MEPI Program Description

Program Description

Middle East Partnership Initiative U.S. Business Internship Program for Young Middle Eastern Women


A program of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the U.S. Business Internship Program for Young Middle Eastern Women provides participants with unique opportunities to learn management and business skills while working in the dynamic and productive U.S. business environment.

Participants will be placed in month-long intensive academic programs to study U.S. business culture and practice at one of two top-ranked business schools: Goizueta Business School at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Following the academic work, the participants will conduct practical training internships for three months with U.S. companies and law firms in major cities across the United States.

Participation in the program includes: Jl visa support; round trip airfare to and from the United States; academic fees; accident and sickness insurance; housing (to be shared with another female participant); daily allowance; cultural and professional development allowances; and alumni networking opportunities.

The America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc. (AMIDEAST) administers recruitment and selection of participants. The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX) administers U.S. program activities. Both organizations have received ECA grants through open competitions to administer the program.

The U.S.-based program will begin on November 14, 2005 in Washington, D.C. with an orientation program. At the conclusion of the internships, participants will again return to Washington for a commencement seminar focused on the creation of an alumnae network and the development of leadership skills. Participants will return to their home countries at the conclusion of the workshop.

Applications from women who are from outside the capital cities, live in economically disadvantaged sectors and have not previously studied in the United States will be given preference.