Who Should Apply?
The Middle East Studies Program is interdisciplinary and gives no preference to students in a particular major field of study. Arabic language background is not required. However, a serious Christian commitment and a good academic record are necessary. In order to maximize the program's effectiveness, students are usually required to have a grade point average of at least a 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
The program typically accepts juniors and seniors who are full-time students earning credit toward their degree from a Council member college. MESP may, however, accept any exceptional student it believes can meet the rigorous demands of the program. It also may accept students from non-Council institutions, space permitting. When admitted, an additional $200 is charged to non-Council students for their participation.
F1 student visa holders (international students studying in the US): Participation on MESP may be restricted due to the feasibility of receiving visas for all necessary program travel. If you are a F1 visa-holder, please check entry requirements for Egypt, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Israel and Lebanon (subject to change) via each country's embassy. Citizenship is not a factor in admissions decisions. But in the category of Who should apply?, F1 visa holders should research the feasibility of participation should they be accepted to the program.
