiaz as well as
a gold medal.
USEFP’s Testing Department arranged record numbers
of institutional TOEFL exams. In addition to administering
standardized tests, USEFP’s Testing Department
participated in Fulbright and educational advising
outreach programs. |
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