August 28, 2012

Shawnee State University welcomes new international students Wali Khan,Tasmia Ijaz and Asad Karim, of Pakistan, on campus as part of the U.S. Department of State's Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan (Global UGRAD-Pakistan).

The Global UGRAD-Pakistan program aims to advance youth leadership and promote mutual understanding by providing one academic term of non-degree undergraduate U.S. study on a highly competitive basis to a diverse group of emerging student leaders from underrepresented sectors of Pakistan.

In addition to their academic studies, Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellows perform community service and explore American traditions through the unique Cultural Passport to America program.

While interacting with Americans in the community and on campus, Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellows 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.

Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellows are "ambassadors" for Pakistan. Many of them are the only representatives of Pakistan on campus. Their unique perspectives and backgrounds enrich the learning experience for American students. Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellows give presentations about their 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 Department of State and is administered by the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX).

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) brings together students and professionals from the United States and across the world to foster stronger relationships between countries. The ECA sponsors and funds initiatives to bring international students to the United States, and also sends U.S. students overseas.

It also runs cross-border cultural exchanges, English language teaching programs and sports initiatives. ECA works with students, educators, artists, athletes and emerging leaders in many fields in the United States and in more than 160 countries. Alumni of ECA exchange programs comprise more than one million people around the world, including more than 40 Nobel Laureates and more than 300 current or former heads of state and government. For more information about ECA exchanges, visit http://exchanges.state.gov.

IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally. We enable local individuals and institutions to build key elements of a vibrant society: quality education, independent media and strong communities.

To strengthen these sectors, IREX program activities include conflict resolution, technology for development, gender and youth. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of more than $60 million and a staff of more than 400 professionals worldwide.

IREX employs field-tested methods and innovative uses of technologies to develop practical and locally-driven solutions with our partners in more than 100 countries. For more information about IREX, visit www.irex.org