Application Deadline: December 31, 2016
The program will take place June 25 – August 5, 2017.
The Student Leaders program is an intensive, approximately 6-week exchange program to the United States for up to 120 undergraduate students from the Middle East and North Africa. Students are divided among U.S. academic institutions where they develop leadership skills and expand their understanding of civil society, as well as the democratic process and how both may be applied in their home communities.
The Student Leaders program is an intensive 6-week exchange program to the United States for approximately 120 undergraduate students from the Middle East and North Africa. The Student Leaders program has operated continually since 2003.
Students are divided among up to six U.S. academic institutions where they develop leadership skills and expand their understanding of civil society, as well as the democratic process and how both may be applied in their home communities. Participants have the opportunity to meet their American peers, engage in local community service activities, and observe and take part in the governmental process on the local, state, and federal levels.
The institutes include academic coursework, as well as study tours to various regions of the United States. Upon completion of the U.S.-based programs, host institutes work with participants to implement civic engagement programs in their home communities.
A follow-on training is generally held in the region approximately 6 months after the U.S. portion of the program.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Students from the following countries are eligible to apply: Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and West Bank/Gaza.
- Ideal candidates for the MEPI Student Leaders Program:
- Are 20 to 24 years of age;
- Demonstrate strong English language skills needed to participate in a U.S. academic program;
- Are committed to returning to their home country/community following completion of the program;
- Exhibit strong leadership potential;
- Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
- Have a sustained high level of academic achievement;
- Demonstrate a commitment to civic engagement;
- Have no prior travel experience in the United States and limited study or travel experience outside their home country;
- Are willing and able to participate fully in intensive academic, community service, and educational travel activities;
- Are comfortable with campus life, sharing living accommodations while traveling with a multinational group of participants from the Middle East and North Africa region and with U.S. citizens, and making adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of their home countries/communities; and
- Are comfortable spending part of Ramadan and Eid in the United States.
Application:
- Candidate’s complete contact information, including mailing address, email, and phone number;
- Candidate’s updated resume highlighting civic engagement, leadership and/or work experience, extracurricular activities, and academic honors;
- A copy of the photo page of candidate’s passport;
- Name of candidate’s college/university;
- Candidate’s field of study;
- Evidence of high academic achievement;
- Details of any previous travel or study outside of home country, including dates.
- Candidate’s response, in 500 words or less, to each of the following questions:
Apply Now for the MEPI Student Leaders Program 2017
For questions, please e-mail: MEPIExchanges@state.gov.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the US-MEPI Student Leaders Program 2017
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