Pakistani students join USI's international family as part of global exchange program

EDITOR'S NOTE: Next week, November 16-20 is International Education Week.

This semester, the University of Southern Indiana welcomed a cohort of international students on campus as part of the U.S. Department of State's Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan (Global UGRAD-Pakistan). Joining the USI family are Maham Zahoor, Muneeb Durrani and Hamid Suleman.

Global UGRAD-Pakistan builds the capacity of a diverse group of youth leaders from underserved populations across Pakistan. Through U.S.-based training and practical experience in leadership positions, community engagement, and in their professional fields, undergraduate students gain the skills needed to implement long-term civic and economic changes in their communities, building stability through increased local capacity and cross-cultural understanding.

Through a semester-long programs of study, exploration of U.S. culture, leadership development and integration into U.S. communities, Global UGRAD-Pakistan students develop a broad and nuanced understanding of U.S. values and become citizen ambassadors who support expanded diplomatic and development partnerships.

In addition to their academic studies, Global UGRAD-Pakistan students engage in the unique digital Cultural Passport to America program, which encourages students to explore various aspects of American culture broadly and systematically. While interacting with Americans in the community and on campus, participants develop a more well-rounded perception of American culture. They go on to share this understanding of the U.S. with friends, family and others in their communities back home.

"We bring people together, we learn about each other, we break down stereotypes and we start to come to an understanding that's not possible if you don't know somebody as an individual," said Heidi Gregori-Gahan, assistant provost of International Programs and Services said. "Most Americans know very little about Pakistan, and what we hear probably isn't very positive. … We want to learn the reality of Pakistan, apart from the soundbites we get on the evening news."

Global UGRAD-Pakistan students are also "ambassadors" for Pakistan. Zahoor, Durrani, and Suleman are the first Pakistani students on USI's campus in many years. Zahoor is earning her bachelor's degree in international studies, while Durrani and Suleman are majoring in engineering. All three students will study at USI this semester before returning to Pakistan to finish their degrees.

Zahoor said she is excited to share all of her positive experiences in America with others when she returns home. "I believe education is the best way to increase positive sentiments between the United States and Pakistan, which have not always had the most positive interactions," she said. "Everyone here has treated me so kindly and warmly, and made me feel like part of their family. I want others in my country to learn about my experiences."

The students' perspectives and backgrounds enrich the learning experience for American students. They also give presentations about their home country and cultures at local schools, Rotary Clubs, elderly homes and other locations, reaching thousands of Americans each year.

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and is administered by IREX (the International Research & Exchanges Board).

Students and faculty interested in meeting and learning more about USI's new Pakistani students attended a Global Community Program presentation in September, where they sampled Pakistani cuisine and experienced artifacts, native costumes and more.