Sponsor
The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program’s Tunisia Undergraduate Scholarship Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.
Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program's Tunisia Undergraduate Scholarship Program (Tunisia UGRAD)
Tunisia UGRAD builds the workforce capacity of a diverse group of youth leaders from across Tunisia. Through year-long programs of study in the U.S., exploration of American culture, community service, and professional internships, participants develop a broad and nuanced understanding of U.S. values and become 21st century global citizens prepared to contribute to the economic growth and development of Tunisia.
Tunisia UGRAD builds the workforce capacity of a diverse group of youth leaders from across Tunisia. Through year-long programs of study in the U.S., exploration of American culture, community service, and professional internships, participants develop a broad and nuanced understanding of U.S. values and become 21st century global citizens prepared to contribute to the economic growth and development of Tunisia.
U.S. colleges and universities: Apply to host exchange students
IREX seeks accredited institutions of higher education in the United States to host undergraduate students for the 2020-2021 academic year.
Success Stories & Impact
Quick Facts
- Participants represent communities across Tunisia, with nearly 70% coming from outside of the capital area, and more than 30% from the interior governorates along the Algerian and Libyan borders.
- Since the program launch, Tunisia UGRAD participants have contributed on average more than 8,000 internship hours to U.S. businesses and organizations.
- Employers look for a series of key competencies in young employees. Nearly 100% of students completing the program express that they’ve developed these key “soft skills”, including job search skills, problem-solving skills, time management, stress-management, and teamwork.
Goals
- Participants increase their academic, professional, and leadership skills through full-time academic study, professional internships, and community service activities.
- Participants are better positioned to contribute actively to Tunisia’s development through increased workforce skills in their fields of study, increased life and leadership skills, and the drive to innovate.
- Participants create sustainable links with Americans and between Tunisian and American communities and increase their cross-cultural understanding through cultural activities, country presentations, engaging with U.S. communities, and follow-on activities.
As a female in the field of technology in Tunisia and as a future teacher or professor, I feel that my duty is to make sure to pass everything I learned from this experience to Tunisians.
Mariam, Tunisia UGRAD participant
People
Kaia Benson
Senior Technical Advisor
Kristy Feldman-Brooks
Senior Program Officer II
Kelfala Lebbie
Program Coordinator
Esha Bera
Program Coordinator
Nicole Mechem
Director, LeadershipProject Activities
- Undergraduate study and skills building: Participants attend a year-long, academic program at U.S. universities and colleges. Throughout the program, participants receive tailored support in developing and meeting professional and academic goals and improving their soft skills.
- Community service: Students contribute a minimum of 20 hours of community service work during the semester. Students may volunteer in a variety of settings, such as after-school tutoring, community fundraisers, and disaster relief.
- Internships: Fellows complete part-time internships, gaining experience in the American workplace and developing relationships with local businesses, government offices, nonprofit organizations, and other institutions.
- Alumni engagement: Alumni continue to develop their workforce skills, support innovation and entrepreneurship, and maintain networks forged through the program.
Contact
E-mail: tunisiaugrad@irex.org