2017 MEPI Student Leaders Program: Inviting Applicants from Kuwait

Deadline: 31 December 2016

The U.S. Mission to Kuwait is inviting applicants for its Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Student Leaders Program. The program is a fully-funded intensive leadership training program in the United States for students between the ages of 20-24.

Participants will attend a college or university in the United States, and will develop leadership and collective problem-solving skills while exploring U.S. history and culture and expand their leadership skills to help promote democratic principles in their home countries.

Program Overview

The program will last from June 25 to August 5, 2017 and will include an academic residency that covers topics such as comparative analysis of leadership styles, conflict resolution, consensus-building, group dynamics, individual and collective problem-solving, the role of civil society, public speaking and job-seeking skills.
Additionally, the program will include coursework/trainings as well as field visits to complement and reinforce the concepts explored in the trainings.

Eligibility Criteria

Ideal candidates:

Are 20 to 24 years of age;
Demonstrate the strong English language skills needed to participate in a U.S. academic program;
Committed to returning to Kuwait following completion of the program;
Demonstrate strong leadership potential;
Indicate serious interest in learning about the United States;
Have a sustained high level of academic achievement;
Demonstrate a commitment to civic engagement;
Have no prior travel experience to the United States or Canada, and limited or no study or travel experience outside Kuwait;
Are willing and able to participate fully in the program;
Are comfortable with campus life, sharing living accommodations while traveling with a multinational group of participants from the Middle East and North Africa region and with U.S. citizens, and making adjustments to cultural and social practices different from Kuwait;
Are comfortable spending part of Ramadan and Eid in the United States
Participant must be a Kuwait citizen.