Notes from UnderGrad Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan Autumn 2012, Volume 2, Issue 2 Inside this issue: Making a Difference - p.2 During their stay in the US, Global UGRAD - Pakistan students get involved in numerous activities both on -campus and off-campus that allow them to break stereotypes and give back to their host communities. Passport to America - p.4 The Cultural Passport to America is the vehicle by which current Global UGRAD - Pakistan students immerse themselves in American culture and share their impressions about their experiences. Letter to Future Students - p.10 Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni share their experience and provide useful tips to future students. Alumni News & Reflections - p.19 Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni bring their experience home and continue to develop as community leaders. Artist’s Corner - p.23 Art and poetry by alumni and their friends.
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan (Global UGRAD-Pakistan) program builds the capacity of a diverse group of youth leaders from underserved populations across Pakistan. Through semester-long programs of study, exploration of U.S. culture, and integration into U.S. communities, Global UGRAD-Pakistan students develop a broad and nuanced understanding of U.S. values and become citizen ambassadors. Global UGRAD-Pakistan is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.
About the Newsletter Notes from Undergrad is a forum for the Global UGRAD-Pakistan community to express views and share the Global UGRAD-Pakistan program participant and alumni experience. The newsletter is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.
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Making A Difference During their stay in the U.S., Global UGRAD - Pakistan students get involved in numerous activities both on-campus and off-campus that allow them to break stereotypes and give back to their host communities.
Komal Gopi American University, Spring 2012 As they truly say, "Community service should not be done just to announce the completion. It should be done without looking for a reward or praise. It should not be looked at as doing something for someone, but assisting them in making life better and fulfilling," and as I set out on my journey to Allen House, this thought hovered in my mind. American University was celebrating the M.L.K. Jr. Day of Community Service and I was glad that I signed up for it. It was not that I just wanted to complete the 20 hours service requirement of the program, but this has always been my dream to serve the community, to give back to the community, and when opportunity knocks, one should open the door immediately. Allen House is an apartment for seniors and our group set out to help them with cleaning and wall painting. As we reached there, a bunch of senior residents welcomed us. All my energy revived to see their shining faces, full of liveliness. We were seated in the main hall where we met a group of other residents, ready to share their experiences during Martin Luther King Jr.'s era. The conversation began when Sir William McKinney started out with some things to remember and live by. The one which touched my heart was "the world needs a sense of worth and it will achieve it only by its people feeling that they are worthwhile." The whole session ran around the steps M.L.K., Jr. took during Civil Rights Movement. Every senior resident shared their insight and experiences. Then we set out to the campus food kitchen, where the volunteers helped with cleaning, mopping, cooking and painting for St. Luke's Church. Not only did we provide a helping hand to all, but above all we enjoyed what we were doing, and that feeling was worthwhile. Then the team reached the Regency House, another home of senior residents. Giving someone a listening ear is in itself a big service, I believe, and that is what we all did apart from serving the food which we brought for them. The Kitchen Project went successfully; the success in my case was measured by the peace which I got after I came back home and thought over my whole day.
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Making A Difference During their stay in the U.S., Global UGRAD - Pakistan students get involved in numerous activities both on-campus and off-campus that allow them to break stereotypes and give back to their host communities.
Fatima-Tuz-Zahra Utica College, Spring 2012 Community service was a life changing experience for me. I did tutoring in Donovan Middle School. Before coming to the U.S., I thought that American kids are very disobedient and they don’t care what the teacher is saying and they don’t respect their professors. But my concept about them totally changed when I started teaching them. They respect their professors and easily understand what is being taught to them. It was a life changing experience for me because I didn’t like teaching before but after having such a good teaching experience, I am planning to start tutoring the kids of my society. I also want to help the freshmen of my field. Don’t take community service just as a part of your program requirements, but be involved in your community service in order to bring a change in their society that will ultimately help you to make a difference in your community. On the whole be patient, be positive, have fun and good luck.
Rida-I-Ayesha University of Pennsylvania, Spring 2012 When I came to Penn, I was eagerly looking for ways to get involved not only with people on campus but also the local Philadelphia community. Luckily, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was coming up and I found out there was a Day of Service to be held that day at Penn in which people from all walks of life, e.g. high school students, professionals, Penn alumni, were invited to do different forms of service on campus and in various parts of Philly. I went there in the morning, had breakfast with all these energetic people and also participated in a prayer bring performed for the MLK, Jr. Day. After that, we were given a list of interesting activities to choose from and I decided to do something for homeless children as I’ve always had a soft spot for them. I became part of the team that was making stuff for homeless children. Things like bags and small cushions were to be made from different things like beads and threads. What was most interesting to see was that a lot of children of ages around five or six came with their parents to participate in this activity. I spent half a day there and made a very colorful and fully decorated cushion. I feel that if we can also get volunteers to work on projects on a daily or weekly basis, we can change a lot of things. I shared this thought with some of my friends at university and I tried to encourage them to be a part of different NGOs and take out time to do community service all year round. I plan to encourage other young people around me to get involved, either by working on existing projects or starting new ones. I believe that if we can incorporate this sense of volunteerism in our community, we can fight issues like poverty and hunger.
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Passport to America The Cultural Passport to America is the vehicle by which current Global UGRAD - Pakistan students immerse themselves in American culture and share their impressions about their experiences.
Rabia Rafiq University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Spring 2012 Polar Plunge 2012…you haven’t heard of it, but I did it!!! I remember it was the chilly day of February 26, 2012. It was a Sunday and I had plans with my host family to visit Carson Park to see the Polar Plunge. I had heard of this event benefitting the Special Olympics before from my host mum and I recall saying “Why would somebody do that? It’s just plain crazy!” No wonder I did it… Polar plunge is an event organized to raise money for handicapped people. It is held once in a year in winters in every city throughout the U.S. and people willing to participate register for it in advance. Now the sport is that volunteers jump in the frozen ice water to raise money! It was held in my city Eau Claire, Wisconsin. I went with my host family to Carson Park and it was exceptionally frosty that day. The wind was blowing harsh and I was shivering even inside my huge red coat. There was a small rectangle shaped pond cut between the snows. There was snow all around except that pond in which people were taking a plunge. We were looking from a far distance how groups of people would happily jump in the ice water; majority of the groups had a dress code. I met my host dad’s company team over there and I am not sure what struck my mind that I told my host mum, “I think I want to do it.” She stared at me and then she asked if I was sure. I asked her if I would freeze to death in that water and she said no. I thought this was something too thrilling and exceptional to do while I was in the U.S.. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Turned out I had to pay $25 minimum to jump in the water. So people who wish to jump in the ice water, also pay…I thought that was unfair. But my craziness to do that plunge was on its zenith probably so I agreed to that, too! I joined my host dad’s Nestle team, borrowed their clothes (yes I had no spare clothes), registered myself and signed the documents At 2:37pm it was my team’s turn. It was already too cold. We went by the pond, held our hands tightly and 1, 2, 3, we jumped in the ice water!! It was just too cold to feel anything. My body was numb for the next few minutes when I came out of the pond and the wind made it worse. My host family, friends and family said I was foolish to do that, but I am proud I did it. It was a unique American experience especially because it was unplanned. It also helped handicapped people to participate in sports.
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Passport to America The Cultural Passport to America is the vehicle by which current Global UGRAD - Pakistan students immerse themselves in American culture and share their impressions about their experiences.
Hadia Akbar University of Wyoming, Spring 2012 Living in the western U.S. gave me the most wonderful four months of my life. Visiting my friend’s place (a little house on the prairie), spending a very snowy weekend on a ranch, seeing moose and elks for the first time in the wild, having a bonfire in the mountains, visiting South Dakota, exploring Wyoming, taking martial arts - I cannot decide which is my best experience. I never got bored because there was so much to do and the passport paved my way for keeping me busy. I represented Pakistan at The Good Mule Conference for Social Justice and Activism. I also attended Lupe Fiasco’s concert , Hill Harper’s debate, different symphony concerts, jazz concerts, the international coffee hour, did a monologue for my theater class, snow-shoed, ice-skated, went sledding and snowmobiling. I visited California and New York over my spring break and it felt like I had come to a new country. I had my first Easter celebration at my friend’s place with a wonderful American family. Reading the stories on Passover with my Christian and Jewish friends made me realize once again the similarities in our religions. I loved painting eggs, having an Easter basket hunt, making s’mores, and cooking Pakistani food for lunch. I miss living like a cowgirl. Yeehaw!
Rida-I-Ayesha, University of Pennsylvania, Spring 2012 The cultural passport provides a starting point to all the candidates about their cultural involvement in the community by laying out a clear roadmap of all the possible activities that can be done. These activities are divided into six broad categories out of which “Sports and Leisure” was my favorite and I collected the most stamps in it. There were a lot of opportunities in Philadelphia for sports that I could avail but basketball seemed to be the most popular sport. I had a chance to attend various games at Penn as the Ivy League Championship was being held at the beginning of the semester. I also went to an NBA game, which was an amazing experience. I joined a group at Penn called the Assembly of International Students (AIS) that was working to bring people from different nationalities together who share similar interests. The AIS sent out an email that they were planning to go to a basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Bobcats. I signed up for this, thinking it would be a fun game and also a great chance to meet new people. I had a great time! We were a small group of around 15 people and each one of us was from a different country. It was a wonderful experience. The game was pretty one sided, but the legendary Will Smith was present at that game and that made the whole experience even more memorable. And yes, the 76ers won!
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Passport to America The Cultural Passport to America is the vehicle by which current Global UGRAD - Pakistan students immerse themselves in American culture and share their impressions about their experiences.
Muhammad Furqan Khattak Upper Iowa University, Spring 2012 I live near the banks of roaring river Kabul, in Pakistan. I have fished a few times there but to fish in the Mississippi River in -33 degrees Fahrenheit is an unbelievably thrilling experience. I made friends on that trip who were like my family as I have been so much attached to them. I never fancied orchestra music, but my perception changed when I went to a jazz orchestra with my host family at Luther College. This was a highly acclaimed event in Iowa colleges. I remember when they played “Rosa Parks.” I was about to get emotional as the music was so tragic but they changed the mood dramatically and the next few moments I felt excitement with “Song of Joy.” I have come to know of a new game which is both adventurous and highly exciting. It is called “geocaching.” It’s a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online. I would go with my friend Tim many times during my stay. I have taken some geocaches which I will set up in my home town and someday hopefully someone will uncover them. It sounds really interesting that the geocache travels all across the world and so many people uncover it out of their curiosity. Americans are fun loving and adventurous. It is my observation that they normally invest their time in something positive as the game of geocaching was by my friend. The most thrilling moment was skating in Chicago’s Millennium Park skating arena. I slipped down many times but I was determined to skate well. Now I would consider myself as a good fighter as I really did respectably at last. I was astonished to see young kids skating very skillfully. I thought of our country, as it doesn’t have these facilities, and I consider myself very fortunate to have been there and I enjoyed those moments with my friends. I went to Minnesota with John and Debra (my friend Tim’s parents) to their home in Rushford, Minnesota. I had dinner with them and they cooked corn and other traditional dishes with soda. I was welcomed to the home as if I was not a stranger. They told me to grab anything I liked from the refrigerator. They so loved me as if they were my own parents. I felt at home all the time. Those four months were the best memories of my life and I have been able to gain a lot of different things. I learnt about new cultures and respect for each other’s religions. I think I am a better individual and a better human being now as I think broadly about the whole of humanity, not a specific segment. My horizons have broadened and now I can make sense of different issues and give my recommendations.
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Passport to America The Cultural Passport to America is the vehicle by which current Global UGRAD - Pakistan students immerse themselves in American culture and share their impressions about their experiences.
Maria Najam Shawnee State University, Spring 2012 To me, every page of my cultural passport was a golden opportunity to experience various aspects of the beautiful American culture which is full of love and respect for others. The cultural passport not only helped me to keep a record of my cultural activities but also became a lasting record of memories. It motivated me to learn and participate in cultural activities and community services. The community services program really brought out the human inside me and as a girl I felt more proud of myself. I learnt the American life style and culture, which made me tidier, punctual in life and learnt to handle all the work with a smile. I celebrated Easter, Saint Patrick’s Day, Chocolate Walk and many more things that I could never experience in Pakistan. To spend my leisure and free time we used to play laser tag, which is one of the most interesting sports I have ever done. We also played bowling, Bingo and Snooker. To me it was the experience of a lifetime to be part of this Global UGRAD community that made me a true ambassador for both the U.S. and Pakistan.
Sumayya Attaullah California State University-Domiguez Hills, Spring 2012 I collected a lot of stamps for my cultural passport. For me it was not just a competition but it made me feel that my travel to the U.S. for five months was complete and I was very satisfied and happy to see places, shows, events and games as big as LA Galaxy which had players like David Beckham playing. The cultural passport is basically a golden ticket like the one in the movie “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." In the movie you eat the delicious chocolate but also get to visit the wonderful factory. Just like that, as you collect the stamps for your cultural passport you become creative and more passionate about traveling and doing the things you have never done in life.
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Passport to America The Cultural Passport to America is the vehicle by which current Global UGRAD - Pakistan students immerse themselves in American culture and share their impressions about their experiences.
Minelle Raees Gaya Montclair State University, Spring 2012 The Super Bowl, as I discovered, was the most viewed TV program attracting millions of Americans. Being a student from Pakistan I found this obsession rather exciting and I could relate this hype to that of the cricket world cup finals we have. I learned that the Super Bowl revolved around a group of Americans sitting around a flat screen TV! However it wasn’t just about watching a game together, it was about coming together as a unifying culture to support and be proud of the sports and entertainment the country has to offer its people. The Super Bowl is definitely a significant part of American culture such as rock and roll or hamburgers. This social gathering becomes a gateway to meeting new people and spending time together over their passion for this one game. I felt as if everyone managed to forget about everything else around them just for that while since they were so engrossed; clearly, nothing else mattered! I went to New York to watch the game in Times Square. It was rather exciting to get the true feel of support for the Giants since they are a New York team after all! As I had hoped, the city was extremely alive. Many wore jerseys, caps or any other form of identification to support the Giants. Everyone was out on the roads standing in lines hours before the game had even started, desperate to get a good place in the bars and restaurants around. I myself stood in line for almost half an hour to get inside! I realized that this big event became a cultural festival and certainly an opportunity to celebrate and have a good time. Therefore, the Super Bowl is a lot more than just a game. It brings families, friends and fellow Americans together. It manages to create a distraction for people to be able to get away from their busy everyday routines to take time out and relax with people they love. It becomes an important event and is yet another aspect of American culture making it rich and even livelier.
Shafiqa Yar Baig Missouri State University, Fall 2012 During my visit to the U.S. we conducted many activities but the most important and knowledgeable was the American Passport. We were able to exchange our culture and made many friends and learned about their country’s culture which I might have never known. The Cultural Passport is amalgamation of different activities. It helps us learn about Americans, their language, food, sports and many other things. Therefore, do not worry about completing the passport. In the beginning I was worried about how to complete it. But later it dawned on me—it was full of fun. I got above thirty stamps in my passport. So I would say best of luck and enjoy your tour!
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Passport to America
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The Cultural Passport to America is the vehicle by which current Global UGRAD - Pakistan students immerse themselves in American culture and share their impressions about their experiences.
Muhammad Irshad Dillard University, Spring 2012 The Cultural Passport wasn’t just a booklet for me but a complete platform to experience U.S. life and culture through different perspectives. It’s the best path to help you reach your academic and professional goals. In addition, it’s a magnificent opportunity for better exposure to your culture and traditions. The passport makes the semester convenient for fellows, so despite curriculum work it enables you to participate in sports and other relaxing activities. I recommend that once you have this lifetime opportunity, you should know your responsibilities and act truly like culture ambassadors. Before leaving for the U.S., adopt some professional skills and achievements in your personality, which have good impact on your community and the rest of your life. On my arrival to the United States, having this guidebook led me intentionally to promote mutual understanding between people of both countries. For this, you will go through some challenges, but make your own way of success and cope with the cultural transition. Making friends in the beginning was hard, but not impossible. The only solution is to talk to everybody, openly. Believe me, Americans are caring, loving and have deep considerations for all of you. Once again, get involved in each activity whether it’s on campus or off campus. Be curious and try to learn new things every day. I had a fabulous time with my American community and friends. One thing in the U.S. that has become the favorite part of my life is community service and volunteer work. Regardless of a busy curriculum schedule I had many community service opportunities. It has enhanced my enthusiasm and strengthened my bond with the community and society and it helped me to increase interaction with U.S. people and students. So keep it up, leave good footprints for coming fellows and have a life time experience.
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Letters to Future Students Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni share their experiences and provide useful tips to future students.
Hammad Ali Khan University of Wisconsin-Stout , Fall 2011 My experience as a Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellow was awesome. When I got selected there were many misconceptions about America in my mind and about Pakistan in the minds of Americans, too. So during this one semester I tried to clear all of them and it worked for me because Americans are very open, friendly and caring. The thing I loved is their acceptance. Try to experience each and every thing because this is the only time in which you can explore your abilities. Take fun courses like music, sports, whatever you like because you will enjoy it. I took piano, racquet ball, theater, psychology, marketing and business education and American government courses and learnt different new things and had oodles of fun. This is a cultural exchange program so try to involve yourself in different cultural activities, attend events and try to promote your culture. You can promote your culture by arranging different activities so we had a mehndi party for an American friend and we invited American and international friends. Travel as much as you can. Utilize your breaks in the semester and ahead with your friends because if you travel in a group it will cost less especially in accommodation. I would suggest keeping your camera with you all the time so that you can capture different moments of your life there and take comments from different people about yourself and Pakistan in a video, so this will help you to win the video competition. When you will be back home, those pictures and videos will refresh your memories. My last words for you are to keep in mind the purpose of this program and the different situations through which Pakistan is passing; this is a time for you to show the world how peaceful we are, our values and rich culture, and I am sure that you will make us proud. Make each moment memorable. I wish you the very best of luck!!!
Hadia Akbar University of Wyoming, Spring 2012 Excitement, fear, anxiousness, nervousness, this was the same I was feeling a year ago, so I would like to share my experiences with the upcoming cohort. To be successful in this program, manage your time efficiently. Studies aren’t hard but you have to make sure you are consistent. Complete your presentation and community service in first half of the program. Nobody expects perfection from you but everyone expects you to do your best. Never hesitate to arrange meetings with professors and mentors and make sure to sort out any academic difficulties before they get worse. If you are hesitant in talking to professors, there are always student counseling centers on campus—take advantage of them. Don’t spend your entire stipend in the first weeks—budget carefully because the stipend provided is quite enough for expenses. Try to be as social and friendly as soon as possible. Don’t worry about your proficiency in English because the U.S. holds remarkable diversity with people with different dialects so it is not a very big deal. Make the best of your time and try to avail every opportunity to socialize.
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Letters to Future Students Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni share their experiences and provide useful tips to future students.
Noreen Zafar Carroll College, Spring 2012 “Congratulations, you have been selected as a Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellow for spring 2012 semester.” Hence, a new story began. I spent the most memorable four months of my life at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, a valley in the heart of mountains. Being in a new place with new people is always difficult, and being the only one of your nationality can be a little trickier. As an exchange student our first responsibility is to portray the true picture of our country without any media bias. Therefore, I grabbed every opportunity to display my culture, talk about my religion and represent my country. Here are some techniques that made my stay amazing. Friends—the biggest concern while going to a new place and when it is a new country it can be even more nerve-wracking. To break the ice I decided to cook a Pakistani meal and invite every person I knew on campus. This worked like a catalyst in making new friends and after that there wasn’t a single day when someone did not come up to me and ask a question about Pakistan. There were a lot of questions about religion. Talking is the key here. I know sometimes it can be hard to start a conversation so this is what I did. Start asking your friends about their religion. Show them that you are interested. You can even go to church with your friends. Be open and remember you might be the first, and possibly the last, Pakistani your American friends will ever meet. Create a positive impression not just by your words but also by your actions and the most important advice that I received was to be yourself.
Fatima-Tuz-Zahra Utica College, Spring 2012 Dear fellows: you were chosen from a large population to go far away from your country in a different environment as cultural ambassadors to explore the world. Do you know why you were chosen? You are a blessed person who has skills to lead and to increase mutual understanding between you, Americans and people from different cultural backgrounds. Let me give you few tips to make your journey productive. Time is money and life is on a roller coaster in America and you will become much more self-organized if you manage your time in a good way. Use a day planner; this is a very good tool for time management. Americans are very open minded, friendly, they express their gratitude wholeheartedly so don’t hesitate to make friends and take initiative. They respect you more when you tell them about your culture and traditions. Keep your IREX advisors updated with whatever you do and on the whole study tight, make new friends, have fun, visit different places, participate in different on campus activities, do your community service, your country presentations and good luck for the journey of your new life. I observed and learned from this experience.
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Letters to Future Students Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni share their experiences and provide useful tips to future students.
Ali Khalid University of Arkansas, Spring 2012 The mystery and vagueness of what lies ahead can be a frightening. Coming to a foreign land on your own, away from home, it’s not easy but let me assure you that through this program not only will you develop a better understanding of yourself; you will also gain insight to decide your future goals. In short, you will never regret pursuing this program. There are some actions I wish I could have done differently but now I can share them so you can benefit from them. Community service is an important requirement for this program but it also develops a sense of social responsibility, vital for character building. A couple of weeks after entering your appointed university, you should be volunteering. As for me, I started late but I wish I hadn’t. My best volunteer experience was at the local public library. Also don’t forget to have fun every once in a while. Make it a goal to go sightseeing at least once every weekend. Try to join courses like swimming, dancing, music or fitness. Studying is important but nurturing talent and taking care of yourself is just as useful. Remember that you’re a visiting student so be at your best. Now go out there, represent your country and have fun at the same time. I did it and so can you.
Abdul Basit College of Southern Idaho, Spring 2012 I think the most vital aspect of the American educational system is punctuality. Be on time to every class because going late to class even a minute is considered very rude in the US and it shows no respect for the instructor. Try to enjoy every moment of your stay. Participate in every activity on campus and out of campus, also. Stamp your passport after every activity you participate in and try to get as many stamps as you can. Explore American culture and try to express your culture by your character, show them all those qualities which you have and learn all those which you think are best and will be helpful to you in the future. Some people may think that they are going to the U.S. only for fun and enjoyment but that will not be the case. You will also come across some problems and after facing all those you will learn how to face more problems. You will be put in a room with an American, try to create understanding as soon as possible because Americans are friendlier than your expectations. Try to be a responsible Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellow because you are acting as an ambassador for your country and people will learn about your country and culture through to you, so try to be as influential as you can.
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Letters to Future Students Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni share their experiences and provide useful tips to future students.
Muhammad Furqan Khattak Upper Iowa University, Spring 2012 You are very fortunate to be able to participate in such a prestigious fellowship. You have got the potential to make it big in the U.S. It’s like an open play ground. Go and express yourself. At every stage don’t be shy to ask for help from your coordinators, teachers, friends and mentors. The first couple of weeks will be hard, from my own experience, but with time you will know how things tick. Be observant of your surrounding as you will get lots of answers from that, too. Always be honest and never try to do something by shortcut methods. Many of you will be concerned about food; we were, too. It’s very simple, tell your chef in the dining hall about your prohibition of beef, pork or whatever and believe me they will be very careful about your religious concern. Promise yourselves that you won’t limit yourselves to the room because you will miss many exciting activities. Make lots of friends. Be cool, calm and rational while expressing your culture or religion and do listen to others. Just know that you are representing your country Pakistan, so be a bridge builder and promote the real image of your country and learn about other cultures.
Shahzad Khan Durrani Nazareth College, Spring 2012 To start my story I need to turn back the clock to January 2, 2012. It’s hard to believe that I was on the other end of the map, 8000 miles away; the journey from fantasy to reality! I cherish every moment spent in the U.S. I have made memories for a lifetime; thoughts that bring tears and smiles at the same time. “Journey of Shahzad Durrani to a wonderful land” might be a big book with endless memories. You are going to have a completely different way of life, where you will be busy in your academic work, social activities, making friends (from every part of the world), and participating in every positive activity like becoming a member of different clubs and organizations. Besides these activities, representing your culture and country, making your traditional foods and showing the diversity of your area. The best thing for you is to manage your time, if you want to participate in many activities. In addition, do not spend your money on irreverent and less important things; wait for special sale days. The beauty of U.S. culture lies in diversity. You will observe different background and people from almost every part of the world. You may face a problem with accents, but don't hesitate while speaking in English to Americans because they know English is a foreign language for you. They expect mistakes from you and they love to help you improve your English skills. Americans are more direct: “yes” means yes and “no” means no. They are more informal: do not be amazed by seeing Americans in pajamas in class. They focus on things other than just an outer look. Americans are family oriented. Respect, diversity, and freedom are some key American Values.
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Letters to Future Students Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni share their experiences and provide useful tips to future students.
Zahra Mehmood University of Minnesota-Moorhead, Spring 2012 Advice to the young adventurers embarking on one of the greatest journeys ever… It seems like yesterday when I was lounging on the couch listening to my siblings bickering about something, when my father entered and waved a letter. After a nervous five minutes, I opened the letter and read that I had been selected for the Global UGRAD-Pakistan program, which was one of the most prestigious programs I had ever known. The pronouncement was followed by a bout of tremendous cheering and then time flew past leading me to Washington DC and to Minnesota State University in Moorhead, Minnesota. Now that I am back, I look over the past year, a river of memories float by, and I realize it was one of the most amazing chapters of my life. When my journey was starting I was nervous but mostly I was confident that this was meant to be and I was sure that I would excel in this part of my life. Many obstacles were placed in my path, both by fate and my university. My advice to the young adventurers would be: stay calm in the face of any trouble and hold your ground. I wish all of you a great time and may you guys have all the fun that you have dreamed of.
Muhammad Adil Salim Shawnee State University, Spring 2012 When you are going to a place where you don’t know any one you are very nervous and have some misconceptions, but when it’s time to leave, you have tears in your eyes for that place and the people. It’s amazing and this is what happened to me. The time I spent in the U.S. was very short, but the best of my life. Doing the country presentation and promoting our culture made me more patriotic. I participated in different activities on and off campus that increased my interaction with different people and made new friends. I met some super nice people that I didn’t imagine before. I am a sports fan and I like cricket but there I became a fan of baseball. I went with my friendship family to see a game of the minor league teams of the Pirates and Red Sox. The most interesting part of the match was the home run on the very first pitch of the match. I really enjoy American sport culture and it was a good experience to see the games about which I had only heard. I would like to suggest to the coming students to take as many gifts as you can because you are going to meet some very nice people and to give gift to your house mates in the beginning to make them good friends. Do cook some Pakistani dishes for them! Cooking for them is the best way to get their affection because they don’t know cooking. Once my friend was introducing me to his friends and said, “This is my friend Adil, he is like my brother, like my family and you know he cooked for me.” My friends are still saying, “I miss the chapatti very much.” My friendship family is now crazy for Pakistani bread (naan).
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Letters to Future Students Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni share their experiences and provide useful tips to future students.
Maryam Jamil Bennett College, Fall 2011 The autumn of 2011 was the beginning of a life changing experience: my semester as a cultural ambassador in the United States. What could be a more prestigious opportunity for a mere undergraduate student, then this? To live and breathe a new country’s culture, lifestyle and education - this was all possible through the Global UGRAD-Pakistan program. Amongst the thousands of applicants I was one of the few privileged students selected to represent Pakistan, and as an alumnus work with the embassy for the betterment of our society. A three day orientation in Washington D.C, gave us all a good picture of what to expect and how to go around the places here. I was to take classes at Bennett College where I was able to experience their methodology of studying and their insight towards different ideas and philosophies. Besides studying, I was an active member of the international student society, where various cultural activities took place, and somehow all the petty global differences never existed and I learned how alike and unique each and all of us were. One of my most memorable moments was when I gave a presentation about Pakistan. To be able to stand there in a foreign country and to represent your nation is a feeling unlike any other. The president of Bennett College even stood up for our national anthem along with hundreds of students and that made me burst with pride! After visiting many states, celebrating many festivals, befriending people from all around the world, my biggest accomplishment was discovering myself, what I’m really capable of and what I can actually do for my country.
Waqas Ahmed Kansas State University, Spring 2012 The best way to promote the mutual understanding between two countries is to let the local people of both countries to meet with one another. At the time I was coming to the U.S. everybody was suggesting me to not show my nationality to Americas because they don’t like Pakistan and its people. But after being here I realized that was just a stereotype. American people are very cooperative, helpful and they don’t care about your nationality, religion, and race and skin color. Life at Kansas State University was one of the most exciting parts of my life. I learned a lot in the U.S. A sense of community service totally changed my way of thinking—it’s the perfect way to feel connected to your community. The simple act of offering your skills and enthusiasm will positively impact the lives of others, as well as your own.
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Letters to Future Students Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni share their experiences and provide useful tips to future students.
Komal Nadeem University of Arkansas, Spring 2012 When I was placed in the University of Arkansas, not even in my wildest dream did I know how I was going to spend four and a half months of my life in some strange country, with strange people and a strange culture. As an international student, this became an experience whose memories will forever remain imprinted on my mind. Being a cultural ambassador of Pakistan not only gave me the chance to learn about the diverse culture of the U.S. but it made me learn about my own country, as well. It gave me a challenge to be independent and responsible because once you are a cultural ambassador, you are responsible to show your unique culture in your own way. It is you from whom people are going to learn about Pakistan. It’s you people are going to ask questions from regarding your country and it is from you that people are going to form a healthy image of your country. So at the end of the day, the choice is all yours. I got to meet people from Bulgaria, Bolivia, Uganda, France, Ghana, Lebanon, Panama, Palestine, Ukraine, Russia, Brazil, Nicaragua, Korea, China and the list goes on. I not only learned about their countries but their cultures as well. The University of Arkansas was the best place for me to go and learn all this. It has been a place I made friends, a place where I gained respect, love and foremost, a family that I would always want to go back to. It might be a place people do not know much about, but trust me, I had my extraordinary time there and some part of me still lives there. To me, from the first day of orientation in Washington D.C. to my last night at Holcombe Hall, Fayetteville, I collected each and every moment that passed in my heart. Although it might not be as urban as Chicago, it’s going to give you people who will love you, care for you and look up to you in every way - a home in the heart of the U.S. I still can’t believe that time has passed and I am home. And trust me, you won’t, either, once you come back. Global UGRAD-Pakistan is going to give you a global experience in its true sense. You will not only exchange your culture but will learn many good things from others as well. One of the best things about Americans is their thirst to learn new things, experience diversity and enjoy it. What I would suggest to you is that these four months are going to be yours and no one can take them back from you. You are the one who is going to define this time, manage it and make the best out of it. Make friends and don’t stick to Facebook and Skype. Mix with as many Americans as possible because this is a lifetime opportunity to make as many friends as you can from each part of the world, including the U.S. And the key to both enjoying your experience and attaining good grades is time management. I hope at the end of all this, you will also say, like I do, that “being an international student has been the best experience of my entire life and will remain so.” Good luck and happy exploring for your American dream!
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Letters to Future Students Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni share their experiences and provide useful tips to future students.
Rahul Roy Humboldt State University, Spring 2012 My stay in the U.S. as a cultural ambassador has been the best part of my life. Before coming to the United States, I had a lot of stereotypes about religion, culture and food, but after being here I realized that these are just some misconceptions and the people of the US really respect others’ religions, beliefs and values. I am really happy after having an amazing experience in the U.S. through this program. I think I did all those things which were in my mind before coming here and which I wanted to do in the U.S. Those were to promote our local music and culture and to learn about American music and culture. Music is my passion and I got many chances to perform at different programs, sang many kinds of songs (sufi, religious, romantic, classical) in my native language and people just loved it. I gave more than four country presentations at different places and also got a chance to promote Pakistani culture and music through an FM radio show named Ethnic Excursions. I explored many places of the United States by travelling and I think that’s one of the most important things to learn about U.S. culture. The professors and staff members are very cooperative and helpful. I never found any difficulty in anything. My advice to all incoming Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellows is that this is a lifetime opportunity so try to make the most of it. Be confident and participate in each of the activities of the cultural passport (a great way to learn about U.S. culture). Also, actively participate in all of the activities arranged by your host advisor and try to travel as much
Komal Gopi American University, Spring 2012 If you ask me to define my trip in one word, I would say ‘a roller coaster ride.’ Every interaction has been a learning experience which has taught me a lesson in one way or the other. Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did. Be the first one to talk, because people won’t come to talk to you. You have to initiate the communications. Whatever you say, whatever you do, however you act and react, it has a big impact, a long term impact on the overall image of Pakistan in everyone’s eyes. I learned that I have a big responsibility as a cultural ambassador. Probably because I was the first Pakistani they have ever met, I had to think thrice before speaking and behaving because I am representing my country. My acts would be generalized over the whole Pakistan and its people, and this was a huge responsibility on my shoulders. Participation is the key to get through. This was another thing which I learned by certain experiences. Since you are an international student, everyone want your views, and what you have to say on discussions, matters and issues, and your view shapes your personality and image in everyone’s mind, which has a lasting impact. Participate as much as you can but also keep in mind that you are representing your country at the same time.
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Letters to Future Students Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni share their experiences and provide useful tips to future students.
Syed Haroon Bin Farrukh Monmouth College, Spring 2012 Among the many things that I learnt as a Cultural Ambassador of Pakistan in the United States, was reorganization of an important fact: most of the stereotypes and misunderstandings arise as a consequence of over reliance on word of mouth and stories told by news agencies. Both of these sources of information cannot always be considered reliable, impartial or unbiased, and can never become a substitute for people to people interaction. I can say out of my personal experience, from American classrooms to theatre productions, from art exhibitions and musical concerts to academic conferences, from sessions on strategic decision making to casual chats with my friends, from daily life to vacation celebration and sports, everything constantly kept on changing my perspective about this beautiful country and wonderful people. It would be self-delusion to ignore the existence of inhospitable elements on both sides, yet we are fortunate to have innocent and welcoming majority of individuals, which deserves only a fair opportunity to look at the other side of the picture. I had the chance to interact with the people who were just like most Pakistanis: friendly, polite, hospitable and peace loving. They became my second family abroad and I will never wish bad luck for my family. It will be very hard for me to forget the gloomy faces and generous tears of my friends at my farewell, who in their silence, were calling out loud: let us give people a chance, let us give friendship a chance. The Global UGRAD-Pakistan program is the continuation of this thought and I am very positive about its outcomes, as it helps building long term people to people relations.
Humayun Iftikhar Gondal Troy University, Spring 2012 The Global UGRAD-Pakistan program is a wonderful opportunity for you to interact with people from all over the world. U.S. campuses are diverse and multi-cultural. The academic system is different - be prepared. The most important thing is to know about your school and gather as much information as possible. Visit your university website and get to know important information. You also need to know about weather so that you may pack accordingly. I was placed in Alabama. Winter in Alabama was very mild. I had packed many jackets and warm shoes but I practically never needed them. I would recommend taking small and handy gifts with you. You may like to bring rings, key chains, post cards, small calendars, pens and wrist bands as souvenirs for your American friends. Just pack your gifts nicely. Americans will love them. Be ready to face cultural shocks. Get involved from the very first day and plan ahead for your travel and activities. Believe me, four months is a very short time to explore a new culture!
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Alumni News and Reflections Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni bring their experience home and continue to develop as community leaders.
Arif Khan Northampton Community College, Spring 2012 I spent the best days of my life at Northampton Community College, PA. I met people across the country and around the world. I made more friends. I got involved in many organizations and learned leadership skills. I met with local people and shared Pakistani culture with them. I tried my best to represent my country as a culture ambassador. I did volunteering service in the local community and I did my country presentations. I managed my time and got A grades. I visited most cities on the east coast of America. For instance: Chicago, DC, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta City, Pittsburg and Harrisburg. I visited cultural museums, local theaters, and many of the universities of the country such as Harvard, MIT and Lehigh University. I tried to learn about different cultures and religions in America. I met people having different religions and culture and I shared my culture with them. I learned many things about them. I found Amish people having a unique culture in such an advanced country which I had never heard about before. They don’t use things made in factories. The bottom line is, the experience I got during my stay in America will have a great impact on my future life.
Sulaiman Khan University of Idaho, Spring 2012 I got an opportunity to study in the University of Idaho, Moscow, one of the leading universities of North America. I not only got the best academic environment but also a great extracurricular environment. I studied some engineering courses from world renowned professors of their field. I learned some things that not only channeled my engineering career on the proper direction, but also did research which would not be possible without this experience. I studied one course named Project Management. In this course I got an opportunity to do a project with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The purpose of our project was to determine the costs and regulations associated with the upgrade of a current meat processing facility to a USDAinspected facility in the Palouse area. This project exposed me to the American way of working. I got a very cooperative team. We visited different meat processing units and interviewed the officials of USDA. For my friendship family, I had Dr. Walter, PhD from Harvard University, and Ellinor, from Washington State University. I often visited with them the famous local historical places in the Palouse area. I visited American Indian tribes near Coeur d’Alene and the Native American tribe Nez Perce’s Museum in Lewiston, Idaho.
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Alumni News and Reflections Global UGRAD - Pakistan alumni bring their experience home and continue to develop as community leaders.
Ali Khalid University of Arkansas, Spring 2012 Many travelers while visiting countries stay at hotels, do sightseeing, take pictures and then leave. They aren’t able to see the culture and lifestyle in comparison with a visiting student, who lives with the people, is part of the community and experiences the local culture. I had the unique privilege to live in the U.S. as a visiting student and so my focus will be on what I observed and learned from this experience. I was placed in a southern state called Arkansas. Yes, if you’re not American you may not have heard about this state. I had the same reaction but I assure you that once you go to Arkansas you won’t regret it. Sure the sight of cows grazing in the vast green fields around you, when you first enter the state, may surprise you but you will soon come to realize that Arkansas is not some concrete jungle with skyscrapers. It is a natural state, surrounded by the stunning Ozark Mountains and through it flows the crystal clear Buffalo River. The locals are friendly and many greet you with a smile, whether they know you or not. If the natural beauty of this state won’t impress you enough, the people most certainly will. I was a student at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. It’s a college town meaning that the town is formed around the university. Fayetteville is the most urban city of the state with its star attraction Dickson Street. It’s a street filled with bars, restaurants and stores. It’s the busiest during the weekend nights, that’s when everyone wants have a good time. The weather is extreme and unpredictable such that the city would be susceptible to tornadoes were it not for the hilly terrain. I had to check the forecast almost every day to dress accordingly and decide whether to take an umbrella or not. At the university, not only was I able to meet and befriend American students but also international students from different parts of the world. Living and eating with students with values, customs and religions different from my own, I was able to reshape my thoughts and ideas on different matters. I was able to gain friendships that would last a lifetime.
Humayun Iftikhar Gondal Troy University, Spring 2012 The Global UGRAD-Pakistan program is a complete package. For me, it was like a roller coaster ride. Everything went so fast. In just four months, I got exposed to an entirely different culture and academic system. It gave me an opportunity to intermingle with people from all over the world. Anti-Americanism exists in Pakistan and it is real. Political tensions between the two nations are at their peak right now. People ask me questions about how Americans view Pakistan. How are Muslims treated in the U.S.? I have been able to overcome many stereotypes about American culture that are widespread in Pakistan and often perpetuated by the media. I found people in the U.S. very tolerant toward other cultures. They accept diversity in opinions. They would agree to disagree quite happily. This is what makes real America – a land of liberty and freedom where people are not judged because of their faith or ideology. This was envisioned by the founding fathers of America in a document written 200 years ago that still serves American people. This is the most important lesson I have ever learned: no one is wrong - it is just that we all tend to perceive things differently.
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Artist’s Corner Art and poetry by alumni and their friends
Sidra Ali Endicott College, Spring 2012 I can count Global UGRAD-Pakistan as one of the best experiences of my life. This program has given me more than I thought. I truly enjoyed the whole program, its purpose and its conclusion. I want to present my painting to USEFP, the US State Department and IREX, which describes my whole experience, as it is bringing the two cultures together as one, which is the collaboration of both countries Pakistan and USA. I am proud to have two families, one in Pakistan and one in America. My host family and my friends were as eager to know more about my culture as I was interested to know about theirs. Throughout this program I experienced things for the first time in my life. I found Americans very warm, welcoming and friendly. They were open towards my culture and excited to introduce to me their life style. I am glad that I lived in that incredible world and met those amazing people.
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Artist’s Corner Art and poetry by alumni and their friends
Poem, submitted by Richard Smeltzer Host father of Rabia Rafiq University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire To Our Pakistani daughter, Rabia Rafiq I'm glad we had the chance to meet even though it was brief I tried to show you a thing or two and had to remind you to wear your shoes You did everything that could be done You even took the Polar Plunge You taught me a thing or two And ended up calling me Balloo I'll remember the campfire at night And that dog that gave you a fright I'll remember the times you looked at me With your big brown eyes and said "Balloo I'm hungry too" Time has come and time has passed All I can say is it went too fast Making cookies and candy and sticky buns galore Eating them all making my tummy sore Travel you took near and far Some by plane, other by car Florida, New York and DC too You even jumped from a plane that's true Rabia your parents must be proud of you Because we are proud of you too Thank you for letting us be your hosts I don't want to brag but we gained the most Now that your stay here with us is done All I can say is It was fun Now you're home I hope it's not to stay But will come back to see us one day I am glad we had this chance to meet Rabia you're really sweet Love Balloo and Tammy too
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Artist’s Corner Art and poetry by alumni and their friends
Minelle Raees Gaya Montclair State University, Spring 2012 Studying art in the US was perhaps one of the best experiences in my life. It was an eye opening experience which will benefit me at all times. Being a thesis year student in Pakistan, I was going through a tough time deciding what I wanted to do and the fear of whether it would be accepted or not. The artistic freedom and the right of students to have an opinion led me to believe that I could truly do what I wished to do without any hang-ups. Great teachers and fabulous guidance encouraged me tremendously to think beyond the obvious. I felt my vision broadened to a whole new level. I enjoyed the critiques and loved getting feedback from all my teachers. I was able to discuss my thesis topic with my teachers who gave me motivation to take my art further than what I believed I could. Coming back to Pakistan, I feel I have a fresh start full of energy. I shared my experience and the approach to art with the teachers as well as the students in my class. With the encouragement I got, I intend to bring about something different in the art scene here through my thesis work and I am very hopeful about it.
Collage by Hadia Akbar University of Wyoming, Spring 2012
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The Notes from UnderGrad Editorial Committee
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Maryam Jillani, IREX mjillani@irex.org
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. ECA sponsors and funds initiatives to bring international students to the United States and send U.S. students overseas. It also runs cross-border cultural exchanges, English language teaching programs and sports initiatives. Notable programs within the Bureau include the Fulbright Program, Citizen Exchanges, the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), SportsUnited and English Language Teaching and Learning.
Kaia Benson, IREX kbenson@irex.org Margaret O’Connor Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State OconnorMR@state.gov
Submission Guidelines Have something to share with the Global UGRAD-Pakistan Community? We encourage you to participate and submit your articles and pictures to the newsletter! Write to: uradpk_newsletter@irex.org Submissions are voluntary and may be edited for style and language. By submitting your writing and photographs, you agree to have them published in Notes from UnderGrad or other Global UGRAD-Pakistan related materials. Not all submitted material will be published.
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.
The State Alumni Website U.S. Government sponsored exchange alumni are eligible to take part in various Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) supported activities. The State Alumni Web Site is an online community by and for alumni of U.S. Governmentsponsored exchange and training programs. The content of the site is updated every day and alumni are encouraged to submit information to the website for posting. Features of the website include: calendar of upcoming alumni events, job listings and career development information, searchable database of alumni and U.S. host families who have registered at the site, grant opportunity listings, live online discussions, discussion forum, alumni news, alumni resume database, articles written by alumni, feedback form/online survey, live online guest speakers, photo gallery, and the Alumni Listserv: https://alumni.state.gov/
IREX 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, our program activities also include conflict resolution, technology for development, gender and youth. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $70 million and a staff of over 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.