170 Pakistani students to embark on Fulbright
Scholarship Program
The United States Educational Foundation in
Pakistan (USEFP) has announced that 170 outstanding Pakistanis have been
selected as recipients of the esteemed Fulbright Scholarship. This prestigious
scholarship will enable them to pursue advanced studies and conduct
cutting-edge research at renowned universities across the United States. The
Fulbright Program, a flagship academic exchange initiative by the US
government, facilitates students from around the world in pursuing higher
education in American institutions.
The 2023 cohort recently convened in Islamabad
for a comprehensive two-day pre-departure orientation program. During the
orientation, the students were equipped with essential information about
American culture, campus life, and the myriad opportunities available to
exchange students in the United States. This preparation aims to ensure a
smooth and enriching educational journey for each scholar.
Congratulating the scholarship recipients,
William Ostick, the US Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, encouraged the students
to connect with their American peers and learn from each other's experiences.
He emphasized their role as cultural ambassadors, fostering stronger bonds
between the people of Pakistan and the United States. Ostick said, "You
will connect with Americans eager to learn more about Pakistan. And when you
return, you can help explain America - its people, its values, and its
character - to your own communities."
The 170 participants in this year's Fulbright
Scholarship hail from 44 public and private universities in Pakistan. Among
them, 129 are pursuing Master's degrees, 41 are embarking on Ph.D. programs,
and 7 are selected as Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA)
fellows. An impressive representation of women, constituting 61% of the departing
cohort, highlights the commitment to promoting gender diversity and empowerment
through the scholarship program.
This year's scholarship recipients will commence
their academic journey this fall at 81 distinguished US universities, spanning
various disciplines such as engineering, energy management, and social
sciences.
Dr. Joel Edwards, Executive Director of USEFP,
highlighted the diversity of this year's Fulbrighters, who come from different
provinces and regions of Pakistan. He emphasized that the scholarship is not
merely based on academic merit but also on the candidates' potential to
contribute to Pakistan's social and economic development. Fulbrighters are
chosen for their ability to serve as bridges between cultures, further
fostering international cooperation and understanding.
Operating in 160 countries, the Fulbright
Program is facilitated by binational commissions and US embassies worldwide. In
Pakistan, the Fulbright Commission, also known as USEFP, manages the largest
program globally in terms of US government contribution. The Higher Education
Commission (HEC) of Pakistan also plays a vital role by providing substantial
financial support. The HEC funds 25 Ph.D. grantees annually, further
reinforcing the partnership between the two nations in the field of education.
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