Iraqi Young Leaders
Exchange Program
A Transformative Exchange: Iraqi Students Visit Phoenix for Two Weeks
The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) took place in Phoenix from July 9-22, focusing on civic leadership and sustainability. High school students from Iraq engaged in two weeks of experiential learning, leadership training, and civic participation, meeting with local community, business, and NGO leaders.
They participated in volunteer opportunities, workshops, and engagements with Global Ties Arizona's Young Diplomats and partners. Highlights included visits to the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff, attending an Arizona Diamondbacks game, and enjoying a community BBQ and pool party. These activities deepened their understanding of American culture and lifestyle, fostering a love for Arizona and its people. Inspired by their experiences, the students developed action plans to enhance their communities back home.
The exchange had a significant impact on our community, offering a unique opportunity to engage with Iraqi culture and build meaningful relationships that contribute to strengthening U.S.-Iraq relations.
About the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP)
The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) for English High School, funded by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and implemented in partnership with World Learning, offers a transformative experience for emerging leaders from across Iraq.
Through rigorous recruitment, participants are selected for their leadership potential, commitment to community betterment, and engagement. Spanning various provinces, the program cultivates a diverse cohort focused on developing action plans to enhance Iraq's future.
Participants engage in experiential learning, leadership training, and civic participation, facilitated by community, business, and NGO leaders. Hosted by local families, they immerse themselves in American life, fostering mutual understanding and respect. Upon return, participants implement engagement plans, contributing to community development and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. The program's objectives include developing civic responsibility, promoting mutual understanding, and strengthening cross-cultural skills to prepare participants as active alumni and global citizens.
Global Ties Arizona implements the
Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program
in partnership with
Official Disclaimer: The Iraqi Young Leaders Program is funded [in part] by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings, and conclusions stated herein are those of author[s] and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.
