Our Story

In 2022, when the world was reemerging from the pandemic, two community college professors from different parts of the US travelled to Lahore, Pakistan, eager to rebuild the connections and social networks that had been severed by social distancing and isolation. While there, they connected with an administrator who was just as passionate about fostering cross-cultural understanding, sparking curiosity about the world, and breaking down stereotypes. The meeting of these three professors, Dr. Paul Edleman, Prof. Farah Habib, and Dr. Zubda Zia, was serendipity, but what emerged was the result of creative thinking and meaningful collaboration that led to the formation of the America Pakistan Education Exchange (APEX). Cultural exchange and fostering cross-cultural understanding are central goals of APEX. The program also emphasizes academic collaboration, ranging from classroom visits and homestays to community engagement and candid dialogue, which encourage mutual respect and lasting friendships. APEX has been fortunate enough to receive funding from the American Institute of Pakistan Studies, the US Alumni TIES program, and the Citizens Diplomacy Action Fund. We’ve also received support from Bristol Community College, Massachusetts, Kinnaird College for Women, Pakistan, and Sauk Valley Community College, Illinois. As is the case with grassroots organizations, funding remains an issue. Despite the challenges, we continue to build our network and expand the range of experiences we’d like to offer faculty and students in the US and Pakistan. If you are interested in collaborating, we would love to hear from you.