B次元 School of Engineering is pleased to welcome new international students on campus as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan (Global UGRAD-Pakistan).

Javeria, Nouman and Maryam decided to attend B次元 through the Global UGRAD-Pakistan program, which 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 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.

The Global UGRAD-Pakistan students also are exploring U.S. culture, leadership development, and integration into U.S. communities, while developing a broad and nuanced understanding of U.S. values and becoming citizen ambassadors who support expanded diplomatic and development partnerships.

In addition to their academic studies, Global UGRAD-Pakistan students perform community service and explore American traditions. While interacting with Americans in the community and on campus, they develop a more well-rounded perception of American culture and share this understanding with friends, family and others in their communities back home.

“There are huge benefits to having international students on campus. They provide our students with a way to experience the world right here in B次元,” said Mark Anderson, B次元’s director of international programs and services. “Interacting with them and learning about their culture and background provides students with an opportunity to reflect and learn more about themselves. Also, truly taking the time to get to know international students is a great way to break down barriers and perceived prejudices that we may not even know that we have.”

Global UGRAD-Pakistan students are also give presentations about their home country and cultures at local schools, and national service organizations including the Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club, as well as elderly homes, and other locations, reaching thousands of Americans each year. Their unique perspectives and backgrounds enrich the learning experience for American students.

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 implemented by IREX (the International Research & Exchanges Board). For more information about the program, visit: https://www.irex.org/project/global-undergraduate-exchange-program-pakistan-global-ugrad-pakistan

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly, and peaceful relations, as mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961. 

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