US Business Internship Program for Young Middle Eastern Women

Program Overview

The US Business Internship Program for Young Middle Eastern Women was initiated in 2004 and provided participants with unique opportunities to learn management and business skills while working in the dynamic and productive US business environment. The program was funded by the US Department of State through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

Strengthened the role of women in the business sector and in economic development
Developed professional and personal linkages between Middle Eastern and American businesses and professionals

PROJECT RESULTS

80 Middle Eastern businesswomen and lawyers received business training in the US relevant to their careers in their homelands
47 American companies expanded their exposure to and contacts in the Middle East

Project Activities

Management and Business Training for Female Professionals: Arab businesswomen and lawyers attended a four-week MBA-level program with coursework in management, finance, business-strategy, and business law followed by a three-month professional development internship at Fortune 500 companies, law firms, and small and medium-sized companies. The program prepared businesswomen and lawyers to play a stronger leadership role in the economic development of the region. Program participants returned home with new tools and skills beneficial to the advancement of their companies as well as their own careers.
Partnerships between American and Middle Eastern Professionals and Businesses: The internship component produced personal as well as business relationships and fostered increased, long-term collaboration between American and Middle Eastern enterprises. The professional and personal exchange increased awareness and understanding among Middle Eastern participants and their American colleagues of their respective business cultures and societies.

IREX in the Middle East

Since 2003, IREX and IREX Europe have been implementing regional and country programs in the Middle East and North Africa. The programs provide study and internship opportunities for professionals in the region, foster the development of civil society and professional media, and support basic, secondary, and graduate educational development. IREX maintains a regional office in Beirut, Lebanon with local representatives throughout the region.

This program is now completed.

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