MEPI - Student Leaders Program
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is pleased to announce that applications are currently being accepted for the 2012 MEPI Student Leaders Program. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and supports the goals of the U.S. – Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement. It is a six-week academic summer program in the United States and will take place from June 26 – August 7, 2012.
The MEPI Student Leaders Program aims to increase awareness and acceptance of civic rights and responsibilities. MEPI participants will utilize their experiences in the program to hone leadership skills and promote democratic principles in their home countries. Approximately 100 students from the Middle East and North Africa region are expected to participate in 2012.
Each Student Leader will be assigned to one of six selected U.S. host institutions, generally a U.S. college or university. Each host institution will design course materials addressing common themes including a comparative analysis of leadership styles, conflict resolution and group dynamics, the role of the civil society in the democratic process, and change management. All programs will also share two key components: a five-week academic residency at the host institution and a one-week educational study tour designed to complement and reinforce the concepts explored in the academic residency. All students must be prepared to engage seriously in classroom discussions and other activities. In addition, they will be expected to take advantage of opportunities to inform and educate Americans about the culture and society of Iraq in non-structured gatherings and public presentations.
All participants will arrive and depart through Washington, D.C., in order to participate in official U.S. Department of State welcome and farewell ceremonies and informational briefings.
Travel to visit family or friends elsewhere in the United States will not be permitted before, during or after the program, including on weekends during the academic residency period. Students must return to Iraq immediately upon conclusion of the program. All participants are expected to travel unaccompanied.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be of 18-24 years old, citizens and residents of Iraq, with good command of the English language.
- Applicants should have a sustained high level of academic achievement.
- Applicants should exhibit a serious interest in pursuing leadership opportunities upon returning home and demonstrate a desire to deepen their civic engagement.
- Applicants should indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States and are willing and able to participate fully in intensive academic activities.
- Selection preference will be given to applicants who have no prior travel experience in the United States and limited to no study or travel experience outside Iraq.
How to apply:
Interested applicants must fill out “MEPI Students Leaders Program Application Form” by downloading the .doc file and sending it back completed with a copy of the photo page of their passports to IRAQMEPI@state.gov. The form can also be downloaded as a PDF file. The deadline for applications is midnight on Thursday, February 2, 2012.