Spend the summer in the U.S.:
+Improve Your English
+Enhance Understanding Between Americans and Your Country
+Gain New Skills and Perspectives

Under the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), three (3) special U.S.-based "Study of the United States" programs designed for young leaders from the Middle East and North Africa are scheduled to take place for five weeks in summer 2004. These programs will be funded by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). Two of the programs target first and second-year undergraduate (university) student leaders from the Middle East and North Africa. The third program targets graduating high school seniors from the same region, i.e., students who will be completing high school in the spring/summer of 2004 and be preparing to commence undergraduate university studies in their home countries in the fall.

Undergraduate/University-Level Program Criteria: Applications are encouraged from students meeting ALL of these criteria:
· Citizen of Tunisia (provide copy of identity card AND Acte de Naissance OR Passport)
· Be 18-21 years of age
· Be committed to returning to their home college or university in fall 2004 (upon completion of program)
· Completed one OR two years of undergraduate study in their own country or another university in the region, with minimum GPA 12/20. Please attach transcripts (“bulletins trimestriels”).
· English language proficiency documented by a minimum score of 480 on the ITP; testing is at AMIDEAST (call to schedule: tel. 71-790-559 in Tunis; tel 73-339-751 in Sousse)
· Demonstrate leadership potential, adaptability, and enthusiasm for active participation in cultural and educational exchange
· Demonstrate involvement in community and extracurricular activities, particularly student government and/or journalism
· Have a serious interest in learning about the United States (political institutions, society and values, etc.) and committed to participating fully in all academic (and other mandatory) sessions
· No prior exchange program experience in the U.S. and preferably no such experience in Western Europe
· Eligible for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (No U.S. passport holders or permanent residents)

High School-Level Program Criteria:
Undergraduate/University-Level Program Criteria: Applications are encouraged from students meeting ALL of these criteria:
· Citizen of Tunisia (provide copy of identity card AND Acte de Naissance OR Passport)
· Be 17-19 years of age
· Be highly motivated and exemplary students from local secondary schools who will be completing high school in spring/summer 2004 and be preparing to commence their university studies in the fall in Tunisia
· English language proficiency documented by a minimum score of 480 on the ITP; testing is at AMIDEAST (call to schedule: tel. 71-790-559 in Tunis; tel 73-339-751 in Sousse)
· Have a sustained high level of academic achievement, with minimum GPA or 14/20. Please attach transcripts (“bulletins trimestriels”).
· Demonstrate leadership potential, adaptability, and enthusiasm for active participation in cultural and educational exchange
· Demonstrate involvement in community and extracurricular activities
· Have a serious interest in learning about the United States and committed to participating fully in all academic (and other mandatory) sessions
· No prior exchange program experience in the U.S. and preferably no such experience in Western Europe
· Eligible for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (No U.S. passport holders or permanent residents)

All applications must include:
· Completed, signed application form
· Copy of identity card AND Acte de Naissance OR Passport
· Typed personal statement in English, 1 page, on “Why I want to participate in the Study of the United States Program”
· Official transcripts
· For university: copy of “Bac” certificate and copy of student card
· For high school: if possible, either a copy of the “Bac Blanc” or the “Bac” certificate
· For high school: Attestation de Presence
· English test: ITPâ score report, minimum 480 preferred (call to schedule: tel. 71-790-559 in Tunis; tel 73-339-751 in Sousse)
· Two passport photos

How to apply: Download applications from www.amideast.org or obtain forms from The American Center, Ambassade des Etats Unis, Zone Nord-Est des Berges du Lac, Nord de Tunis, 2045 La Goulette, Tunis, Tel: 71-107-438, Fax: 71-963-263, email: benkedherf@state.gov or leeaj2@state.gov

Deadlines: Complete applications must be received at the American Center by Friday March 19, 2004 for selection by a national committee. A second regional selection will be made before finalists are selected.