It may come as a surprise to some, but the government of the United States — more specifically, the State Dept. — is in the business of recruiting college and university students from all around the globe to different programs in the U.S.
Through a variety of grants, scholarships and funding opportunities, the U.S. Dept of State provides opportunities for study in the States in a wide range of majors, with institutions offering scholarships for the best and brightest.
Scholarship to Study in the U.S. for Tunisian Students
Tunisia is no exception to the countries that are eligible for the opportunities offered by the Gov. of the U.S. Hundreds of Tunisian students and professionals are being sent annually to the United States through programs funded by the U.S. Dept. of State.
It is definitely a big deal for Tunisian students, who, if they were to study at home, would most likely never achieve the professional status or have access to the educational opportunities afforded them by a higher education experience. But is it a good deal for Tunisia?
Absolutely, said Wajdi Belloumi, a Program Officer at IREX Tunisia for the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program. “One of the most popular programs for Tunisian undergraduate students to study in the US is the TJSP,” he told Carthage Magazine. “For instance, speaking about the program I work at, most of the Tunisian students who participate in the TJSP gain international experience from American institutions and companies, through academic and professional programs, and then return to Tunisia, with skills and outlook they could only pick up in the US. Those graduates bring an added value for Tunisian businesses, and they are usually recruited for top positions in Tunisian companies – Many of them do actually open their own startups” When a Tunisian or any foreign established company hires an American-educated person, the combination of knowing Tunisian society and business, together with their American-acquired business skills, makes for an unbeatable combination that is almost guaranteed to benefit the company – and the Tunisian economy.
Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program
The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP) is one of the leading programs offered by the Government of the United States of America supported by the US Department of State. It is a prestigious fully funded scholarship to study in the U.S. for Tunisian students.
The TJSP fosters economic growth and stable democratic development in Tunisia by creating a network of youth prepared to lead positive change in their professional fields and communities. TJSP focuses on leadership capacity and professional preparation for highly motivated and academically successful students, shaping future leaders from throughout Tunisia to contribute in a meaningful way to Tunisia’s democratic and economic development.
According to official sources from IREX, since the inaugural year of the TJSP back in 2013, more than 600
Tunisian students have had the chance to study at different U.S. colleges and universities across the States and the District of Columbia.
“Through integrated programming, students enhance their academic and English skills, strengthen their leadership capacity, and further develop their professional expertise. Alumni return home poised to contribute to their communities, their professional fields, and their country. In a recent survey, 100% of
Thomas Jefferson Scholar alumni who have completed their education reported that they are now employed.”, the same IREX source confirmed.
TJSP Details and How to Apply
The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program provides opportunities for undergraduate students from Tunisia who are enrolled in Tunisian universities to attend one year of study at accredited U.S. universities and colleges. Participants take courses in their field of study as well as in American studies. A broad range of academic disciplines are eligible. In addition to coursework, participants gain practical experience through community service projects and professional internships.
- Program Information (Arabic and English) (PDF, 367 KB)
- Tips for applying (PDF, 125 KB)
- Frequently asked questions (PDF, 178 KB)
- Eligible institutions (PDF, 144 KB)
- Academic integrity guide (PDF, 127 KB)
Applications are now available for the 2021-2022 academic year. Applications and more information can be found at the following URL. Participants will be selected through an open, merit-based competition.
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