Deadline: 1 February 2020
The U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Saudi Arabia has announced a call for proposals on “2020 Saudi Young Leaders Exchange Program (SYLEP).
The Saudi Young Leaders Exchange Program (SYLEP) is a three-week program that will be held from July 1-21, 2020, in the United States for 40 undergraduate Saudi students or recently graduated university students between the ages of 21-26.
SYLEP 2020 seeks to build leadership skills, civic responsibility, appreciation for cultural diversity, and community engagement and volunteerism among Saudi university students. The theme of this year’s program is “STEAM” Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.
The goals of SYLEP are to promote mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of Saudi Arabia, to prepare young leaders to become responsible citizens and contributing members of their communities, and to develop leadership skills among Saudi youth.
Overview
- Over the course of the program, participants will engage in a series of trainings and experiences while interacting with dozens of American volunteers, host families, and community leaders.
- Participants will also gain skills in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, as well as areas such as leadership, program design, and critical thinking, while deepening their respect and appreciation for diversity.
- During the program, participants will divide into subgroups and visit different cities in the United States. They will spend an extended weekend living with American host families to gain more insights into American daily life.
- Participants will visit various organizations, learning about a wide range of project models and youth leadership opportunities, and participate in community service activities.
Eligibility Criteria
- SYLEP is open to Saudi undergraduate students or recently graduated university students between the ages of 21-26.
- Applicants must hold Saudi citizenship and cannot hold U.S. citizenship or be a U.S. Legal Permanent Resident.
- Participants will observe how individuals, non-governmental organizations, and government entities address community needs through public, private, and joint initiatives.
- Students from all over Saudi Arabia are encouraged to apply, especially those from outside Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam/Al-Khobar.
- Students who have traveled to the U.S. or studied abroad previously are ineligible.
- Applicants should demonstrate sufficient English-language skills to participate in U.S. university-level classes.
- Applicants should have demonstrated leadership abilities in their schools and communities and have a desire to become successful leaders.
- Acceptance into SYLEP is competitive and university transcripts will be reviewed as part of the application process. Participants must return to Saudi Arabia after completion of the program.
For more information, visit https://sa.usembassy.gov/education-culture/saudi-young-leaders-exchange-program/