MEPI intranet
Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI)
Undergraduate Student Leaders Program
The Center for Intercultural Education and Development (CIED), in collaboration with Georgetown's Center for Social Justice and the Department of Government, has partnered with the U.S. Department of State’s Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to conduct the Undergraduate Student Leaders Program.
Through this institute, student leaders from the Middle East and North Africa develop leadership skills and learn about historical and contemporary American politics, institutions, society and values. An interdisciplinary and experiential approach is used to explore concepts of leadership, citizenship and civic activism through workshops, academic sessions, site visits and social/cultural events. In addition, students learn about volunteerism and community involvement in the United States through organized activities with service organizations. To experience the diversity in the United States, students will immerse themselves in two different environments as part of their study-tour. Working with our partner Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, Wisconsin, students will delve into the working of a rural community in the American Midwest. Students will also explore our country's historic heritage and modern day issues in the cities of Atlanta, Georgia and Selma and Birmingham, Alabama. Once students return home, they will continue fostering greater intercultural understanding by sharing their experiences and perspectives with others in their home countries. The State Department's MEPI office will continue to support the alumni to facilitate outreach and development projects within their communities.
The MEPI Student Leaders Program at Georgetown University is one of six programs that take place in the summer of 2009 on campuses across the United States. Each Institute 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. It includes an academic program conducted by scholars and other professionals with expertise in leadership and U.S. Studies, 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.
