Pakistani students studying at Bennett
(pictured above: (From left) Jessica Anum Shahid, Zara Khan Durrani and Fareeha Ambar are spending a semester at Bennett.)
Bennett College has welcomed three students from Pakistan – Jessica Anum Shahid, Zara Khan Durrani and Fareeha Ambar.
Their semester at Bennett is made possible through the U.S. Department of State’s Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan – Global UGRAD-Pakistan.
The program builds diverse youth leaders from underserved Pakistani populations. Students are exposed to U.S.-based training and practical experience in leadership positions, community engagement and in their professional fields. They gain the skills vital to implementing long-term civic and economic changes in their communities, building stability through increased local capacity as well as an increased cross-cultural understanding.
“My expectations were very high and everything is exactly the way I expected it to be. I am very pleased to get this opportunity to study here at Bennett as well. When I go back, I not only want to take memories with me but also leave some memories here so my Belle sisters always remember me,” said Shahid.
In addition to their academic studies, Global UGRAD-Pakistan students 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 students 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 are pleased that we have had such a long-term relationship with the Global UGRAD program and we look forward to continuing to work with it,” said Gwendolyn M. Bookman, director of the Center for Global Studies and External Partnerships and an associate professor of political science at Bennett. “The fellows that have been placed at Bennett have made outstanding contributions to our community and have significantly added to the success of our global education initiative.”
