Starting college is a big leap of faith. Not only are you setting sail in unfamiliar waters, you’re also gambling with your future. There are some of us who’ve always known what we want our life to amount to and how to get there and then, there are some who are a jack of all trades and master of all, too. It’s not uncommon to have multiple interests and college serves as the perfect platform to explore and sift them through.

Here’s a list of different youth networks in Pakistan (in no particular order) that you can be a part of to maximize your college experience:

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AIESEC

AIESEC is the largest student-run organization in the world and has grown to establish itself in 126 countries worldwide over the past 77 years. The organization aims to hone leadership potential with the help of enriching experiences by forming alliances beyond borders. As a part of AIESEC in Pakistan, you have the opportunity to run your local body and join the pool of exchange participants who get experiential learning through professional internships or volunteer work. Imagine having friends from all over the world and carrying signed currencies in your wallet from fifteen different countries, showcasing Pakistan in events like Global Village and having an opportunity to represent your own unique culture and identity. Throw in some wild first-timers and wanderlusting into the mix, roller coasters and beaches and concerts and scuba diving and jet-skiing; the possibilities are endless.

Pak-US Alumni Network

Pakistan-US Alumni Network embodies an extensive network of alumni from exchange programs to the United States. As a college student in Pakistan, you have the opportunity to apply for exchange programs like SUSI and Global UGRAD ranging from a few weeks up to a year or the liberty to enroll in various sports, art and music collaborations as well. The purpose of these exchanges is to strengthen the people-to-people interaction between the two countries with a special interest in populace from disadvantaged areas.

As an exchange participant, you are placed in American colleges for the desired period of time, enrolled into a Host Parent program and have to contribute in community service projects alongside representing Pakistan in various on-campus activities. Everything is practically paid for, to make your stay as comfortable as possible. And once you return, you are a part of the Alumni network where you can apply for grants for your own social projects as well as organize and attend events, conferences and seminars.

Global Shapers – World Economic Forum

An initiative of the World Economic Forum, Global Shapers Forum is a network of hubs spread out geographically that allows members to join based on exceptional potential and the drive to contribute locally. With 454 hubs all over the world, Pakistan currently has four hubs in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi, respectively. The purpose of these local hubs is for students and professionals to come together and participate in projects tackling issues like climatic change, women empowerment, entrepreneurship, sustainability etc.

TiE YES Clubs

The Indus Entrepreneurs or more commonly known as TiE, is a non-profit global community founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley. With successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and senior professionals being involved in laying the foundations, TiE’s mission was to foster entrepreneurship globally through mentoring, networking, and education. TiE Pakistan formed YES (Youth Entrepreneurial Society) Clubs in order to bring together various players in the Government, Non-Profit Organizations, Business alliances, Chambers of Commerce and Corporations with Universities and students.

Currently, there are more than 12,000 members and over 2,500 charter members in 61 chapters across 18 countries. Pakistan hosts TiE chapters in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

Youth Advocacy Network

With over 500 members spread over 30 districts in Pakistan, YAN strives to advocate for protection of human rights, be it interfaith and cross-cultural harmony or sexual reproductive health & rights in Pakistan. Not only that, it serves to educate youth on civic education, offers mentorship and directs youth leaders towards making an impact in their respective communities thereby eventually lending a hand at a national level. With a diverse representation of members, it aims to encourage dialogue and come up with effective solutions to the various problems.

Youth Parliament

Youth Parliament Pakistan is a brainchild of PILDAT and serves as a platform for youth to engage in healthy discourse related to various democratic processes and practices. Having graduated six batches thus far, YPP aims to create awareness among young individuals about the political landscape in the country; honing the ability to exhibit a keen understanding of political infrastructure, demonstrate leadership skill and effectively draft legislation.

Students not only gain valuable insights into workings of a democratic state but are also facilitated by sponsored study visits abroad. These delegations service as in-depth learning into parliamentary systems, public accountability, transparency and discussions of key issues in Pakistan.