Jesse Clark Posts from the U.S. Congress – Republic of Korea National Assembly Exchange Program

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Jesse Clark with Gab Cheol Ji and Senator Angus King

The following blog entry was posted on the University of Maine Political Science Department’s website by Jesse Clark (University of Maine ‘16). You can find the original post here. Hey Black Bears! I apologize for the delay in my update, I found out the hard way that I can’t plug my laptop charger into the electric outlets in Seoul (who knew?). But first, I’m the guy on the left; the other two gentlemen are Gab Cheol Ji, and Senator Angus King. But, more on that in a bit. So how did I end up in a hotel room in Seoul, South...

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Mural Arts Recap: Community Engagement through Art

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Mural arts exchange participants in Tegucigalpa take a group photo with American artist Michelle Angela Ortiz.
21 de Febrero
Honduran artist Walter teaches local youth how to prime the mural wall in 21 de Febrero, Tegucigalpa.

In 2013, Meridian partnered with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to send mural artists abroad for the Community Engagement through the Mural Arts exchange program. While away, these artists were able to collaborate with local groups and artists in various community- based mural arts projects. Their goal: to create tangible pieces of artwork, while simultaneously fostering community engagement with the various populations of each country.

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IYLEP 2015: Welcome to the Concrete Jungle

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Meridian President and CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday welcomes the Iraqi youth leaders in New York.

Landing in New York City for the first time in life and watching extraordinary hustle and bustle on the roads surrounded by high-rise buildings (which require a 90-degree angle to get a sight of the top) not only dazes but also infuses unusual inquisitiveness to explore each corner of the city especially when you have just three days to work on your wish list. It is almost dreams coming true for youngsters to be among the millions of strangers, yellow cabs, and policemen mostly seen through the lens of Hollywood. These are some of the moments, feelings, and reactions...

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The Art of Disability Programming

Posted under: IVLP By /

Belarus IVLP group wheelchair dancing in Kansas City

As the U.S. Department of State focuses increasing attention on promoting the rights of people with disabilities, the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is seeing increasing numbers of participants studying this topic. The implementation and design of exchange projects on disabilities policy, some with participants with disabilities, have unique logistical and administrative needs and require a high degree of skill, creativity and sensitivity. This article provides IVLP programmers and associated colleagues with a framework for providing disabled participants the same productive (and fun) experience as others. Continue