The Global UGRAD-Pakistan [10] fellows embrace their role as cultural ambassadors in the United States, broadening American’s perspectives on Pakistan through country presentations on and off campus.
During campus presentations, the students tackle a wide range of topics that included agricultural practices, the education system, as well as dating in Pakistan. Wasim, at Grand Valley State University, said, “It’s been really fun talking about my culture and getting to know the culture of other people. … I get the chance to meet different people and am bombarded with various questions all the time!”
The fellows also share traditions specific to their home communities. At Lees-McRae College, Amir spoke at length about Pushtoon customs and traditions. Salamat, at Shawnee State University, showed his audience a video clip of the local dance in Pakistan’s Northern Areas: “They were surprised to see the long coats that our old men wear when they dance!” he said.
The fellows have been overwhelmed with the response they received. “People don’t know much about our culture, so they keep on asking questions from different angles,” said Talal, at Southeast Community College. “I guess I am the first Pakistani who has been to Beatrice (Nebraska) for many years,”
Muhammad at Shawnee State University loved the fact that his audience was so diverse. “I felt proud to give my country presentation not only to Americans, but to other international students. I felt as if I was presenting on Pakistan to the entire world!”
The fellows feel they are improving people’s perception of Pakistan. After Farhan’s presentation at Augustana College, one of his instructors approached him and said, prior to Farhan’s talk, he had only thought about Pakistan as a war zone but now realizes that Pakistani society has a lot more to offer. “That was something that made me feel proud,” Farhan noted. “In the midst of media hype, at least I am trying to show the real face of our part of the world”.