The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan’s (USEFP) Advising Department Education USA Centre Lahore hosted a one-day fair to celebrate International Education Week on Thursday. Students, administrators, counsellors belonging to local schools and universities of Lahore were invited, as well as alumni of State Department-sponsored exchange programs.
Cultural Affairs Officer Kathryn A Kiser said “It is common to hear talk about friendship between nations. But it is not really accurate to say that countries have friendships – rather, people have friendships.” Talking about US education, she said the American education system was designed to facilitate dialogue and direct experience. It placed great value on discussion, active participation, and on questioning the status quo, she added.
She said over 0.7 million students from more than 220 countries studied in the United States last year. International students were active members on campus and in American society, she said. She said the quality of education and the experience while studying in the United States was unparalleled. “It is something that we are immensely proud of and immensely pleased to share with other people.”
International Education Week is celebrated globally from November 14 to November 18 to facilitate students who intend to study abroad. Embassies and consulates of various countries hold events to connect with students who want to go to their particular country.
US Consulate Lahore Student Counsellor Lubna asked students to examine the job market before opting for any career. She also asked students to look identify their area of interest and follow their passions. She discussed the market-value of a US degree and said an American degree ensured the trust of employers.
US alumni, while presenting their experiences, said foreign education provided one with a unique chance to understand the cultures of other countries.
Various alumni from student exchange programmes in the US shared their experiences. They said students should avail such opportunities, as apart from gaining a foreign degree, it was also a chance to explore the world.
Alumni Ameera Afzal discussed the various scholarship programmes offered by the USEFP and said studying abroad opened new doors for students.
The question-answer session was followed by a USEFP alumni presentation. While answering a question, a female student said the educational environment in the US was quite safe for girls. Another US Alumni, Hamza, said the American education system did not ask students to cram, and emphasised more upon understanding the concepts.
Students added that gaining a foreign education was a wonderful way of understanding the cultures of both countries.
The British Council also celebrated International Education Week 2011 in a local hotel. According to the British Council, the international dimension in education played an important role in helping schools to deliver core objectives of teaching and learning.
Student counselling was also available for students aiming to go abroad.