Tunisian-American Professor discusses the politics of Arab American Culture

Dr. Nouri Gana, Associate Professor at UCLA, gave a talk at the IRC that revolved around the collection of essays he edited in a book titled The Edinburgh Companion to the Arab Novel in English: The Politics of Anglo Arab and Arab American Literature and Culture. The first part of the talk addressed the intellectual history of the Arab ... Read More»

By | 18 August, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

American Idol Star Melinda Doolittle Charms Tunisian Audiences

Singer Melinda Doolittle, a finalist on American Idol’s sixth season, performed at festivals in Sousse, El Jem and Sfax during the first week of August.   Doolittle, her four-member band and three back-up singers wowed audiences with a rousing 90-minute set of classic American R&B, soul and jazz.  One highlight was the singer’s cover of Britney ... Read More»

By | 5 August, 2016 | Topics: Art & Culture

IRC Marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

Racha Haffar, Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant alumna and President of the Not 4 Trade association conducted a workshop entitled “Trafficking in Persons 101” to mark the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Racha defined what human trafficking is and helped those in attendance to understand the scope of the problem at the national and ... Read More»

By | 5 August, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

Young Tunisian Coders Academy (‎YTCA‬) Summer Camp

The Young Tunisian Coders Academy (YTCA ) Summer Camp takes place August 1-5.  The young coders share their experiences with us through their daily “Postcards from Kelibia.” Young Tunisian Coders Academy (‎YTCA‬) Summer Camp Day 2 We got off to an early start with an introductory session on Scratch for Arduino and Blocklyduino. We learned about robotics and made our first ... Read More»

By | 2 August, 2016 | Topics: Alumni

“STAR WARS DAY” by the Fan Club Star Wars Tunisia at our IRC

“A breath-taking experience,” “a saga that blows your mind,” and a “fabulous journey that stirs the imagination beyond belief” were some of the ways fascinated young audience members described Star Wars Day at the Information Resource Center (IRC). To mark the 40th anniversary of the filming of the saga in Tunisia, the Tunisian Star Wars ... Read More»

By | 28 July, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

Language Village Nabeul Closing Ceremony

On July 28, Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein attended the closing ceremony of the 10th anniversary of the Language Village Nabeul hosted by the Minister of Higher Education Chiheb Bouden. The graduates presented several performances including dancing, singing, drama, painting and poetry written by the participants themselves. The Ambassador delivered brief remarks where he acknowledged the LVN ... Read More»

By | 28 July, 2016 | Topics: English Language Learning

MEPI Implementing Partner Empowering Women in Sfax

On July 27th, ‪‎MEPI implementing partner Free Women Association organized a cultural evening as part of its “Woman in Local Governance” project for the beneficiaries of the ‎Sfax region.  This gathering highlighted the importance of active participation by women in governance, with a special focus on the local level.  During the event female beneficiaries, some ... Read More»

By | 27 July, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance | Tags:

Ambassador Rubinstein’s Remarks at Education for Employment Event

On July 21, Ambassador Rubinstein participated in a breakfast discussion organized by Education for Employment Tunisia (EFE) and the National ICT Business Federation in the framework of a project funded by the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to enable employment-skills training and conduct job placement and business and social entrepreneurship programs. The event focused on the ... Read More»

By | 21 July, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance | Tags:

Ambassador Welcomes Exchange Programs Returnees

Ambassador Rubinstein welcomed the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) family to the U.S. Embassy for a special reception.  He was joined by newly-minted YES alumni, just back from their year as exchange students in the U.S.  Alumni regaled the Ambassador and other Embassy staff with stories of their host families, recollections of their ... Read More»

By | 20 July, 2016 | Topics: Alumni | Tags:

Ambassador Opens TJSP Alumni Conference

Ambassador Rubinstein gave opening remarks at the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program (TJSP) Alumni Conference.  He reminded Alumni, hailing from all 24 governorates, that they truly represent the nation, and that they will play crucial roles in developing Tunisia’s economy and nurturing its young democracy. The Ambassador also highlighted the success of three alumni who have ... Read More»

By | 16 July, 2016 | Topics: Alumni | Tags:

MEPI Student Leaders candidates are now in the U.S.

Congratulations to the 15 Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Student Leaders candidates who are now in the United States!  The students are attending classes in six of the best universities in America.  Recently they celebrated Eid and shared the beauty of their Tunisian culture with colleagues and friends at their respective campuses.  We wish all ... Read More»

By | 14 July, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance | Tags:

Café Talk Online Platform Launch

Embassy representatives attended the launch of the Café Talk online platform (www.cafetalks.org ). The platform allows participants to join or host café talks in their region while learning about other debates held country-wide. Managed by the International Institute of Debate and funded by the U.S. Embassy, Café Talk has been running since February in ten regions ... Read More»

By | 4 June, 2016 | Topics: Art & Culture | Tags:

MEPI Awaken Youth Project

As part of the Awaken Youth project, Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) implementing partner, Culture For Citizenship association, organized an awareness campaign in Tunis on June 3.  Entitled “I Am running for elections, yet I have my conditions,” the campaign aimed to encourage youth to become candidates in the upcoming municipal elections by describing the ... Read More»

By | 3 June, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance | Tags:

Tunisia Signs $500 million Loan Guarantee Agreement with the U.S.

Agreement with the United States Today, Tunisia signed a loan guarantee agreement with the United States that will allow Tunisia to access up to $500 million in affordable financing from international capital markets, delivering on President Obama’s discussions with Tunisian President Caid Essebsi in May 2015.  The loan guarantee underscores the United States’ enduring commitment ... Read More»

By | 3 June, 2016 | Topics: Economic Affairs

Logo Design Contest to Celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of the U.S. Embassy in Tunisia

Congratulations to Mohamed Ben Haj Hmida, the winner of the contest. This logo will  be used throughout the year, from June-2016 to June-2017 on the Embassy website, social media sites, business cards, posters and anywhere else the Embassy chooses. Thank you to all the contestants for their creative submissions. In 1956, the United States opened its Embassy in Tunis. From ... Read More»

By | 1 June, 2016 | Topics: Art & Culture

Remarks by Ambassador Rubinstein on Memorial Day

Captain Bedoui, General Rodriguez, Ambassadors, members of the Military Attaché Corps, honored guests and the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band. It has been just over seventy years since the Allied forces launched the North African Campaign that culminated in the liberation of Tunisia. For most of us, the details of the battles fought here ... Read More»

By | 30 May, 2016 | Topics: embassy

Knox Thames, Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the NESCA, statement at the Synagogue Event in Djerba

Let me begin by thanking our hosts, the Jewish community of Djerba, their Muslim neighbors, and the Government and people of Tunisia, for organizing today’s pilgrimage. The Lag b’Omer celebration is a very special moment for all who attend. It is my pleasure to join Special Envoy Forman and Chargé d’Affaires Hanson in attending the ... Read More»

By | 25 May, 2016 | Topics: Human Rights, U.S. & Tunisia

ACYPL Delegation Visits Embassy

An American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) delegation, which is on a two-week tour of Tunisia and Morocco to deepen their knowledge of international relations, visited the Embassy. Chargé d’affaires Kathleen Hanson and Political Section Chief Auden Mckernan briefed them on recent political developments and fielded questions from the group on a wide range ... Read More»

By | 23 May, 2016 | Topics: Scholarships and Exchanges

Training the Next Generation of Tunisian Media Professionals in U.S.

Nine Tunisian graduate journalist students from the Tunisian public Institute of Press and Information Sciences (IPSI) were sponsored by U.S. Embassy in Tunis to participate into  a two- week training in U.S. on March, 2016. They were trained in professional newsrooms and had the opportunity to share, with their partner International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) ... Read More»

By | 19 May, 2016 | Topics: Alumni, Scholarships and Exchanges

Tunisian Folk, Algerian Rai, and Hollywood Soundtracks: A Conversation with MC Rai

“Musical fusion.” “A harmonious blend of Tunisian folk music and Algerian rai.” “A rediscovery of our musical roots through musical instruments.” Those were just a few of the ways the IRC audience described their experience listening to Tunisian-American singer MC Rai.  Accompanied by the rhythms of the Gombri instrument played by artist Jamel Boukraa, MC ... Read More»

By | 16 May, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

U.S. Equipment Donation to Tunisian Ministry of Defense

    Local Media Coverage on the United States donation of  jeeps, communications technology and small aircraft to Tunisia.   TVs Wataniya 1 Nessma TV Al Hiwar Attounsi Attassia TV TNN Radios Mosaique FM Express FM Shems FM Jawhara FM Online Media Webdo lorientlejour.com ca.reuters.com ara.reuters.com Hakaek Online Tunisie Telegraph Kapitalis Tunivisions Sabah Read More»

By | 12 May, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance | Tags:

Aya Chebbi has been making news and appearing on top lists of people to watch

‎Fulbright  Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) alumna, Aya Chebbi, has been making news and appearing on top lists of people to watch! The accolades include:  HuffPost Women  UK’s list of women working to improve the lives of others (link to story:  http://goo.gl/G7saSq ) and ArabianBusiness ‘ list of the 100 most influential young Arabs in the world (link to story:  http://goo.gl/KEF4dO ... Read More»

By | 6 May, 2016 | Topics: Alumni

Statement by Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security

Statement by Michael McCaul, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Leading a Congressional Delegation to Tunisia Tunis, May 6-8, 2016 We applaud Tunisia for its democratic leadership, and our delegation sends a strong message on behalf of the U.S. Congress and the American people:   you are a close ally, and you have our ... Read More»

By | 6 May, 2016 | Topics: U.S. & Tunisia

Café Talk Program

About Café Talk Café Talk is about organizing open discussions in Cafes. We aim to bring young people together by giving them the space to discuss and debate about topics they feel concerned about.  We believe that having powerful conversations is the first step to improve our communities and make change. Examples of Cafés Talk ... Read More»

By | 6 May, 2016 | Topics: Human Rights | Tags:

Joint Statement by the United States of America and the Republic of Tunisia

Media Note Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC May 6, 2016 At the Joint Economic Commission (JEC) held today in Washington, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Catherine A. Novelli and Tunisian Minister of Vocational Training and Employment Zied Ladhari acknowledged the growing economic partnership between Tunisia and the United States, as ... Read More»

By | 6 May, 2016 | Topics: Economic Affairs, Trade | Tags:

Lag B’omer Pilgrimage Djerba

Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism Ira Forman, Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South/Central Asia Knox Thames, and Deputy Chief of Mission Kathleen Hanson visited Djerba for the Lag B’Omer pilgrimage at the end of May.  The pilgrimage is a unique opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Tunisian culture and hospitality. ... Read More»

By | 5 May, 2016 | Topics: Human Rights

Technovation Challenge 2016: National Pitch Tunisia

Please meet the winning teams of the Technovation National Competition held May 1. The top three teams pass on to the semi-final round of the Technovation International Competition to compete with their counterparts worldwide. Later in May, 10 Technovation teams from more than 50 countries will be selected to participate in the Technovation World Pitch ... Read More»

By | 3 May, 2016 | Topics: Alumni | Tags:

English Language Arts Festival (April 29 – May 1, 2016)

  The first Regional English Language Arts Festival “Ezzine Essafi Edition for Creativity” was organized by Mrs. Naima Charfi, ELT Inspector, and the Regional Office of Education in late April.  Public Diplomacy Officer Sarah Hennessey and English Language Teaching Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi served on a jury for part of the festival.  Sixteen secondary schools ... Read More»

By | 29 April, 2016 | Topics: English Language Learning

Nizar Ben Neji, Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, 2015

Nizar Ben Neji, Teaching Professor, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, University of Massachusetts – Amherst, 2015. “I had a great opportunity to experience life in a typical American university town while attending the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMA). One of the finest tertiary institutions in America, UMA is now ranked among the ... Read More»

By | 29 April, 2016 | Topics: Alumni | Tags:

Pizza and Coding

As part of the global Technovation Challenge, more than 20 teams of young girls representing different governorates in Tunisia are developing mobile applications to solve problems relevant to their communities.  Taking part in “Pizza and Coding” parties, some teams have had the opportunity to meet weekly at Orange Developer Centers, where they get input on ... Read More»

By | 28 April, 2016 | Topics: Alumni | Tags:

“Far From Home” Inspires Tunisian Youth

Phil Hessler, a 22-year-old student-turned-filmmaker, came to Tunisia as part of the State Department’s American Film Showcase to screen his documentary Far From Home. The film tells the story of Phil’s adopted brother Brolin Mawejje and his remarkable journey from a tumultuous Ugandan childhood to a new life in the U.S., where he’s working to ... Read More»

By | 26 April, 2016 | Topics: Art & Culture

Students Celebrate Earth Day with the U.S. Embassy

The Embassy welcomed a group of students and teachers from the Mohamed Jmal Primary School in Sfax. They met with Economic Officer Rongjie Chen, English Language Teaching Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi, Educational Exchange Specialist Nizar Kallal ,and Information Resource Center Director Sami Saaied. The students learned about the role of the Embassy and how different ... Read More»

By | 25 April, 2016 | Topics: English Language Learning

“Far From Home” Follows an Olympic-size Dream

The Information Resource Center (IRC) hosted a viewing of the independent documentary film “Far From Home,” which follows the journey of Brolin Mawejje from Uganda to the U.S. and ultimately to the international snowboard circuit.  The documentary explores Brolin’s complicated family life, his gifted athletic abilities, and his desire to represent Uganda as the first ... Read More»

By | 22 April, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

Tunisian and American University Students Forge New Connections

As part of the “Connecting Classrooms” program, the Information Resource Center (IRC) organized a video conference to connect graduate level students from the University of Tunis with their peers from the University at Albany, State University of New York . The video conference allowed students from both universities to share language learning experiences where technology was the primary medium. The Tunisian and American ... Read More»

By | 20 April, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

Ahlem Nasraoui is among 10 Emerging Young Leaders Award Winners

Check out photos and video of Tunisia’s own Ahlem Nasraoui at the Emerging Young Leaders Award ceremony at the U.S. Department of State, on Wednesday, April 20. In her thank you speech, Ahlem stated proudly: “This award was an opportunity to speak up and voice my country’s aspirations: We Tunisians won’t be defeated by terrorism. We wake up every day to rejoice ... Read More»

By | 20 April, 2016 | Topics: Alumni

DAS John Desrocher visited MEPI-funded Women’s Enterprise for Sustainability’s (WES) Center

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Egypt and Maghreb Affairs John Desrocher visited the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI)-funded Women’s Enterprise for Sustainability’s (WES) Center in Tunis on April 19. The meeting was an opportunity to hear more about the work achieved so far and to speak with the WES graduates from Tunis, Kef ... Read More»

By | 19 April, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance | Tags:

Earth Day Clean-up

  Ambassador Rubinstein and several other employees cleaned up the area outside of the Embassy entrance.  Cleaning up our community is just one way that the U.S. Embassy is marking Earth Day 2016, which is held internationally on April 22.   Read More»

By | 17 April, 2016 | Topics: embassy

Debate tournament by the International Institute of Debate (IDD) in partnership with MEPI

The International Institute of Debate (IDD), in partnership with the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), organized the first debate tournament on April 17 as part of the MEPI-funded “Tounsi W Nghayer” project. The debate competition brought together 40 students from different high schools and universities in Tunis to brainstorm solutions to some of the country’s ... Read More»

By | 17 April, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance | Tags:

Antony J. Blinken, Deputy Secretary of State, Remarks on Supporting Tunisia’s Transition

Antony J. Blinken, Deputy Secretary of State, Remarks on Supporting Tunisia’s Transition at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Good morning. Thank you all very, very much. Minister Brahim, it is wonderful to see you, to be with you today. Ambassador Gouia, my friend, Minister Muashar, also very good to see you again, and so many ... Read More»

By | 15 April, 2016 | Topics: U.S. & Tunisia

A Night in Tunisia

Each April, the United States celebrates Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), an opportunity to savor a major American contribution to world culture. Initiated by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History, JAM aims to focus public attention on the music, and on the many talented composers, musicians and other contributors to the sound. Just over 60 years ... Read More»

By | 15 April, 2016 | Topics: Art & Culture

Trauma in Language and History

Dr. Cathy Caruth, Professor of Humane Letters at Cornell University in the U.S., led a video-conference discussion with students at the Information Resource Center (IRC.)  Jointly organized by the IRC and the Tunisian Association of Young Researchers (TAYR) , the discussion was titled Trauma in Language and History in the 21st Century. Starting with an introduction to trauma theory and references to the insights  of ... Read More»

By | 15 April, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

“The Chamber of Secrets” Visits U.S. Embassy

The Embassy recently welcomed a  group of students and teachers from Hammam Lif high school.  Students met with Vice Consul Cairo Jennings, English Language Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi, and Educational Exchange Specialist Nizar Kallal. The students introduced themselves and talked about their English club at school, cleverly named “The Chamber of Secrets.” Mr. Jennings shared ... Read More»

By | 13 April, 2016 | Topics: English Language Learning

Social Media Hygiene

As part of the Meet a Diplomat series, Brian Tyers, Information Security Officer at the U.S Embassy in Tunis, gave a presentation entitled “Social Media Hygiene: Why Managing Your Online Persona Matters.” Mr. Tyers provided the audience with practical tips for how to use social media responsibly while safeguarding one’s privacy. Mr. Tyers emphasized the ... Read More»

By | 7 April, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

IRC Talk Tackles Immigration and Assimilation

Public Diplomacy Officer Inga Litvinsky, who works on Maghreb issues in Washington, spoke at the IRC and described her journey from “From Immigrant to Diplomat.”  Born in Kiev, Ukraine—which was then part of the Soviet Union—Litvinsky came to the U.S. in 1975 and settled in Omaha, Nebraska, with her parents.  She began first grade, quickly ... Read More»

By | 6 April, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

Embassy Team Visits Raqqada National Museum 

The Tunisian Ministry of Culture hosted Public Affairs Counselor Michael Macy and a Public Affairs section team at the Raqqada National Museum of Islamic Art in Kairaouan.  Housed in a former presidential palace, the museum boasts a unique collection of Islamic art masterpieces dating back to the 9th and 10th centuries.  Following a guided tour, ... Read More»

By | 4 April, 2016 | Topics: Art & Culture

Tunisia Travel Warning

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to avoid travel to southeastern Tunisia along the Libyan border as well as the mountainous areas in the country’s west due to the threat of terrorism.   A March 7 attack by ISIL-affiliated militants in the southeastern border town of Ben Guerdane resulted in the deaths of ... Read More»

By | 2 April, 2016 | Topics: Security & Emergency Messages

Joint Statement of the U.S-Tunisia Council on Trade and Investment

For Immediate Release March 29, 2016 Joint Statement of the U.S-Tunisia Council on Trade and Investment Washington, D.C. – The United States-Tunisia Trade and Investment Council held its sixth session on March 22, 2016, in Washington, D.C., to continue its examination of ways to increase trade and investment between the two economies.  Led by Deputy ... Read More»

By | 30 March, 2016 | Topics: Press Releases, Trade, U.S. & Tunisia | Tags:

U.S. Support for Tunisian Border Security Project

The United States Government is pleased to announce the first part of an award of a $24.9 million dollar contract for a project to strengthen Tunisia’s border security capabilities along the Tunisia-Libya border.  The contract is being awarded by the United States’ Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and will provide an integrated border surveillance system ... Read More»

By | 25 March, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance, Press Releases | Tags:

Former Tunisian Minister Shares Middle East Expertise at IRC

Dr. Abdelbaki Hermassi—who served as Tunisia’s Minister of Culture , Minister of Foreign Affairs and UNESCO Ambassador—spoke at the IRC on Thursday, March 17. His wide-ranging presentation covered topics like Iran’s Islamic revolution, the rise of political Islam, the Pan-Arabic movement, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Arab Spring and terrorism. He also spoke about how North African nations and the Gulf countries perceive regional ... Read More»

By | 17 March, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

Spreading the Culture of Tolerance and Countering Violent Extremism

The Tunisian Scouts, a scouting organization for boys and girls ages seven and up and the largest youth organization in Tunisia, hosted a conference in partnership with the Ministry of Religious Affairs focused on combating extremism and radicalism. More than 150 participants including 100 Scouts, 20 imams, local community leaders, government representatives including the Governor ... Read More»

By | 17 March, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance | Tags:

The Tunisian Revolution: A Tale of Two Cities

  Michael Marcusa, a doctoral candidate in political science at Brown University, led a lively discussion in the IRC entitled “When Modernization Fails: Revolution and Radicalism inTunisia.”  Marcusa has spent 10 months doing fieldwork in southern and central Tunisia, and his talk focused on Sidi Bouzid and Metlaoui.  Though the cities face similar economic hardships, ... Read More»

By | 16 March, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

Zarzis High School Students Visit to the Embassy

Students from the March 2 high school in Zarzis visited the Embassy and met with Public Diplomacy Officer Sarah Hennessy, ELT Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi, and Cultural Affairs Assistant Refka Nsiri. The students told Embassy staff about their “English Fan Club ZZ” and shared some of their club activities and talents, including singing and drawing. ... Read More»

By | 15 March, 2016 | Topics: English Language Learning

Ambassador Rubinstein Visit to Sfax

Ambassador Rubinstein made his first official trip to Sfax. After calling on Governor Chaouat, Ambassador Rubinstein met with several members of Parliament, had lunch with members of the local American Chamber of Commerce and visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Sfax (CCI-Sfax). He then hosted a roundtable with members of several different civil ... Read More»

By | 7 March, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance | Tags: ,

Thomas Shannon Op/Ed: The United States and Tunisia: Deepening Partnership

Thomas Shannon Op/Ed The United States and Tunisia:  Deepening Partnership Tunisia is the only country to successfully transition from its Arab Spring revolution to the founding of a democracy.  As such, Tunisia has captured the attention, interest, and sympathy of the world.  During a four-country tour of the Maghreb and Sahel, my first trip as ... Read More»

By | 1 March, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance, U.S. & Tunisia

Promoting Peace Through Citizen Journalism

In partnership with the Tunisian chapter of the YaLa Academy, an innovative online institution for the formation of future regional peace leaders, the IRC organized a program focused on innovative ways to use citizen journalism to promote peace and dialogue across the MENA region.  Rahma Sghaier, YaLa Tunisian chapter coordinator, explained how citizen journalism empowers ... Read More»

By | 18 February, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces | Tags:

Celebrating Culture and Inter-faith Dialogue in the Tunis Medina

Ambassador Rubenstein visited El Makhzen cultural center in the Tunis Medina, where he was interviewed by Al Wataniya TV and joined an audience of Tunisian actors, actresses, students and teachers for a screening of the American Film Showcase documentary Of Many. Director Linda Mills participated in a lively post-film discussion about the role that art ... Read More»

By | 13 February, 2016 | Topics: Art & Culture

Tunisia TESOL Conference

Public Affairs Officer Michael Macy gave opening remarks at the Tunisia TESOL Conference. He emphasized the Embassy’s support of English education and teachers, highlighting several State Department programs that provide teachers opportunities to better understand the U.S. educational system. Myrtis Mixon, a professor at the University of California, gave a plenary session on how to ... Read More»

By | 12 February, 2016 | Topics: English Language Learning

Access Tabarka Graduates meet the Ambassador

Access Tabarka graduates paid a visit to the Embassy where they met with Ambassador Daniel Rubinstein, Public Diplomacy Officer Sarah Hennessy and ELT Coordinator Saida Jedidi Sfaxi. The students shared their accomplishments and community involvement during their two years of Access, as well as how they improved their English through cultural activities and field trips. ... Read More»

By | 11 February, 2016 | Topics: English Language Learning | Tags:

U.S. filmmaker Linda Mills and American Film Showcase (AFS) Representative Alan Baker Spoke at Radio Nationale Tunisienne

U.S. filmmaker Linda Mills and American Film Showcase (AFS) representative Alan Baker were guests of Amani Boulares of Radio Nationale Tunisienne.  Both Ms. Mills and Mr. Baker gave a comprehensive overview about Of Many, a 30-minute documentary screened in ‪‎Tunisia‬ as part of the American Film Showcase program, and expressed their excitement at the opportunity ... Read More»

By | 8 February, 2016 | Topics: Art & Culture

FACT SHEET: International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)

Challenges:   Tunisia has made great strides since its 2011 revolution, including holding several rounds of fair and free parliamentary and presidential elections, finalizing a new constitution, and most recently, forming a new, democratically elected government. As with all transitions, however, there are also challenges, in particular, those posed by extremists who aim to derail ... Read More»

By | 8 February, 2016 | Topics: Foreign Assistance | Tags:

IT Certification and Job Competitiveness for Young Tunisian Graduates

Russell Hodge, Information Management Specialist at the U.S. Embassy, discussed the importance of IT certifications for job competitiveness with more than 40 young graduates at the American Corner last week. He shared practical advice for how to best select the right IT certifications to increase the chances of being hired. Mr. Hodge also shared his ... Read More»

By | 5 February, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

IRC Celebrates Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, the IRC hosted a video conference between students of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and their peers from the University of Tunis.  Dr. Jeannette Jones,  Associate Professor of History and Ethnic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, led the discussion, entitled “The Legacy of the Reconstruction Amendments and the Rise ... Read More»

By | 5 February, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

Tunisian Alumni: Coding for change!

The U.S. Embassy hosted the Young Tunisian Coders Academy (YTCA) at the Information Resource Center (IRC.) YTCA to teach young students the Scratch programming language, introducing basic programming fundamentals and giving them the basic programming skills to create their own interactive stories, games and animations. Thirteen students ages 9 to 16 years old from Tunis ... Read More»

By | 5 February, 2016 | Topics: Alumni | Tags:

IRC Holds Mock Caucus

This month’s “Meet a Diplomat” program focused on a topic straight from the headlines:  the Iowa caucus.  Iowan Jeffrey Osweiler, the Embassy’s Consular Chief, explained how the small agricultural state became the testing ground for U.S. presidential candidates.  After discussing the media frenzy surrounding the poll and describing the caucus as a community-based process, a ... Read More»

By | 3 February, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

Tunisian Alumni Gear Up for the 2016 AEIF

Alumni in Tunisia are eagerly anticipating the next round of the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF.)  To help them prepare their project proposals for the 2016 AEIF competition, the U.S. Embassy organized a training on how to write an effective, comprehensive, and competitive proposal. During the session, exchange alumni were introduced the proposal writing process ... Read More»

By | 31 January, 2016 | Topics: Alumni

Zoubeir Tourki: Director of the National School of Engineers of Sousse and Professor in Mechanical Engineering

2014 Technology Transfer Innovation in Higher Education Technology The highlight of my exchange experience is what I learnt about the university role in stimulating the partnership between the university and the business world to help promote an environment for professors and researchers and to transform the innovative ideas into valuable products and assist the marketing ... Read More»

By | 29 January, 2016 | Topics: Alumni | Tags:

Ambassador Rubinstein at AmCham Tunisia’s Lunch Discussion“Challenges of the Tunisian Economy”

……From his side, Ambassador Rubinstein expressed his gratitude of being among AmCham Members in a Monthly Lunch Debate for the first time in his mandate. Talking about the Economic Challenges is Tunisia, His Excellency argued that the U.S. Government recognizes that the Government of Tunisia has taken concrete steps toward Economic reforms, but additional action ... Read More»

By | 28 January, 2016 | Topics: Doing Business in the U.S., Economic Affairs

One American’s Mission to Help Refugees

The IRC held a video conference Wednesday with Michigan-based physician Dr. Yahya Basha.  Dr. Basha talked to a group of students, describing his long-term support of the Arab refugee community in Michigan and throughout the United States.  Originally from Syria, Dr. Basha shared his experience working with communities of different religions to advocate for tolerance, ... Read More»

By | 22 January, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

Entrepreneur Jeff Hoffman strikes a Chord with Young Tunisians!

Drawing on his extensive experience in coaching young entrepreneurs, Jeff Hoffman, Co-founder of ColorJar and a founding member of Priceline.com, provided useful tips to more than 120 participants in Tunis, Sousse and Sfax on how to build a successful start-up. According to Jeff, “Following operational excellence in business is what brings you the money.” For ... Read More»

By | 12 January, 2016 | Topics: American Spaces

Citizen Journalism Talk Sparks Lively Debate

“Eye-opening.”  “Truly informative.”   “Thought-provoking.”   This is how participants described the talk Dr. Hedi Zaouchi gave on Citizen Journalism at the IRC.  Dr. Zaouchi, professor of cultural  studies, emphasized that citizen journalism, or “people’s media,” can serve as a media watchdog in democratic societies.  He said that in times of crisis, activists can replace ... Read More»

By | 16 December, 2015 | Topics: American Spaces

TechCampTunisia “Tech for Tomorrow’s Workforce”

TechCamp Tunisia, organized by U.S. Embassy Tunis and Amideast, brings together decision makers from non-governmental organizations, business leaders, Tunisian government representatives and entrepreneurs from Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt and Libya who are interested in advancing solutions to youth employment through emerging and innovative technology tactics. TechCamp Tunisia’s theme, Tech for Tomorrow’s Workforce will involve brainstorming ... Read More»

By | 9 December, 2015 | Topics: Science & Tech

Melting Pot, or Russian Salad?

As part of our “Meet a Diplomat” speaker series, Mr. Mohammed Tahir, Information Management Officer, spoke about Diversity and Islam in the United States. After sharing his personal experience as an immigrant through the Diversity Visa Lottery program, Mr. Tahir outlined the significant changes in American society with regard to ethnic diversity. The election of ... Read More»

By | 3 December, 2015 | Topics: American Spaces

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) — a Historical and Sociological Perspective and Discussion

“I thought I knew all about CSR, but today’s session broke new ground for me.” As part of the Meet a Diplomat speaker series, Embassy Financial Management Officer Rich Shields took the audience on a thought-provoking journey. Mr. Shields challenged the audience to think of CSR as a gradual and natural evolution in a free ... Read More»

By | 30 November, 2015 | Topics: American Spaces

“I Am That Girl:” Women’s Empowerment Through Social Media

A number of students and TechGirls alumnae participated in a workshop last week examining the role of social media and internet communication tools to advocate for women’s issues. Participants learned how these tools can help to raise awareness about women’s causes and promote positive change in real life. The workshop was conducted by Amie Williams, ... Read More»

By | 27 November, 2015 | Topics: American Spaces

U S Forest Service visit to Tunisia

  An October visit to Tunis was the first between the United States Forest Service and the Tunisian Forestry Department, to explore opportunities for collaboration and technical exchange. The two agencies look forward to furthering the collaboration in the areas of forest fire management, rangeland management, eco-tourism and capacity building activities related to these technical ... Read More»

By | 24 November, 2015 | Topics: Agriculture, Foreign Assistance

A Trans-Atlantic Debate on Identity

“Eye-opening.” “Enlightening.” “Very timely.” These were just a few of the words used to describe a video conference facilitated by the IRC between students of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and their peers from the Universities of Sousse and Tunis.  The discussion revolved around “North African Identity in Tunisia and France: Then and Now.” The video ... Read More»

By | 20 November, 2015 | Topics: American Spaces

A Workshop Mixed Solo Acting with Group Performances Led by Lebanese-American writer and artist Leila Buck

In a workshop that mixed solo acting with group performances, Lebanese-American writer and artist Leila Buck inspired students and teachers alike to employ drama in cross-cultural engagement and social integration settings. Using the IRC space as her stage, Ms. Buck sparked the imagination of participants by encouraging them to improvise scenarios. Each performance walked the ... Read More»

By | 10 November, 2015 | Topics: American Spaces

Big Turnout at the IRC for Doctoral Day Event

More than 70 Masters’ students and Ph.D. researchers attended the first ever doctoral study day on “Writing Research Proposals in Culture Studies, Linguistics and Business Management” at the Information Resource Center (IRC).  The event was organized in collaboration with the Tunisian Association of Young Researchers (TAYR) and the Tunisian American Young Professionals (TAYP). Three eminent ... Read More»

By | 28 October, 2015 | Topics: Scholarships and Exchanges

Zied Mehouachi, Co-founder of the Thomas Jefferson Alumni Association Sharing

Zied Mehouachi Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program – 2013-2014 Program Assistant, IREX “For me, the Thomas Jefferson scholarship program is a chance for non-experienced students to discover themselves and their abilities, to develop [their] skills and to come back and help Tunisia progress.  That’s what happened to us exactly, we all came back to Tunisia with ... Read More»

By | 20 October, 2015 | Topics: Alumni | Tags:

“She Can” for Women’s Empowerment

Congratulations to the Young Leaders Entrepreneurs NGO and all exchange alumni volunteers who organized and took part in the She Can event on Saturday, October 10th. The event focused on women’s leadership as an inspiring power for youth and emphasized the importance of ending violence against women. The conference opened with a short video and ... Read More»

By | 10 October, 2015 | Topics: Alumni

USAID Programs in Tunisia: 35 Years of Partnership for Development

The Information Resource Center organized its second “Meet a Diplomat” event featuring USAID Senior Development Advisor Kay Freeman. A diverse group of researchers, students and professionals came to hear Ms. Freeman discuss 35 years of partnership between Tunisia and USAID. Ms. Freeman traced the history of USAID in Tunisia since the sixties and outlined how ... Read More»

By | 28 September, 2015 | Topics: USAID

“Meet a Diplomat” Program More Than Meets Expectations

“Based on life experience…” “Genuine and thought-provoking…” were just some of the positive phrases uttered by students attending yesterday’s presentation by Consular Chief Jeffrey Osweiler comparing life and politics in the U.S. and Canada. Looking at both countries through the lens of an American who studied and lived in Canada, Osweiler provided unique insight, comparing ... Read More»

By | 2 September, 2015 | Topics: American Spaces

STEM Obstacles and Opportunities: A Discussion Among TechGirl and TechWomen Alumni

On Thursday, August 27, a group of fifteen TechGirl and TechWomen alumni attended a roundtable discussion lead by Mariem Ayadi, Youth and Exchange alumna and a NeXXt Scholar aluma in Science and Technology. Ayadi shared with the group different opportunities to study science and technology in the U.S., and discussed the challenges facing women in ... Read More»

By | 27 August, 2015 | Topics: Alumni

Alumni‬ Reintegration Camp

hey may have different academic and professional backgrounds and they come from different regions in Tunisia; however, they share a lot in common regarding their U.S. Government (USG) exchange experience in the United States. August 21-23, the U.S. Embassy in cooperation with the We Youth USG alumni association organized a reintegration camp—an opportunity for USG ... Read More»

By | 21 August, 2015 | Topics: Alumni

“Bicycling the West Coast” Draws a Crowd at IRC

An audience of more than 50 gathered at the IRC to hear Tunisian cyclist Arafet Ben Marzou share his experiences traveling the West Coast of the United States.  Arafet showed a video of his journey and then used a slide show to discuss environmental-protection practices in America, including green energy policy, open-space preservation programs, sustainable ... Read More»

By | 19 August, 2015 | Topics: American Spaces, Travel & Tourism

UCLA Professor Leads Discussion on Tunisian Revolution at IRC

On Friday, August 7, UCLA’s Dr. Nouri Gana, editor of The Making of the Tunisian Revolution: Contexts, Architects, Prospects, spoke about the country’s political evolution with 42 scholars, students and journalists at the IRC.  The Tunisian-born Gana discussed the book’s development, international media coverage of Tunisia’s revolution and the nation’s culture of dissent.  His talk ... Read More»

By | 7 August, 2015 | Topics: American Spaces

Celebration of the 25th anniversary of ADA

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (‪#ADA‬), the IRC hosted a screening of videos highlighting the significance of ADA in America’s struggle for equal opportunity for all of its citizens. Approximately 20 disability activists and NGO representatives attended the event. After the screening, U.S. Embassy Press Attache Carina Klein ... Read More»

By | 28 July, 2015 | Topics: American Spaces, Human Rights

Techwomen Alumna Organizes Technovation Tunisia National Pitch

  TechWomen Alumna Amel Ghouila hosted the Technovation Tunisia National Pitch,  an apps development competition launched in Tunisia for the first time.  Nine teams of young girls from 6 different regions presented different mobile apps that they developed to solve problems in their communities.   A mentor guided the teams, whose members ranged in age ... Read More»

By | 1 May, 2015 | Topics: Alumni, Science & Tech

Thomas Jefferson Birthday Commemoration

Inspiring, a life-changing experience, an adventurous journey.”  This is how the Thomas Jefferson alumni described their American experiences during an event commemorating Thomas Jefferson’s birthday on Tuesday, April 14th. At the Embassy-hosted event,  Ambassador Walles joined the alumni to celebrate the achievements of the newly-established Thomas Jefferson Alumni Association , which was founded by the first group of TJ ... Read More»

By | 13 April, 2015 | Topics: Alumni

Global Village by TJ Alumni Association

On Saturday, April 4th, the Thomas Jefferson Alumni Association (TJAA) organized a multicultural event called  “Global Village” at the Maison des Jeunes in the Tunis suburb of La Marsa. The event brought together different cultural centers and embassies to share with the public different components of their cultures and to introduce the services they provide. ... Read More»

By | 4 April, 2015 | Topics: Alumni | Tags:

Thomas Jefferson Alumni in Action

Inspired by their rich and diverse experiences in the United States, Thomas Jefferson alumni came back with a great deal of enthusiasm and a strong desire to give back to their local community.  Through the recently established Thomas Jefferson Alumni Association, these returnees founded an English club for young students in the cultural center in ... Read More»

By | 29 March, 2015 | Topics: Alumni

MLKJ 2015 Video Contest

Martin Luther King, Jr. Video Contest 2015 “Volunteering” UPDATE – March 31, 2015 U.S. Embassy Tunis thanks all those who participated in the #MLKJ2015  contest. Each contestant deserves recognition for the effort and commitment he showed in creating a video. We received a number of amazing entries, but three videos really stood out for their originality, ... Read More»

By | 1 March, 2015 | Topics: Art & Culture | Tags:

U.S. Embassy Tunis Alumni Continue to Inspire !

Last week, Ambassador Walles presented certificates of completion  to 27  YES participants from 13 governorates of Tunisia. On the same occasion, he presented a certificate and a gift of appreciation  to the International Exchange Alumni Member of the Month, Leila Baghdadi, in recognition of her outstanding achievements following her participation in the IVLP program. Learn ... Read More»

By | 30 January, 2015 | Topics: Alumni

Alumnus Mohamed Arous represented Tunisia in the Young Leaders Forum Maghreb–EU at the European Parliament

Mohamed Arous, MEPI Student Leaders alumnus has recently represented Tunisia in the Young Leaders Forum Maghreb – EU at the European Parliament where he had the chance to discuss and debate upon policies at the level of Economic and Political cooperation between Maghreb Countries, Tunisia Specifically and EU. At the European parliament, Mohamed talked about ... Read More»

By | 12 November, 2014 | Topics: Alumni

Ambassador A.W. Patterson Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Remarks at “Invest in Tunisia: Start-up Democracy”

Ambassador Anne W. Patterson Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Remarks at:  “Invest in Tunisia: Start-up Democracy” Good afternoon. Prime Minister Joma’a, Prime Minister Valls, colleagues.  It’s an honor to address all of you today. Tunisia is succeeding in this transition thanks to its commitment to political consensus at home and economic engagement with ... Read More»

By | 8 September, 2014 | Topics: U.S. & Tunisia

SIGNING OF AGREEMENT ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF $5.5 MILLION IN NEW SCHOLARSHIPS AND EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMS

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Taoufik Jelassi and U.S. Ambassador Jake Walles signed an Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation today to strengthen bilateral scientific, technological and educational cooperation.  To support further exchange in the domain of science and technology pursuant to the new agreement, Ambassador Walles also announced two new programs. The ... Read More»

By | 15 August, 2014 | Topics: Scholarships and Exchanges

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