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Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
April 14, 2004

Department of State Launches "Partnerships for Learning Undergraduate Studies"

The new "Partnerships for Learning Undergraduate Studies" (PLUS) program, part of the Partnerships for Learning initiative of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs, is bringing 71 undergraduate students from countries in the Middle East for two years of study in the United States at select American universities and colleges. The first students to participate in this program are from Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank & Gaza and Yemen. Some of the students have arrived in the United States and the others will arrive in the coming weeks.

The program, which selects outstanding students who have completed two years of undergraduate study at home or regional institutions, provides full scholarships for enhancing their English language and study skills at American institutions before completing an undergraduate degree program and graduating from a U.S. university.

The program is designed for students in liberal arts, humanities and social sciences from underserved regions and social groups who have demonstrated leadership potential and are highly committed to returning to make a difference in their home countries.

Applicants were interviewed by bi-national committees in their home countries, and were assessed on their academic ability, motivation, adaptability and leadership qualities. Nominations were put forward to a regional panel, comprised of American and Arab university professors and exchange professionals.

The PLUS students will enroll in intensive English language study and academic preparation courses for up to six months at the following institutions:

• University of Arkansas
• Ashland University (Ohio)
• University of Delaware
• University of Denver
• Dickinson College (Pennsylvania)
• Lewis and Clark College (Oregon)
• Maryville College (Tennessee)
• Montana State University
• University of Northern Iowa

The students in the Partnerships for Learning Undergraduate Studies program represent a small group of the more than 30,000 individuals who participate in Department of State exchange programs each year. For more information about this program or other Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs exchanges, contact Adam Meier, (202) 203-7026.

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