Summary:

The office of academic exchange programs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is pleased to announce a new competition for undergraduate studies for the academic year 2008.
Funded by ECA, the undergraduate program provides scholarships for one semester or one academic year of U.S. study in a non-degree program. The goal of the program is to provide a substantive exchange experience at a U.S. college or university to a diverse group of emerging student leaders from non-elite under-represented groups in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.
Undergraduate program participants must return to their home countries upon completion of the program and may not stay on for degree study in the U.S.

Background:
The undergraduate program was developed to provide a large and diverse group of student leaders with in-depth exposure to U.S. society, culture and academic institutions by engaging in substantive academic exchanges at colleges and universities across the country.

Program design:
The undergraduate program will provide full scholarships to outstanding students from non-elite, under-represented sectors in the near east for one semester or one academic year of non-degree undergraduate study at accredited U.S. two- and four-year institutions.  All academic fields of study are eligible. For the academic year 2007-08, the program will place approximately 150 participants at U.S. colleges and universities, of which no less than 40 participants will be placed for the full academic year. Scholarships will be
awarded for one semester (approximately five months) or one academic year (approximately 10 months) depending upon the student applicant’s interests and availability, as well as placement options and availability of funds.

Both semester and academic year scholarship participants will be enrolled full-time in undergraduate course work chosen from a host institution’s existing curriculum to allow students ample opportunity for substantive interaction with U.S. faculty and student peers, and opportunity for exposure to U.S. academic and classroom culture.  In addition, to help ensure students are successful in their new academic environments, host institutions will offer tailored instruction on topics including academic research and writing, critical thinking, time management, note-taking, and studying for and taking tests. Participants will live on-campus with American peers.

Students will be encouraged and given the opportunity to participate in community service activities.  Additionally, an internship component will be offered for all full academic year participants during the academic component of the program.  Internships will be related to the participant’s field of study and/or career plans.

Eligibility:
Scholarships will be granted primarily to students who are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in their home country. However, individuals who are about to begin or who have just completed university studies at home will be eligible to apply for this program.

Recruitment:
Candidates should be highly motivated non-elite or underprivileged undergraduate students from colleges, universities and other institutions of higher education in selected countries who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.  Their major fields of study will be varied, and will include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education and business.  All candidates should have a good knowledge of English and have certification (ideally, the TOEFL exam) of English ability appropriate for circulation to U.S. colleges and universities for placement purposes.  The preferred TOEFL exam result will be 550; however a lower test result should not exclude them from being a finalist/alternate, if they meet all other criteria.  Every effort should be made to select a balanced mix of male and female candidates, and to recruit students from non-elite or underprivileged backgrounds, from both rural and urban areas, and with little or no prior experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of their home country.

Application package:

A complete application package will include:

1. The hard-copy typed and signed application
2. Personal statement in English, 350-500 words, typed
3. Official results of the national general secondary school leaving exam
4. Academic transcripts
5. Letters of reference
6. TOEFL score report.
7. A complete medical history and examination form
8. Two passport-size photos
9. A photocopy of a valid passport