The Sister2Sister Exchange Program 2026, a premier fully funded USA women’s exchange, invites Pakistani female students to a 12–50-day Pakistani women leadership program. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and led by American University, in partnership with iEARN-USA and Society for International Education (SIE), this initiative, launched in 2018, empowers 20–25 global empowerment trailblazers annually. Hosted at top U.S. universities like American University, Virginia Tech, UMass Amherst, Emory University, University of Virginia, and University of Chicago, the program fosters cross-cultural leadership synergy in fields like STEM, international affairs, gender studies, medicine, and pharmacy.

Participants engage in 40+ hours of undergraduate summer courses, tailored to their academic interests, under the mentorship of world-class faculty. The program includes workshops on leadership, Information Communication Technology (ICT), and English proficiency, with 90% of participants reporting enhanced professional skills. Fellows attend briefings at institutions like the U.S. State Department or World Bank, and participate in community service, such as volunteering at D.C. nonprofits, amplifying global perspectives. The Community of Scholars course at American University, a 3-credit hybrid program (1 week online, 2 weeks on-campus), explores international relations, conflict resolution, and environmental politics, connecting fellows with global professionals.

The transformative USA cultural quest immerses participants in homestays with American families, where they share Pakistani traditions like Eid celebrations or Mehndi designs, and explore landmarks like D.C.’s National Mall, Chicago’s Millennium Park, or Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, enriching intercultural insights during events like Independence Day. A 2-day leadership summit unites fellows with policymakers and alumni, fostering networks, with 85% of alumni sustaining U.S. connections. The hybrid model includes 10+ hours of virtual orientations via Zoom, ensuring accessibility from Karachi, Lahore, or Quetta.

Fellows develop action plans to address challenges like gender equity or climate sustainability in Pakistan, with 88% implementing community initiatives post-program. Host cities, with research hubs and cultural landmarks, support academic excellence, connecting fellows to Islamabad, Peshawar, and Sialkot. The USA’s vibrant urban centers (QS Best Cities 2025: D.C. #17, Chicago #37) complement the program, ideal for women’s rights advocates.

Candidates submit an online form, shortlisted applicants attend virtual interviews and group discussions, and results are announced via email. Join the global cohort to champion women’s empowerment, embrace U.S. cultural dynamism, and strengthen U.S.-Pakistan ties with Sister2Sister Exchange Program 2026!

Sister2Sister Exchange Program in the USA:

Host Country:

•United States of America

Sponsored By:

•Society for International Education

Program Type:

•Exchange Program

Program Duration:

•12 Days to 50 Days

Eligible Country:

•Pakistan

Benefits of Sister2Sister Exchange Program in the USA:

•Candidates will be given the concession of the full tuition fee.
•Candidates will be facilitated with the traveling cost from and to the US.
•Candidates will be granted health insurance.
•Candidates will be given accommodation with meals.
•Candidates will be provided with visa fees.

Eligibility Criteria of Sister2Sister Exchange Program in the USA:

1. Only females can apply.

2. Candidates must be Pakistani citizens.

3. Candidates must hold Pakistani CNIC/B-form.

4. Candidates must be of age between 18-24 years old.

5. Candidates must possess a minimum of 12 years of education.

6. Candidates must be enrolled in the first year of the master’s program or four years of the bachelor’s program at any university.

7. Candidates must be committed to returning home after the completion of the program.

8. Candidates must exhibit leadership skills.

9. Candidates should be eager to learn about US culture.

10. Candidates must have a high score in academics.

11. Candidates must possess honors and awards.

12. Candidates must have reference letters.

13. Candidates must have a CGPA of 70% or higher in the previous three years.

14. Candidates with no prior experience in international traveling are encouraged to apply.

15. Candidates must be proficient in the English language.

16. Applicants must pay a USD 19 registration fee.

Documents required for the Sister2Sister Exchange program USA:

1. Recommendation letter (if available).

2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of Academic degree.

3. Academic transcript (if required).

4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).

5. CV (if required).

6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).

7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.

8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).

9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).

12. Project Proposal.

13. Proof of Professional Experience (e.g., project portfolios, testimonials).

14. Proof of honors and awards.

Program Deadline:

• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.

• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in October 2025!

Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.