2012 – 2013 Near East and South Asia Undergraduate Exchange Program

The U.S. Department of State’s Near East and South Asia Undergraduate (NESA) Exchange Program provides the opportunity of for one academic year of full-time, non-degree study in the United States during the 2012-13 academic year. The program is open to current first, second and third-year undergraduate students, as well as students in their final year of secondary school.

The program provides a cultural exchange experience at a U.S. two- or four-year college or university for emerging student leaders from diverse backgrounds in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

During the program, NESA participants will be enrolled in full-time academic studies, including an American studies course each semester and study skills courses/training. They will live with same gender American roommates on a university/college campus.  The participants will take part in community service and cultural presentations during their first semester and will participate in an unpaid internship during their second semester.

Eligibility requirements:

Competition for the NESA Program is merit-based. Qualified applicants should be:

• A Lebanese citizen or a legal, long-term Palestinian resident in Lebanon;
• In the final year of secondary school or enrolled in the first, second or third year in a full-time undergraduate program at a registered academic institution in Lebanon at the time of application  (part-time students or correspondence students are not eligible);
• In good academic standing;
• Submit a complete application with ALL required documents by the application deadline (NOTE: TOEFL scores are NOT required at the time of application);
• Able to begin the academic exchange program in the United States as early as August 2012;
• Able to qualify for and maintain a J-1 visa; 
• Committed to returning to Lebanon after completing the program; and 
• Proficient in spoken and written English.

Application requirements and deadline:

• The application package should include the following documents:
  - Completed application – click here to download the application form (Word; 7.95 MB);
  - Translated grade transcripts of the current and previous two years at high school or university;
  - TOEFL scores if available – scores should be less than two years old;
  - Two letters of reference including one from the applicant’s current institution.
  - One passport-size photo.
• Applications are due to the U.S. Embassy by February 1, 2012 – late submissions will not be considered.
• PLEASE NOTE: Incomplete or late applications will NOT be accepted. 
• Applications can be e-mailed to BeirutPD@state.gov or can be hand-delivered or mailed to the U.S. Embassy in Awkar by 4:30 p.m on Wednesday, February 1, 2012.  Applications may be sent via mail (PO Box 70-840, Antelias) or delivered to the reception window of the U.S. Embassy. 

U.S. Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon
c/o Public Affairs Section
Address: Awkar facing the Municipality
P.O. Box 70-840 Antelias