Press Releases 2008

U.S. Embassy Welcomes University Students Participating in Exchange Programs

June 11, 2008

U.S. Charge d’Affaires a.i. Michele J. Sison welcomed more than forty university students to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut today for a “hail and farewell” reception. These students are alumni from the 2007/08 academic year and departing participants in three Embassy-sponsored exchange programs for 2008/09.
First, the Fusion Arts Exchange offers undergraduates a six-week summer training in screenwriting and filmmaking at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Second, the Middle East Partnership Initiative Student Leaders Institutes conducts six-week summer instructional sessions at U.S. universities in leadership, entrepreneurial skills, civic responsibility and American culture. Third, the Near East and South Asia Undergraduate (NESA UGRAD) Exchange sends students in the first, second or third year of university to study for a semester or academic year at a U.S. institution. These programs pay for the students’ expenses including airfare, housing, academic fees, insurance and living allowance.
As with all Embassy-sponsored student programs, competition is open to all Lebanese currently studying in Lebanon, regardless of background. The students attending today come from the American University of Beirut, Hagazian University, Lebanese University, Lebanese American University, Lebanese International University, Notre Dame University, Université Saint-Esprit de Kaslik, Université Saint Joseph and the University of Balamand.
For additional information on Embassy-sponsored training programs, visit the U.S. Embassy website (http://lebanon.usembassy.gov).