In a report featured recently on CBSNews, Seth Doane reports on 50 Iraqi university students who participated in the U.S. State Department’s Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program, managed by World Learning. These students were brought together to “witness democracy in action” in the United States, and have participated since their arrival in team-building workshops, leadership training, and community service projects. Through the exchange program, the very diverse group of Iraqi Christians, Muslims, Arabs and Kurds was given the opportunity “to glimpse the patchwork of American life”.

As one of the Iraqi exchange students, remarks,

“[This] diversity is what makes [America] stronger. I think the diversity is a good thing for every country.”

Upon returning to their home country, this “next generation of Iraqi leaders” hopes to be able to apply their newly-gained experiences and knowledge to change their country for the better, the report notes.