2:25 p.m., July 19, 2010----Eighteen Middle Eastern and North African undergraduate student leaders from 14 countries are learning about contemporary American life this summer through a five-week program now under way at the University of Delaware.

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The Undergraduate Institute on Leadership and American Studies, part of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State to UD's Institute for Global Studies (IGS). The University of Delaware is one of five academic institutions nationwide to be selected to host the MEPI institute this year, and the only institution to have been selected as a host every year since the program's inception in 2004.

The Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) is a presidential directive founded to support economic, political and educational reform efforts in the Middle East and North Africa and to champion opportunity for all people of the region, especially women and youth.

“The University of Delaware is both delighted and honored to have been awarded this program,” said Lesa Griffiths, associate provost of international programs and director of UD's Institute for Global Studies. “Our experience last year was rewarding for all of the participants and for the University of Delaware community who enthusiastically welcomed the students to our country and our campus. It is a pleasure to spend time with the MEPI students, learning about their culture as they study ours! We know real leaders will emerge and put what they learn into practice when they return home.”

While at UD, the MEPI students will be exposed to aspects of American society, culture, values and institutions both past and present through academic modules titled “Cultural Adaptation,” “The U.S. and Arab Media and Transmission,” and “Constitutional Equality in the U.S.A.”

The institute aims to promote a better appreciation of U.S. culture, values and people by engaging these future leaders in social activities that involve meeting American citizens, interacting with peers and civic groups, and cultural immersions. Other activities will include volunteer duties with local charitable organizations, cultural activities, group retreats and networking sessions. Students also will have the opportunity to travel domestically to historical sites and commercial centers.

Six departments from three colleges in the University will provide the support network for achieving the institute's goals: Political Science and International Relations, Economics, Communication, Philosophy, Women's Studies, and Energy Conservation.

James Magee, professor of political science and international relations, is the academic director of the MEPI institute. Audrey Helfman, associate professor of urban affairs and director of UD's Leadership Education At Delaware (LEAD) program, will teach the leadership component.

Overall project management rests with Griffiths and Bahram Rajaee, IGS director of contracts, grants and partnerships. Jonathan Keyser serves as program coordinator, directing and managing all program logistics.

Long-recognized as a leader in international education, UD was an early pioneer in study abroad and now regularly hosts groups of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from aboard, providing them with creative programs blending academics and cultural enrichment.

Photos by Evan Krape