Islamabad: November 20, 2013. (PCP) “The benefit of students being involved in extracurricular activities is that they learn about team work, time management and prioritizing things in their life which groom their personality to become a better human being.” This was stated by Judith Ravin, Deputy Cultural Attaché of the US Embassy in Islamabad while addressing a ceremony organized by USEFP to celebrate International Education Week in Pakistan. She said that American educational campuses attract hundreds of international students across the globe while diversity in education fosters mutual respect and tolerance which are essentials for a better society. Rita Akhtar, Executive Director USEFP, in her remarkable note, briefed that USEFP held a week-long series of activities across Pakistan to commemorate International Education Week, an opportunity to promote and celebrate the benefits of international education and cultural exchange that is celebrated in more than 100 countries. She informed that in the 2012-2013 academic year, Pakistani students studying in the United States increased by 3.7 percent to 4,772, making it the country with the third largest population of students enrolled in the United States; added “USEFP, a bi-national commission established in 1950 by the governments of Pakistan and the United States, is one of the most active ‘Fulbright Commissions’ located throughout the world.” She was of the view that Pakistani students who study in the United States are well suited for the challenges and opportunities in all fields with focus on global economy. “Studying abroad also strengthens ties and fosters friendship among students from different countries.” She further said. While talking about recently-held USEFP Sports Day in Islamabad, she said the sprit behind it is to promote good sportsmanship, leadership and team work as well as to highlight the place of sports in U.S. education and sports-related scholarship opportunities. She informed that nearly 200 students from ten schools competed in football, basketball, table tennis, and badminton. In Lahore, USEFP hosted a high school poster painting competition at Forman Christian College University on “The Importance of Education.” The event started as a joint initiative between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S Department of Education, is part of the effort to promote global learning programs and encourage future leaders to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States. Among International Education Week activities were networking sessions for counselors and high achievers in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. School principals and administrators recognized a total of 150 O-level students from 18 schools in these cities. The sessions provided a platform for counselors and school representatives to discuss university study abroad programs and to share best practices.