Educational Exchange

Academic Exchange Programs
The Cultural Affairs Section administers a variety of educational exchanges, including the Fulbright and the Hubert H. Humphrey programs. An Educational Advising and Testing Office at the American Cultural Center provides academic advising services to individuals wanting to study in the Untied States. The advisors can help students identify an appropriate university, apply, and prepare for student life in America. This office also administers the required examinations for entry into undergraduate and graduate programs, such as the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship

The U.S. Embassy is proud to announce the opening of the Fulbright Scholarship competition for academic year 2009-2010. This scholarship provides candidates an opportunity to pursue a Master's Degree in the United States. Applicants must have excellent academic records, and strong English language skills. Applicants must be Syrian citizens or Palestinians residing in Syria. Students of medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy are NOT eligible. Click here for more information and application details. The deadline for application is May 1, 2008. Apply Now!

International Fulbright Science and Technology Award
The International Fulbright Science and Technology Award is for PhD study at top U.S. institutions in science, technology, or engineering. It is designed to be among the most prestigious international scholarships in science and technology. Eligible fields include: aeronautics, astronomy, biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, computer sciences, energy, engineering, environmental science, geology, information sciences, materials science, mathematics, neuroscience, oceanography, public health, and physics. A description of each field can be found at: http://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/scienceandtech. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree before August 1, 2009, and be proficient in English with a recent TOEFL score of 580 or higher. Applications must be completed online at https://apply.embark.com/student/fulbright/international. Please contact the American Cultural Center at 011-3391-4107 or FulbrightSyria@state.gov for more information. The deadline to apply for the 2009-2010 academic year is May 1, 2008.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship
This grant provides a one-year scholarship for mid-career professionals for academic and practical studies in the United States. Fellowships are granted competitively to professional candidates, especially in the following fields: agriculture, planning and resource management, public administration, public health, economic development, finance and banking, and environmental planning.Applications can be accessed and submitted viathe Internet at: http://client.wbai.com/hhh.  The deadline to apply for the 2009-2010 academic year is July 1, 2008. For more information, please contact the American Cultural Center or email us: Damasweb-query@state.gov

International Institute for Political and Economic Studies (IIPES)
The Fund for American Studies and Georgetown University present the premier academic program for future leaders, the International Institute for Political and Economic Studies (IIPES) in Greece. Each summer, IIPES brings students from the United States, the Middle East and Balkans together to learn about each other and explore ways to cross the barriers that divide their cultures.  The curriculum engages students in philosophical examination of government, society and culture, conflict management, and political economy.  Both graduate and undergraduate credit are available from Georgetown University for students attending the program.  This summer, IIPES will be held from July 11 – August 4, 2008.

For more information about IIPES and applications, please visit the website at www.tfasinternational.org.  Students with limited or no internet access should contact Brigit Moore by phone at (202) 986-0384 or by fax at (202) 986-0390. Students are encouraged to apply before the early admissions deadline of January 31, 2008. The final deadline is March 15, 2008.  For additional questions, please contact international@tfas.org.

Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) Program
 The FLTA Program provides an opportunity for young, international teachers of English ages 21-29 to refine their teaching skills, increase their English language proficiency and extend their knowledge of the cultures and customs of the United States while engaging in non-degree studies. FLTAs add an energetic and up-to-date cultural component to foreign language classes as well as to student life on U.S. campuses. Along with their studies, FLTAs teach Arabic language courses, supervise language labs and lead language table discussions. FLTAs may serve as an instructor of an Arabic class or have a purely teaching assistant role. FLTAs may also act as resource persons in conversation groups, cultural representatives, attendants in language laboratories, coordinators of extra-curricular activities, guest speakers in civilization courses, head's of language clubs, houses, tables and much more. See http://www.flta.fulbrightonline.org for more information.

Study of the United States Institutes:
The institutes are four-to-six-week intensive academic study programs held on U.S. campuses for small groups of participants from around the world. Institutes also include an integrated educational visit to another U.S. region, as well as cultural and community service activities to increase the participants’ understanding of U.S. society. Each year, programs for university faculty will be offered on: American civilization, American politics and political thought, contemporary American literature, U.S. foreign policy, journalism and media, and religious pluralism. There will also be a program for secondary educators. English fluency is required. More information about the program can be found on the website: http://exchanges.state.gov/education/amstudy/scholars.htm.