NESA UGRAD

Funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), this is a one year, non-degree program in any discipline at accredited two- and four-year U.S. institutions. Participants come from underrepresented sectors of the Near East and South Asia: Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.

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The Near East and South Asia Undergraduate Exchange Program (NESA UGRAD) is a part of the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD Program), a scholarship program managed by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State for emerging student leaders from underrepresented sectors around the world. Launched in 2007, NESA UGRAD provides a substantive exchange experience at a U.S. college or university for students from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. Participants engage in one year of undergraduate, non-degree studies at a diverse network of accredited two- and four-year institutions. Participants engage in local community service projects and take part in cultural enrichment activities. Host institutions provide participants with academic skill development classes. NESA UGRAD is administered by American Councils for International Education on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.

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Fast Facts

FUNDING SOURCE

Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State

COUNTRIES/TERRITORIES ELIGIBLE FOR PARTICIPATION

Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen

FELLOWSHIPS INFORMATION

One year non-degree undergraduate study

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

NESA UGRAD is a merit-based competition.
Applicants must be:

a citizen, national or permanent resident qualified to hold a valid passport issued by the country from which the applicant is applying;
Is completing his/her final year of secondary school or enrolled in first-, second-, third-year full-time undergraduate study at the time of application at a registered academic institution in his/her country and is in good academic standing. Part-time students or correspondence students are not eligible;
full-time students and in good academic standing;
between the ages of 18-25;
able to begin the academic exchange program in the United States in August 2012;
able to receive and maintain a J-1 visa;
committed to returning to their home country after completion of the program;
proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application.

Students from diverse backgrounds and/or underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants should have a desire to engage with U.S. communities and to participate in community service activities.