A Glimpse into My IYLEP Journey
Four weeks in the United States on the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program. What Virginia and Arkansas were actually like, and what I would tell someone about to apply.
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What Is IYLEP?
The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. It’s designed to give Iraqi students the chance to explore leadership, community service, and cultural exchange in the United States.
I won’t go too deep into the details, but here’s a quick overview of my experience.
Why I Applied
I heard about IYLEP after completing the 29 Challenge, where I worked on a skill for 29 days. That led to a trip to Turkey, which encouraged me to keep exploring new opportunities.
IYLEP seemed like a great way to challenge myself further and gain some international experience.
Week 1: Settling in Virginia
The first week was all about meeting fellow participants and adjusting to the environment. Virginia was calm and welcoming, and it was interesting to see how everyone brought something unique to the group.
Weeks 2–3: Campus Life in Arkansas
For the next two weeks, we stayed at a host university in Arkansas. Most of our time was spent on leadership activities and community projects.
Host Family Day
One of the best moments was spending time with a local family. It was a relaxed day where we shared stories and got a closer look at daily life in the U.S.
Week 4: Exploring Washington, D.C., and NYC
The final week was about visiting iconic cities.
- In Washington, D.C., we visited historical landmarks and learned about the country’s political system.
- In New York City, the energy of the city was a standout. Exploring the streets and landmarks was a unique experience compared to my daily life back home.
Tips for Applying
If you’re interested in IYLEP, here’s what I’d suggest:
- Be Yourself Write your application honestly and avoid overthinking it.
- Show Interest in Leadership Highlight your involvement in community or leadership activities.
- Do Your Research Understand what the program is about and why you want to join.
You can find more details here: IYLEP Application.
Final Note
This isn’t a deep dive into my experience, but I hope it gives you a general idea of what the program is like. IYLEP was a good mix of learning, cultural exchange, and personal growth, and I’m glad I took part.
