MEPI Student Leaders Program - Five-Week program from June 26-August 7, 2012 - Deadline for Application submission is February 15, 2012

January 31, 2012

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
                                    
The Middle East Partnership initiative (MEPI) is pleased to announce the 2012 "MEPI Student Leaders" Program, a fully-funded six-week intensive leadership training program in the U.S. for undergraduates, implemented by six host institutions that annually receive a multinational group of exemplary undergraduate students from the Middle East and North Africa.  Approximately 100 students are expected to participate in 2012, joining more nearly 1000 alumni.  The principal objective of this Student Leaders Program is to hone participants’ leadership and collective problem-solving skills, and explore U.S. history and culture.  All programs will also share two key components:  a five-week academic residency at the host institution, and a one-week educational study tour to other regions of the U.S designed to complement and reinforce the concepts explored in the academic residency.  A follow-up workshop for 2012 alumni will be organized at a site in the Middle East/North Africa region approximately six to eight months after the conclusion of the U.S.-based program.

Applicants for the Student Leaders program should be current university students, aged 20-24, demonstrate English Language ability, are mature, responsible, independent, open-minded, tolerant, and thoughtful, inquisitive, and have a strong interest in learning about the United States.  Deadline for application submission is Feb 15, 2012.

HOST INSTITUTIONS AND COURSE MATERIALS

Each host institution, generally a U.S. college or university, will design its own course materials and schedule. However, each academic program will address common themes including a comparative analysis of leadership styles, conflict resolution and group dynamics, the role of 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

FUNDING & TRAVEL

The cost/s of the program and the alumni workshop, for the alumni selected to participate including international airfare travel within the United States, accommodation, food, and program fees will be covered by MEPI.

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 and debriefings. Participants will be met at U.S. Customs and Immigration in Washington by their respective host institutions.  Due to the rigorous academic and program schedule, 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 home immediately upon conclusion of the program. Al l participants are expected to travel unaccompanied.

PARTICPANTS QUALIFICATIONS

While nominees may be undergraduate students in any field of academic specialization, it is critical that they exhibit a serious interest in pursuing leadership opportunities in their home countries and demonstrate a desire to deepen their civic engagement. All students must be prepared to engage seriously in class discussions and other activities. In addition, they will be
expected to take advantage of opportunities to inform and educate a variety of American audiences about the cultures and societies of their home countries/communities in non-structured gatherings and public presentations.

Participants must demonstrate proficiency in conversational and written English

Applicants for the MEPI Student Leaders Program should meet the following criteria:

1. Are 18 to 24 years of age.
2. Demonstrate English language ability.
3. Are committed to returning to their home country/community following completion of the program.
4. Demonstrate strong leadership potential.
5. Indicate a serious interest in learning about the
   United States.
6. Have a sustained high level of academic achievement.
7. Demonstrate a commitment to civic engagement.
8. Have no prior travel experience in the United States and limited
   to no study or travel experience outside their home country.
9. Are willing and able to participate fully in intensive academic,
   community service, and educational travel activities.
10. 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.
11. Are comfortable spending a portion of Ramadan in the U.S.

For more information about the SLP, please visit the following link:  http://mepi.state.gov/opportunities/mepi-exchange-programs/student-leaders.html

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their CVs and applications (see attached) electronically to MEPI Amman at: MEPI_amman@state.gov

Deadline for applications submission is February 15, 2012.