Global UGRAD-Pakistan Cultural Passport Winners Announced

IREX is pleased to announce the 2011 Spring semester winners of the Cultural Passport to America competition for the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan. Arsalan and Ammad were selected as winners for their participation in a wide array of cultural events, creative use of their passport to record those events, and their regular and reflective blog posts sharing their experiences. Ammad, studying at the University of Wyoming, and Arsalan, studying at SUNY-Plattsburgh, discuss the Cultural Passport below.

Q&A with Ammad

What was your most memorable cultural experience?

My most memorable cultural experience was riding a horse. It was one of those things back home that I wanted to do so badly. Wyoming is known for cowboys and cowgirls, especially Laramie. When I told my friend that I had never ridden a horse, he was so shocked. Then he took me to his cousin’s ranch and there I rode a horse. To my surprise I didn’t fall down even once. My friend said that now I had become an official Wyomingite and a real cowboy.

What did you learn about the US through these experiences?

Before coming here I was afraid that I was going to face many stereotypes from Americans. As I started socializing and making friends, all of my misconceptions proved to be wrong. They don’t judge you by your color, race or by your religion.

How do you plan to use the passport when you return to Pakistan?

I’ll use my passport to correct misconceptions about the US. Radicals and extremists are everywhere in the world. There are some in Pakistan, but that doesn’t mean all of Pakistan is bad. And there are some in the US, but again, the majority of Americans are good. While living in the US, I consider myself an ambassador of Pakistan. I’ve tried to present a real image of Pakistan and build strong connections. So when I go back, I’ll be an ambassador of the US and will try to deliver a picture of the real US.

Q&A with Arsalan

How did the Cultural Passport help you experience America?

The Cultural Passport to America was like a complete guide to me when I came here. It helped me to understand the diverse cultures and life in US, not only professionally but also personally. The Cultural Passport led me to experience American life from academics to family, friends to strangers.

What was your favorite cultural experience?

My favorite cultural experience was volunteering at the annual event “Relay for Life,” organized by the American Cancer Society. I was surprised to see people from all walks of life there. The event started at 6pm and ended at 6am. But the level of energy and enthusiasm did not go down. I was very happy to see that out of their busy schedules, everyone took time to support this noble cause.

How do you think your home community will react when you share your experiences?

I am very excited to share my wonderful experiences with my friends and family. Every time I talk to them on the phone, they ask me more and more about my life here, which encourages me to gain more experiences in my remaining time.

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, United States Department of State, and administered by IREX.