The Near East and South Asia Undergraduate Exchange Program (NESA UGRAD) is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), U.S. Department of State and administered by Georgetown University's Center for Intercultural Education and Development (CIED). The Program provides full scholarships for outstanding students from the Near East* and South Asia** for one semester or one academic year of non-degree undergraduate study in the United States at accredited two- and four-year institutions.

*Near East: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen

**South Asia: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh

Program Objectives

The goal of the program is to increase the mutual understanding between young emerging leaders from the Near East and South Asia and the United States by providing meaningful academic and cultural experiences at U.S. academic institutions. The immersion experience on American campuses is designed to ensure that participants gain a first-hand understanding of the American way of life which will build lasting bonds of friendship and result in the development of peaceful and constructive relations between their nations and the United States.

Specific objectives of the NESA UGRAD Program are:

1. To provide a meaningful exchange experience at a U.S. host institution to a diverse group of emerging student leaders from underrepresented sectors of the region;
2. To enroll them as full-time students in a non-degree field of study;
3. To provide them with opportunities to understand America and Americans inside and outside the classroom;
4. To equip them with academic skills and study habits required for achieving success and implementing change in their home countries;
5. To enrich their experience with activities that enhance their education, to include cultural presentations to others, 20 hours of community service, and an internship linked to their field of study;
6. To provide Americans with the opportunity to learn about the Near East and South Asia.

 
Scope of Program

For the Academic Year 2008-09 the NESA UGRAD Program expects to place approximately 150 participants from the Near East and South Asia at U.S. host institutions for one semester or one academic year.

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