FOR

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

2016

The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP)

Is Sponsored and Funded by THE U.S. EMBASSY, BAGHDAD

Administered by MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CENTER

What Is IYLEP?

• Students participate in one of four Academic Institutes: Public Policy; Technology and Social Media; Entrepreneurship & Community Development; Leadership, Law & Social Justice

• Each institute includes classroom instruction, site visits, community engagement, and leadership training

• Program Dates: Late June- July 2016

A highly-competitive and prestigious youth exchange program

Provides 4 weeks of fully-funded leadership and academic training at a university in the United States

IYLEP Eligibility Requirements

• Iraqi citizenship and current residency in Iraq (Applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered)

• Be between the ages of 18 and 24 by June 1, 2016

• Be a current student in your 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of undergraduate academic studies at an Iraqi university/college (Students in their first year of an English language preparation program, are not eligible.)

• Have at least one undergraduate semester or year to complete after returning from IYLEP Summer 2016.

BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE, DECEMBER 1, APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE BELOW CRITERIA TO BE ELIGIBLE:

IYLEP Eligibility Requirements

• Have an Iraqi G or A series passport valid through March 2017• Be proficient in the English language• Be in good academic standing at an Iraqi university• Have never applied for, nor have, permanent residency or refugee

status in the United States• Have no immediate family members (parents or siblings) who are

permanent residents in the United States• Have no immediate family members who are employees of the

U.S. embassy or another U.S. government agency• Have never been to the United States on a U.S. government-

funded exchange program (including IYLEP undergraduate or high school, MEPI, YES, Fulbright, SUSI, and others)

BY THE APPLICATION DEADLINE, APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE BELOW CRITERIA TO BE ELIGIBLE:

IYLEP participant selection

o English proficiency

o Demonstrated interest in, and commitment to, leadership and civil society

o Ability to work cooperatively in diverse groups, tolerate different opinions and values, and be respectful of people from different backgrounds

o Good social and communication skills

o Excellent academic performance

o An energetic, positive attitude

o Demonstrated knowledge, interest, and relevancy in relationship to the theme selected

o Commitment and drive to return home and start projects in Iraq that benefit the local community

APPLICANTS WILL BE EVALUATED BASED ON THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

InstitutesThere are four institute themes, each held at a different university in the United States

Applicants select their institute theme preference when they apply for IYLEP

The host universities for your selected theme will not be announced until after you have been selected into the program

The institutes for 2016 IYLEP are Public Policy, Information Technology and Media, Entrepreneurship and Community Development, and Leadership, Law, and Social Justice

Public Policystudents study U.S. government systems at the federal, state, and local levels, through case studies in two key areas of public interest: healthcare and environmental protection. Through exploration of these topics, participants will learn how laws and regulations are developed in the United States, how citizen advocacy affects policy change, and ways in which local community needs are met by public, private, and non-governmental organizations.

Technology and Social MediaFocuses on new media technology and the application of social networking platforms for community improvement. Through classroom lecture and hands-on activities using new media tools, students will gain an understanding of the significant role social media plays in raising public awareness. Students do not need an IT background for this program, but should have an interest in creative problem solving and team work.

Entrepreneurship and Community DevelopmentIntroduces students to business and social entrepreneurship concepts, with a focus on how business techniques can be used to address social issues. Students will explore community development through successful social ventures and the role local entrepreneurs and global leaders play in contributing to community development. The program will help students identify ways their own ideas for entrepreneurial ventures may be implemented upon their return home.

Leadership, Law, and Social JusticeProvides an increased understanding of the multicultural and diverse makeup of the American people, and explores how great leaders in the United States and around the world have worked to promote peace and understanding. Through case studies of different civil rights and social justice movements, students will learn about both the successes and failures of these endeavors throughout U.S. history, and identify ways young leaders can work to build bridges between diverse populations to promote tolerance and build stronger communities.

What Institute Should I Choose?• Institutes are NOT limited to any particular academic

discipline, although you should demonstrate academic or personal experience/interest in the topic and how it would benefit you in the future

• ALL institutes will include skills that will be useful for any profession, including leadership development, action planning, and interaction with university-aged Americans

• Institutes are NOT academic degree-granting

• Choose the institute that seems most interesting to you!

What’s included?

There is no fee to apply to orparticipate in IYLEP!

Expenses covered by IYLEP:• Transportation from Iraq

to the USA and back to Iraq

• Housing and meals• Accident & Sickness

Insurance• Program and U.S. visa fees• Site visits and study tour• Cultural activities and educational materials

What can you gain?Leadership and conflict resolutionskills; how to work cooperativelyin teams of diverse individuals

A firm knowledge of Americanculture, history, and the processes ofa democratic government throughinteraction with U.S. citizens

Increased knowledge of the practice

of community service, and its manybenefits to society

Appreciation and understandingof the diversity in culture and religionthat makes up Iraq and the UnitedStates by interacting with Iraqi students and

Americans!

What can you gain?Academic experience in yourchosen theme, explored throughclassroom sessions, group work,and site visits

The knowledge, resources, andrelationships necessary to return toIraq empowered to impact positivechange in your communities, and inyour own lives

A life-long community of other IYLEPparticipants, past and present, throughout Iraq

Life after IYLEP

Examples of projects undertaken by IYLEP alumni:

After the program ends, you will join a distinguished alumni group of Iraqi participants of U.S. – supported exchange programs, with opportunities to participate in conferences and reunion events in Iraq held by Meridian International Center and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.

You will also return to Iraq with enthusiasm and knowledge to start your own initiatives!

o Two IYLEP alumni established a center for sick children in Najaf where they can enjoy their time in the hospital by reading books, playing games, watching movies, and forgetting their pain.

oMonths after returning to Iraq, a 2012 alumnus co-founded a student-led community development organization in Baghdad that conducts blood donation drives; disease prevention campaigns such as for tuberculosis, H5N1, and Hepatitis B and C; and other health awareness campaigns in the city’s, schools and health centers. The organization also conducts projects to support the rights of girls in education and women’s rights, including a conference on International Girls Day.

How To Apply

The application is only available online at: http://www.meridian.org/IYLEP2016

Information about the selection process can also be found at the above link

Start early, don’t wait until the day before to start your application!

Be sure to read application instructions carefully!

The application deadline is DECEMBER 1, 2015 AT 11:59 PM (IRAQ TIME)

Any questions can be sent to:

iylepundergraduate@gmail.com

Applications are now being accepted!

Frequently Asked QuestionsGeneral:

Q. What is the benefit of participating in this program?A. The program is free and there is no charge to students. The benefit to the student will be increased leadership skills and academic performance. The exchange program is funded as a way to invest in global understanding and peace between the people of Iraq and the United States

Q. When does IYLEP start? A. Dates have not been set, but will be in late June through July. If the dates conflict with your exams it should be your responsibility to ask to postpone your exams. Starting the program late or departing the program early or late are not allowed.

Q. When do you find out if you have been admitted?A. Semi-finalists will be announced in January 2016 and invited for in-person interviews. Finalists will be announced February 2016.

Q. Is there a program for postgraduate students?A. Unfortunately, there are currently only programs for high school and undergraduate students. We encourage you to share this information with other Iraq students who are eligible to apply.

Frequently Asked QuestionsEligibility:

Q. I am a fourth year student with 2 years left am I eligible? A. No, the requirements are that you must be in your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of study

Q. I just got back from United States. I was participating in another program, but can I apply to this program?A. If your program was funded by the U.S. Government, you would not be eligible.

Q. I am in college, but I haven’t finished one semester yet. Can I apply?A. No. You must have finished one year of undergraduate study to apply for the program year.

Q. I will be 18 after July 2016. Am I qualified?A. No. You must be 18 before June 2016. As long as you are that age and have completed one year of an undergraduate degree program at an Iraq University, you are eligible.

Q. I attended IYLEP High School. Can I apply again for the undergraduate program?A. No, you cannot participate in the undergraduate exchange if you have previously participated in an IYLEP high school program.

Q. I have recently applied for a green card, but have had no response. Am I eligible?A. No, you cannot have applied for a green card to the United States if you want to participate in this program.

Q. I am from Iraq, but I study in another country. Can I apply?A. No. In order to be eligible, you must attend an Iraqi University and be an Iraqi citizen.

Application:

Q. I don’t have a passport. What do I do?A. You must have a current Iraq passport to be eligible to apply. All Iraqi passports are “P” series which stands for “Personal”. However, to be eligible, you must make sure that your passport is also a series “A” or “G” Iraqi passport. You must contact the nearest Iraqi passport office to find out how to obtain an A or G series passport.

Q. I am having difficulty obtaining official proof of enrollment from my university, what should I do? A. Please submit what you can at this time. We will have our consultants check for this documentation at a later date.

Q. Can I submit an Arabic letter of enrollment? My college cannot translate into English.A. Yes, your proof of enrollment may be in Arabic. The rest of your application must be in English.

Q. I live in a city different from my hometown. Which city should I choose on my application?A. You should list the city where you consider your hometown – this may be where your parents currently reside or where you spend your time when school is not in session.

Q. Are there rules on whether letters of recommendation can be handwritten or typed? A. We will accept letters of recommendation typed or handwritten, but they must be legible if handwritten. They must be submitted using our official letter of recommendation forms. We cannot accept letters through the mail or through e-mail. Please make sure all contact information is clear, as our consultants will follow up in some cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips and advice

START EARLY! Don’t wait until the day before tostart your application

Remember your username and password. You will need these to log in to the application.

Look at the essay questions first, then write your essay and come back to the online system to insert your responses

Answer the questions in detail, and make sure topay attention to the word minimum listed for theessays

PROOF READ! Read your essays carefully to catch English mistakes before submitting

Use your own words! Plagiarism (taking someone else’s words and claiming as your own) will immediately

disqualify you.

How to make your application competitive:

Good Luck!