Chinese netizens discover the United States

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Chinese internet opinion leaders meet Governor McAuliffe and major press organizations through program with the U.S. Department of State's Foreign Press Center.

In late November, Meridian International Center and the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Press Center warmly received a cohort of ten Chinese “netizens” (a portmanteau of “internet” and “citizens”) who displayed a deft awareness for the power of the blogosphere.

The netizens expressed their appreciation and satisfaction with what they all agreed was a very well designed and relevant program.  They were particularly pleased that they were able to participate in such a wide range of activities; saying that the visit did much to increase their understanding of the United States and both the differences and similarities between the two countries. Continue  

IYLEP High School Alumni Inspire Youth Volunteerism in Baghdad

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IYLEP 2013 High School Alums Abdulaziz A. and Khalid A. collaborate with the Iraqi Army to distribute food and supplies to poor areas across Baghdad.

Written by Abdulaziz A.

Alumni of the 2013 Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) reconnected this past February in Erbil. Alums from both the High School and Undergraduate programs gathered to reflect on their experiences and participate in workshops and panel discussions that built upon the skills students developed last summer in the United States. Meridian invited IYLEP alumni to submit a blog post describing their personal experience and growth with the program. We selected the winning entries to post on The LEAD. Abdulaziz was selected as one of the winners for the IYLEP High School group.

When Khalid, Maryam and I returned to Baghdad after the 2013 Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) in the United States, we decided to start a project to help poor people in Baghdad. We looked for students in our schools that had the same interests.  We were really surprised to get support from a lot of the students. We collected used clothes and contributions from neighbors, friends and family in a 2-week period. We chose a neighborhood where poverty is really high. In order to distribute the goods, we had to get permission from the police and be escorted. Unfortunately, distribution points, where many people gather to receive charity, are often the targets of terrorist groups.  The police were not helpful, but one of our cousins recommended we approach the Iraqi army.  The army wants to build up and encourage more civic action, so we made a search for the areas in Baghdad that are under control of the army.  We found really poor families living in houses made of mud.

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International Education Week 2014: Building Bridges for All

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International Education Week 2014 focused on subjects such as public diplomacy, international students, diversity and inclusion.

Every year, the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Education collaborate to bring us International Education Week (IEW), celebrating the importance and benefits international education and exchange around the world. Schools, colleges, universities, community organizations, embassies, and businesses are all encouraged to promote and honor international education in their own way. International Education Week 2014 was held from November 17 to 21 and is celebrated in more than 100 countries worldwide. Continue  

IYLEP Blog Contest: Turning Exchange into Action

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Sara visits the Native Little Feathers Dance Group.

Alumni of the 2013 Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) reconnected this past February in Erbil. Alums from both the High School and Undergraduate programs gathered to reflect on their experiences and participate in workshops and panel discussions that built upon the skills students developed last summer in the United States. Meridian invited IYLEP alumni to submit a blog post describing their personal experience and growth with the program. We selected the winning entries to post on The LEAD. Sara A. was selected as the winner for the IYLEP High School group.

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