In celebration of International Education Week [8], undergraduate students from the Global UGRAD-Eurasia and Central Asia Program [9] and the Global UGRAD-Pakistan Program [10] shared what international education means to them. These participants are currently studying in colleges and universities across the United States, where they are also participating in community service and cultural activities, and serving as cultural ambassadors for their home countries.
“International education programs have the power to break various kinds of stereotypes about different countries and promote friendship between nations.” - Iftihor, Tajikistan
“Being on an international education program has taught me that I am not isolated and that I am part of a bigger world, and I can have an impact on the world community through personal interaction with people from all over the world.” – Sonia, Pakistan
“International education programs have the power to combine people of various views and beliefs in one place and give them an opportunity to understand each other, and understand the world.” -Davit, Armenia
“My responsibility as a cultural ambassador is to create a bridge between the people of both nations.” – Fazlur, Pakistan
“International education programs have the power to “de-otherize” people of different cultures and languages. They teach you to be more responsive to new ideas and help you to venture outside your habitual set of values and beliefs.” –Alina, Russia
“Being on an international education program has taught me to keep dreaming bigger than before and making the impossible possible!” – Sanah, Pakistan
“Being on an international education program has taught me that the girls all over the world have the same concerns. They just talk about them in different languages.” -Sabina, Azerbaijan
“Being on an international education program has taught me self-confidence, determination, and patience, and it has taught me how to respect diversity around us.” – Faryal, Pakistan
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Eurasia and Central Asia [9] and the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan [10] are programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX.