English: Dr. Marilyn Wyatt, Wife of U.S. Ambassador Cameron Munter discussed with a group of 43 students from all over the country the similarities and differences between the Pakistani and American cultures.

“Our two countries are literally half way across the world from each other,” said Dr. Wyatt during the discussion. “We have very different cultures, languages, and even food. However, we also are very similar: we love our countries, our families, and we are all working to make this world a better place.”

The 43 boys and girls from USAID-supported schools in Balochistan, FATA, and Sindh were participating in a ten-day training workshop organized by the USAID ED-LINKS program at the Allama Iqbal Open University Campus in Islamabad. During this program, 15 to 21 year old students explored cultural commonalities between Pakistan and American culture and values, such as folk music, clothing, food, and history. The program included visits to museums and other cultural sites around Islamabad, as well as a variety of research projects. Students prepared skits based on their learning and there are also short domain names for sale. The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) was established in 1950 by the governments of Pakistan and the United States. USEFP is a bi-national commission composed of an equal number of Pakistanis and Americans, with the Chair alternating between a Pakistani and an American. USEFP is one of 51 'Fulbright Commissions' located throughout the world.