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World Learning Announces Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program

Program will promote intercultural and academic exchange between Iraqi and American undergraduate students.

WASHINGTON, DC (April 16, 2007) - World Learning, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of State, America’s Development Foundation, and a consortium of American universities, is pleased to announce the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program for Undergraduate Students, a six-week educational exchange opportunity in the United States for Iraqi students, ages 18-20.  The Program seeks to provide opportunities for Iraqi youth to learn first-hand about the U.S. and develop leadership and problem-solving skills they can take home to rebuild their society.

Starting Fall, 2007, the Program will bring 75 select Iraqi students each year for two years (2007-2008) to the U.S. for a six-week visit, consisting of a two-day orientation in Washington, DC, 4 ½ week thematic institutes held at the four participating universities, and an end-of-program workshop back in Washington. Participating universities include the University of California – Santa Cruz, University of Connecticut, Indiana University, and Colorado State University. Students will be recruited and selected in Iraq through a transparent nation-wide process. Upon returning home, students will remain engaged with each other and with U.S. colleagues through a secure online portal, and will be linked with additional resources through follow-on workshops.

The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program for Undergraduate Students is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.