Partnership Student Leaders Exchange Program

U.S. EMBASSY ANNOUNCES THE 2012 MIDDLE EAST PARTNERSHIP STUDENT LEADERS EXCHANGE 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, which is funded by the U.S. Department of State and supports the goals of the U.S.-Iraq Strategic Framework Agreement, provides opportunities to Iraqi undergraduate students to develop leadership skills and promote democratic principles.

The MEPI Student Leaders Program will take place from June 26 – August 7, 2012.   Students will be placed in one of six U.S. colleges or universities where they will participate in a five-week academic residency and a one-week educational study tour within the host university’s geographic region. The study tour is designed to complement and reinforce the concepts explored in the academic residency.  The program will address common themes including a comparative analysis of leadership styles, conflict resolution and group dynamics, and the role of civil society in the democratic process.

Applicants must be 18-24 years old, citizens and residents of Iraq, have good command of the English language, and have a sustained high level of academic achievement.  Applicants must also be able to participate fully in intensive academic activities, have a serious interest in pursuing leadership opportunities in Iraq and a desire to deepen their civic engagement, and be willing to take advantage of opportunities to inform and educate Americans about the culture and society of Iraq.

Interested applicants should fill out the “MEPI Students Leaders Program Application Form” available athttp://iraq.usembassy.gov/student-leaders-program2.html and send it completed with a copy of the photo page of their passports to IRAQMEPI@state.gov.  The deadline for applications is midnight on Thursday, February 2, 2012.