The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. government is organizing a range of exchange programs designed to connect Iraqis with Americans. These initiatives aim to familiarize participants with American culture and facilitate the exchange of ideas between individuals from both countries. The programs span diverse fields such as communications, journalism, law, economic development, science and technology, English teaching, among others.
One such program is "Between the Lines: Peace and the Writing Experience," which brings together international and U.S.-based students for two weeks of online programming. This initiative is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with the International Writing Program (IWP) and the University of Iowa.
The Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders aims to provide undergraduate student leaders with a comprehensive understanding of the United States while enhancing their leadership skills.
Another offering is the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access), which focuses on improving English language skills for economically disadvantaged youth aged 13-20 through after-school classes over two years.
The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) provides four weeks of leadership training for both undergraduate and high school students from Iraq at various U.S. universities.
In addition to these educational opportunities, there are several other programs like Leaders for Democracy, Student Leaders Program (SLP), Tomorrow’s Leaders Graduate Program (TLG), Tomorrow’s Leaders Undergraduate Program, Fulbright Foreign Student Program, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Community Solutions Program, Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program, Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs), Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators (SUSIs), Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program for Iraq, Fulbright FLTA Program, Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (Fulbright TEA), Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, International Writing Program’s Fall Residency at the University of Iowa, and ONEBEAT musical fellowship.
These initiatives provide numerous opportunities for professional development across various disciplines while fostering cross-cultural understanding between Iraqis and Americans.