Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan (Global UGRAD-Pakistan)

Education, International Education, Youth, Asia

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan (Global UGRAD-Pakistan) provides fellowships for one semester of full-time, non-degree undergraduate study in the United States to a diverse group of emerging student leaders from underrepresented sectors in Pakistan.

Through their programs of study, exploration of US culture, and integration into US communities, Global UGRAD-Pakistan students develop a broad and nuanced understanding of US values and ideals and become citizen ambassadors who support expanded diplomatic and development partnerships. Global UGRAD-Pakistan is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, US Department of State.

Information for Host Universities

Goals

• Academic knowledge, leadership and life skills are increased and applied through coursework, cultural program, community service, and follow-on programs in Pakistan

• Students are exposed to US culture and American values, including commitment to community engagement and supported in sharing that knowledge with their home communities

• US communities’ exposure to Pakistani people, culture, and values is increased

Background

Citizens of the United States and Pakistan lack opportunities to get to know one another and have substantive dialogue. Through academic studies and community service, Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellows come into close contact with Americans and develop lasting relationships with US universities, schools, businesses, and community organizations, leading to increased mutual understanding between the people of the United States and Pakistan.

Project Activities

• Undergraduate Study and Academic Skills Building: Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellows attend a semester-long, academic program at US universities, which includes coursework in their fields of study and in an American studies topic. Fellows further enhance their critical study skills and gain the opportunity for academic success through academic skills-building courses or mentors

• Community Service: Fellows give back to their American host communities by contributing a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer work during the semester. Fellows may volunteer in a variety of settings, such as after-school tutoring and enrichment programs, blood drives, community fundraisers, and disaster relief

• Country Presentations: Fellows give at least one required presentation during the fellowship, sharing their country's history and traditions with Americans at their host institutions or in off-campus settings such as schools, retirement homes, and Rotary clubs

• Cultural Passport to America: At the start of the fellowship, each participant receives a “Cultural Passport to America”, which is modeled to look loosely like a U.S. passport. For participation in cultural events and activities, Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellows receive Passport stamps from their university and college advisors, allowing staff to track the activities of their students in a fun but structured way. Through the Passport, fellows present how they have explored various aspects of U.S. culture and the linkages they’ve forged with Americans over the program year. The Passport also guides students in reflecting on how they’ve served as cultural ambassadors for their home countries while in the United States, and on their plans for sharing U.S. culture with their communities when returning home

• Alumni Programming (follow-on grants): Global UGRAD-Pakistan alumni are eligible to apply for small grants to conduct cultural activities in their home communities