CAIRO: Ambassador Margaret Scobey spoke to the 22 recipients of the 2008 USAID Peace Scholarship who are now in Cairo preparing to depart for the United States. This year s scholarship recipients come from seven different countries, including Egypt, Lebanon, the West Bank/Gaza, and Morocco. "I've only been here three months. But in this short time I've had several opportunities to speak to small groups of students who are preparing to have an educational experience in the US. And I have to say that these are some of the most rewarding opportunities I've ever had... It is our hope that the opportunity adds to your understanding of the United States and our understanding of your country, Scobey remarked. The Peace Scholarships program seeks to provide one year of undergraduate study in the US for students from non-urban areas from across the Middle East. Students participate in an intensive leadership seminar before departing and in an alumni program upon return. The program is administered by the US Agency for International Development. Each scholarship covers international travel, health insurance, visa fees, a living stipend, academic tuition, and other costs associated with program activities. Eligible candidates are residents of participating countries (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Tunisia, West Bank/Gaza, or Yemen), between the ages of 18-25 who are currently in the midst of their undergraduate studies. Ideal candidates are those with strong academic records, proficient English, and a desire to represent their home countries in the US. Application deadlines for the 2009-2010 cycle of the Peace Scholarships program will be in February 2009. For more information, contact [email protected].
