Habib University's Study Abroad Program

Every year, Habib University students are invited to apply to study abroad at one of the three leading institutions in the United States: Stanford University, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Pitzer College, and the University of California, Berkeley. All four programs offer opportunities to learn at top international universities, experience a foreign culture, benefit from diverse perspectives, and connect with peers from around the world.

Stanford Summer International Honors Program

The Stanford Summer International Honors Program (IHP) is a collaboration between Stanford University and Habib University. Students are selected by Habib University to attend a highly rigorous and immersive program that combines top-notch academics with extracurricular activities that explore the rich cultural, social, and geographical resources of the San Francisco Bay Area. As a part of IHP, students create their own schedules from more than 175 courses offered by 35 departments within the schools of Humanities and Sciences, Earth Sciences, and Engineering. Summer courses are taught by Stanford faculty.

University of Michigan Summer Term

Habib University has partnered with the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, to offer unmatched opportunities in more than 265 undergraduate degree programs. At the University of Michigan, Habib students are members of a truly international learning community. At both the undergraduate and graduate level, University of Michigan students come from 118 countries, representing a highly diverse global community. More than one-third of international students are undergraduates. During the summer semester, students will take classes with their peers at the University of Michigan as well as visiting students from around the US and the world.

Berkeley Summer Sessions

Habib University has partnered with the University of California at Berkeley (UC Berkeley), to send students for a summer study abroad. Berkeley Summer Sessions offer more than 600 courses to choose from, where students experience the academic rigor for which Berkeley is renowned. Students will also have the opportunity of accessing one of the top university libraries at UC Berkeley, with a collection of over 12 million books, the fourth largest library in North America.

Pitzer College Summer Program

Habib University students can spend a semester at

Pitzer College under a study abroad program which will provide students exposure to diverse learning opportunities and enable greater cross-cultural understanding between Pakistani and American students. A member of The Claremont Colleges, Pitzer shares consortium resources (libraries, dining halls, etc.), and students are encouraged to take classes at the other four undergraduate Claremont Colleges as well. The college emphasizes social sciences, international programs, and media studies.

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Tips from the Selection Committee

Dr. Anzar Khalique

Associate Dean for Teaching, Learning, and Research, Associate Professor Integrated Sciences & Mathematics, Dhanani School of Science and Engineering

What is the study abroad program and how does it benefit the HU student?

The study abroad program constitutes a summer semester at any of the partner Universities of Habib University that includes Stanford, UC Berkeley, University of Michigan Ann-Arbor, and the Claremont Consortium. The advantages of going to any of these top places are numerous including interacting with different people, the opportunity to take courses that aren’t available at Habib, make connections with inspiring mentors, and also comparing your Habib experience with what these places have to offer. It’s also worth mentioning that almost all students who go to study abroad end up in high tier graduate schools post their undergraduate at Habib University.

What are the criteria for the selection process?

We are looking for students, Juniors & Sophomores, who are the best representation of the values of Yohsin. Students who are excelling in their studies and are also demonstrating a meaningful impact on our community. The more well-rounded you are, the better your chance of getting selected. We also carefully evaluate your reasons for selecting a certain university and the courses you are planning to take. As part of the selection process, shortlisted candidates are required to make a presentation and give a panel interview.

Where are the common mistakes made by student applicants?

• Picking up courses that are already available at Habib.

• Little to no understanding of the University they are applying for including poor knowledge of where it’s located.

• Picking up courses that don’t justify the experience (e.g. Swimming).

• No plan of using their time meaningfully outside of the regular courses.

• No or poor plan of bringing their experience back to Habib University community.

What are some of the tips to do well in the selection process?

• Select courses that are meaningful and provide you a different direction of thinking. (Many of our students changed their post-graduate plans after going to the Summer Schools).

• Have a clear idea of why you are choosing a University. Meet students who have benefited from study abroad before an learn from their experience

• Whatever you claim to do at the selected University, or whatever you plan to do once you are back, make sure it connects to the work you are already doing here. Many students promise great things but if you look at their time at Habib, they have demonstrated none of them while having all the resources.

• The presentation should be concise, and should clearly say why you are an ideal candidate for this course

Any other comments?

Don’t fabricate any information about yourself or the experience. The interviewers have gone through this process numerous times and can tell when a student is serious and when are they just fabricating information and ideas to get through the process.