Contact:
Elizabeth Blevins, Director, Office of Communications
Phyllis Noah, Communications Coordinator
Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179; Cell: (740) 464-4854
940 Second Street – Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
E-mail: eblevins@shawnee.edu or pnoah@shawnee.edu
Web site: www.shawnee.edu

Shawnee State University welcomes three new international students on campus as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan. Joining the Shawnee State University family are from left, Narjis Fatima, Muhammad Zohaib Khan and Paras Qadir Memon.

            Shawnee State University welcomes three new international students on campus as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan. Joining the Shawnee State University family are Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Narjis Fatima and Paras Qadir Memon.
            The Global UGRAD in Pakistan program aims to advance youth leadership and promote mutual understanding by providing one academic term of non-degree undergraduate United States study to on a highly competitive basis to a diverse group of emerging student leaders from underrepresented sectors of Pakistan.
            In addition to their academic studies, Global UGRAD in Pakistan fellows 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 in Pakistan fellows 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.
            Global UGRAD in Pakistan fellows are also “ambassadors” for Pakistan. Many of them are the only representatives of Pakistan on campus. Their unique perspectives and backgrounds enrich the learning experience for American students. Global UGRAD in Pakistan fellows also give presentations about their country and cultures at local schools, Rotary Clubs, elderly homes, and other locations, reaching thousands of Americans each year.
            The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State and is administered by the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX).
            The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State fosters mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly, sympathetic and peaceful relations, as mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchanges Act of 1961.
            ECA accomplishes its mission through a range of programs based on the benefits of mutual understanding, international educational and cultural exchange, and leadership development. For more information about ECA exchanges, visit http://exchanges.state.gov.
            IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing leadership and innovative programs to improve the quality of education, strengthen independent media, and foster pluralistic civil society development. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of $60 million and a staff of over 500 professionals worldwide. IREX and its partner IREX Europe deliver cross-cutting programs and consulting expertise in more than 100 countries. For more information about IREX, visit www.irex.org.