Meet-US article
2005 press releases
Middle East Entrepreneur Training in the U.S. (MEET U.S.) Seeks Exceptional Business Leaders
September 23, 2005
The Embassy of the United States is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted through September 30, 2005 for the Middle East Entrepreneur Training in the U.S. (MEET U.S.) program. This three-week business and leadership training program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). The program is implemented in the U.S. by the Beyster Institute at the Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego. Talented entrepreneurs, executives and managers of growth-oriented companies are encouraged to apply online at http://www.amideast.org.
Following the tremendous success of four previous MEET U.S. sessions, the MEPI has extended the program to offer two additional industry-specific MEET U.S. sessions: one for the information, communication and technology (ICT) sector and another for the business services sector. Twenty outstanding candidates will be chosen to participate in each of the sessions in San Diego, California.
MEET U.S. provides professional training, networking, and alumni support systems to increase the managerial and entrepreneurial skills of Middle Eastern and North African businesspeople. The program includes presentations by prominent American educators and entrepreneurs, tours of successful companies, personalized two-day internships and valuable opportunities to make new business contacts. Its goal is to help promising businesspeople realize their aspirations to build successful, growing enterprises that will contribute to economic development and community well-being in the Middle East and North Africa region. The participation of women is highly encouraged.
“MEET U.S. is unique because it is based on interaction and peer-learning,” says Dr. Ray Smilor, Executive Director of the Beyster Institute. “In addition to providing excellent business training, it’s an important cultural exchange. Each group brings a new and insightful perspective.”
“This is a great program,” said one MEET U.S. alumnus. “It’s great to get to know people here on a personal level. The Beyster Institute gave me an outstanding opportunity to meet with some of the most experienced and professional people in business. The entrepreneurs and instructors involved in this program are excellent.”
Another MEET U.S. participant said “getting to know businesspeople in the U.S. was a great way to open our eyes to new approaches and opportunities in our own countries.”
Candidates must have five to 10 years of business experience and will be selected based on demonstrated leadership ability, community involvement and potential for expanded leadership roles. All applications received by September 30 will be considered. Selected potential candidates will be asked to interview at an AMIDEAST office in their respective country. Applications will be accepted from citizens of the following countries and territories: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza and Yemen.
Although helpful, fluency in English is not required. The MEET U.S. program provides simultaneous interpretation in Arabic and French. The program covers international and domestic travel, health insurance, housing and a living stipend in the U.S.
The application and further eligibility details are available at http://www.amideast.org.For more information, contact Mohammed Bedrouni at mbedrouni@beysterinstitute.org or a local AMIDEAST office. The deadline to apply for the MEET U.S. program is September 30, 2005.
