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Growing Trend of Generation Z of Pakistan for Exchange/Scholarship Programs and Impact on Their Employability Status: An Analysis of Erasmus Mundus, UGRAD and Fulbright in the Light of Human, Social Capital and Transformative Learning Theories

Introduction

Growing trend of generation z of pakistan for exchange/scholarship programs and impact on their employability status: an analysis of erasmus mundus, ugrad and fulbright in the light of human, social capital and transformative learning theories. Examines Pakistani Gen Z's trend for exchange/scholarship programs & their impact on employability status. Reveals increased skills, wages, and awareness of program value.

Abstract

The main focus of this study is to analyze the growing interest of the Generation Z of Pakistan in foreign exchange and scholarship programs such as Rasmus Mundus, UGRAD and scholarship program, Fulbright, and then evaluate their employability back him. Statistical data, reports and comments have been collected from the primary sources of data available with these programs on their websites and addresses. The study, then, compares the global statistics with that of Pakistani statistics covering participating trends and the results regarding jobs. To achieve better results, the research has been designed to utilize mixed method and application of three main theoretical perspectives; human capital of Becker, and Coleman, social capital of Bourdieu and Transformative learning of Mezirow. The findings of the analysis of the available statistics and data indicate that there is equally same average trend among the global and Pakistan Generation Z. It also becomes apparent that employability opportunities with good skills acquired in these programs such as adaptation, acculturation and other transferable soft skills have increased manifolds including wage average in the market. It also suggests that for pragmatic measures to be recommended, a longitudinal study including qualitative analysis of the impressions of alumni on a vast scale is required. However, the study has proved that the Generation Z of Pakistan is fully aware of the capital and social value of these programs and is hellbent on acquiring them as shown by the average increase in the trends of the successful students.

Review

This study tackles a highly relevant and timely topic, exploring the burgeoning interest of Pakistan's Generation Z in international exchange and scholarship programs and its subsequent impact on their employability. The strength of the research lies in its ambitious theoretical framework, integrating Human Capital, Social Capital, and Transformative Learning theories, which provides a robust lens through which to analyze the multifaceted benefits of such programs. Furthermore, the focus on prominent initiatives like Erasmus Mundus, UGRAD, and Fulbright offers concrete case studies, lending specific context to the broader investigation. The stated intention to use a mixed-methods approach is also commendable, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon. However, the abstract reveals several methodological concerns that could significantly impact the reliability and depth of the findings. The primary reliance on "statistical data, reports and comments... from the primary sources of data available with these programs on their websites and addresses" raises questions about the originality and granularity of the data. While these sources provide valuable aggregate information, they may lack the specific participant-level detail needed to rigorously establish causal links between program participation and enhanced employability, especially when comparing global and Pakistani trends. The nature of "comments" and how they contribute to a "mixed method" is vague, suggesting a potential overstatement of qualitative rigor without direct engagement with alumni. Additionally, the finding of an "equally same average trend" between global and Pakistani Gen Z is imprecise and requires more detailed elucidation. Despite these methodological caveats, the study addresses a critical area for Pakistan's human capital development, with initial findings suggesting a positive correlation between program participation and improved employability, including transferable soft skills and wage increases. The authors' own recommendation for a "longitudinal study including qualitative analysis of the impressions of alumni on a vast scale" is a crucial insight, effectively acknowledging the limitations of the current approach and pointing towards a necessary evolution for truly robust and actionable recommendations. While the abstract indicates a promising start in highlighting the awareness and perceived value of these programs among Pakistani youth, a more direct and in-depth engagement with program participants themselves would be essential to fully validate and expand upon these initial findings.

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