2010 Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Student Leaders Program

The US Embassy in Tel Aviv is pleased to accept applications for the 2010 Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Student Leaders Program. This summer program provides opportunities for young leaders from Middle Eastern and North African universities to participate in a five-week intensive leadership training program in the United States. Applications are due to by February 11, 2010.

What is the MEPI Student Leaders Program?

• It is a fully-funded five-week intensive leadership training program in the U.S. for undergraduate students aged 20-24, scheduled to take place in summer 2010, beginning June 29, 2010.  
• Participants develop leadership and collective problem-solving skills, and explore U.S. history and culture to expand their leadership skills and knowledge.  
• The program consists of hands-on leadership training workshops, academic sessions, site visits, community service projects, and other opportunities for interaction with Americans peers, and other cultural activities.  
• The program has two key components: an academic residency at the host institution, running approximately four weeks; and an educational study tour within the host university’s geographic region, running approximately one week. The study tour is designed to directly complement and reinforce the concepts explored in the academic residency program. 
• All participants will arrive and depart through Washington, D.C.  
• Students will also participate in an alumni conference held in the Middle East or North Africa region in early 2011.  
• The program is fully funded, including international airfare, travel within the United States, accommodations, food, and program fees.

Who is eligible to apply?

Competition for the MEPI Student Leaders Program is merit-based and open to persons who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Is currently enrolled and in good standing in a university/college in Israel and has at least one semester remaining in his/her university/college studies and be committed to returning home to complete his/her degree in Fall 2010; 
• Is 20 to 24 years old; 
• Is proficient in English; 
• Is mature, responsible, independent, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful and inquisitive; 
• Has a strong interest in learning about the United States;  
• Has a sustained high level of academic achievement; 
• Demonstrates strong leadership potential, a commitment to community and extracurricular activities; 
• Has NO travel or study experience in the United States and very limited experience elsewhere outside home country; 
• ‏Is willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic, community service, and active educational travel program; and,  
• Is comfortable with campus life, sharing living accommodations while traveling with a multinational group of participants from the Middle East, North Africa, and with U.S. citizens, and making adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of his/her home country.
• Students with dual citizenship- both Israeli and American- are not eligible to participate.
  
• What is the application process?
  
  Application are due on February 11, 2010 and can be submitted electronically to Mr. Joe Tordella and Ms. Manal Haddad at MEPITELAVIVPD@state.gov 
  Please click here for the required Application Form

For more information contact the Public Affairs Office at the US Embassy in Tel Aviv at MEPITELAVIVPD@state.gov