October, 2014: Seven universities from the United States participated in college fairs and school visits in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad to promote study in the United States options for Pakistani students. The tour, organized by United States Educational Foundation (USEFP) and EducationUSA Advising, was designed as a cultural experience as well as a recruitment opportunity for accredited U.S colleges and universities. This is the fifth USEFP-led South Asia Tour visit to Pakistan in four years. The tour is an opportunity for the general public as well as Pakistan’s brightest and best high school students to obtain first-hand information about academic and campus life at accredited U.S. colleges and universities.
This year’s recruiting delegation included representatives from Valparaiso University, University of Northern Iowa, Savannah College of Art & Design, Hiram College, New York University-Polytechnic School of Engineering, Saint Peter’s University, and Fairfield University. In addition to meeting prospective students, the university representatives interacted with many institutional counterparts in each city, including principals, counselors, faculty, and other administrative staff.
EducationUSA Advising Manager Umair Khan welcomed the tour participants, many of whom have visited Pakistan on previous tours, and appreciated the caliber and talent of Pakistani students. According to Khan, “EducationUSA aims to connect students in Pakistan with U.S. universities. The South Asia Tour is a great networking platform to develop those ties. Pakistani students, along with their parents, meticulously plan their higher education goals and are committed to earning a degree from the best possible educational institution. U.S. colleges and universities can meet those expectations.” He also discussed how today’s youth realize that earning a degree from a reputable college or university is the first rung on the ladder to success.