Islamabad, Pakistan :

The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) held a week-long series of activities across Pakistan to commemorate International Education Week, an opportunity to promote and celebrate the benefits of international education and cultural exchange that is celebrated in more than 100 countries.
The event started as a joint initiative between the US Department of State and the US Department of Education, is part of the effort to promote global learning programmes and encourage future leaders to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.
In the 2012-2013 academic year, Pakistani students studying in the US increased by 3.7 per cent to 4,772, making it the country with the third largest population of students enrolled in the US.
Among International Education Week activities were networking sessions for counselors and high achievers in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. School principals and administrators recognized a total of 150 O-Level students from 18 schools in these cities.
USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar noted in her remarks to Islamabad participants: “Pakistani students who study in the United States are well suited for the challenges and opportunities of the global economy. Studying abroad also strengthens ties and fosters friendship among students from different countries.”
The sessions provided a platform for counselors and school representatives to discuss university study abroad programs and to share best practices. Deputy Cultural Attaché, Judith Ravin, in promoting higher education opportunities in the US, explained: “The US celebrates the diversity that international students bring to our campuses. US universities offer quality education and enhance career prospects.”

source: http://www.nation.com.pk / The Nation / by The Nation Staff Reporter / November 20th, 2013