23 June – 25 July 2010
Sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq
Call For Young Leaders!
Meridian International Center is very pleased to invite you to apply for the Iraq Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) for High School Students in the summer of 2010! In the IYLEP, 50 students from all over Iraq will be selected to travel to the U.S. for a month to attend a summer camp, stay with American families, and visit Washington, DC, and New York City. Meridian International Center, founded in 1960, is a leading non-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening international understanding. Meridian builds sustainable global partnerships through leadership exchanges, international collaboration and cultural diplomacy.
Goal:
To empower you and 49 other Iraqi high school students with the confidence, skills, and knowledge to create positive change in your community upon your return to Iraq. The program will provide many opportunities for training, learning, and meeting young Americans from around the country.
Themes:
- leadership
- conflict resolution
- community-building
- youth activism
Dates: 23 June to 25 July 2010
Days 1–7: Orientation and Program in Washington, DC
The program will begin in Washington, DC, capital of the United States. You will meet the other students on the program and will spend several days looking at the American government and the role of young people in the political process.
Days 8–16: Staying in the homes of American families in cities around the U.S.
You will split into smaller groups and travel to cities all around the U.S. to live with an American family for a week. You will also join American students in community service projects and fun local activities. An adult Iraqi chaperone will be in each city with you.
Days 17–27: Global Youth Village summer camp
You will spend 10 days at an American summer camp in the mountains of Virginia. American students will live at the camp with you, as will 2 or 3 adult Iraqi chaperones.
Days 28–32: New York City
The program will end in New York City for sightseeing and a farewell ceremony.
Who Can Apply
Student applicants must:
- be at least 15 years old and not more than 18 years old at the time of the exchange (birth years between 1992-1995);
- have a high school graduation year of 2010 later;
- have permission from a parent or legal guardian to participate in the four-week program, to begin in late June 2010;
- have citizenship and current residency in Iraq (applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered);
- be proficient in English; and
- submit a complete application, including photograph and letters of recommendation.
What are the criteria for selection?
Students will be evaluated on the following characteristics:
- a demonstrated interest in and commitment to volunteer and civic activities;
- ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups and tolerate the opinions of others;
- leadership potential;
- English proficiency;
- good social and communication skills;
- good academic performance;
- an energetic, positive attitude; and
- ability to implement projects that benefit the applicant’s school and/or community.
Questions and How to Apply
Please contact Meridian’s local Program Representative for your region of Iraq with questions or to get an application. Meridian’s Program Representatives traveled to the U.S. as part of the 2009 IYLEP and can answer any questions you have about the program or about Meridian. You can also email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions or to get an application.
Download Application Forms
