Programs and Events 2009
Student Exchange Participants and Alumni
The Embassy welcomed participants in the 2009 Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Young Leaders program, who will shortly be heading to the United States. The MEPI Student Leaders Program Offers an intensive five-week program for students from the Middle East and North Africa that focuses on the development of the participants' leadership skills and expands their understanding of American society and culture.
These Emirati college students will have the unique opportunity to experience an academic program conducted by scholars and other professionals with expertise in leadership and U.S. Studies at universities such as Georgetown University, Wayne State University, Montana State University, University Of Delaware, Roger Williams University and Benedictine University, as well as a study tour to other regions of the country. Participants will also be eligible to attend an alumni conference in the Middle East or North Africa within one year of the conclusion of the program.
The U.S. Embassy also welcomed alumni from the MEPI program, as well as alumni from the 2007 and 2008 the Near East and South Asia Undergraduate Exchange Program (NESA UGRAD) which provides opportunities for first-, second-, and third-year undergraduate students, from the United Arab Emirates to spend one semester or one academic year of full-time, non-degree study in the United States and the Near East Asia Undergraduate Intensive English Language Study Program (NEA) is an opportunity for outstanding undergraduate students to be involved in eight-week intensive English language courses and provides the selected students with in-depth exposure to U.S. society, culture and academic life by engaging in substantive exchange programs and community activities at a U.S university.
Ambassador Richard Olson greeted the students and congratulated them on being selected for the program. He urged them not only to explore American culture but to serve as Ambassadors of their country and culture, and give American students the opportunity to learn more about the UAE and the Arab world.
UAE nationals who are interested in more information about U.S. Exchanges Program, are invited to visit our website: http://exchanges.state.gov/