How are MEET students selected?
MEET Students are carefully selected from Israeli and Palestinian high schools in the Jerusalem area. The selection process includes multiple stages including a written exam which tests the applicant's level of English, general knowledge, and motivation; and a personal interview. The program does not require previous knowledge in computer programming.
Who is the typical MEET student?
MEET looks for students who have a strong academic background and leadership experience. They must have the commitment and academic prowess for the rigorous MEET course, and also demonstrate that they have been active in their schools and communities and thus can pass on what they've learned at MEET. MEET students are curious to learn not only about computers but also about different cultures and each other.
What are the requirements for applying to MEET?
MEET students:
• are on average 14 to 15 years of age.
• come from the Jerusalem area;
• have strong academic credentials;
• have a high level of spoken and written English;
• need not have prior knowledge in programming, but enjoy computers and understand the important role technology can play in our world;
• need to be highly motivated and committed to gaining skills, knowledge, and utilizing these to make a difference in their communities and in the world around them.
What will I get out of my experience in MEET?
MEET gives you a rare opportunity, an experience of a lifetime. It brings MIT to you, allowing you to learn at the highest level, with the best, most experienced teachers. It provides you with high level computer science and leadership skills. MEET gives you access to the world of high tech, business and leadership all in a positive, safe and enriching environment. Through MEET you will learn from, and have personal access to top business and academic leaders. Most importantly, by participating in MEET you will encounter top students from all over Jerusalem and from diverse cultures and backgrounds – young leaders like yourself who you may one day partner up with to change your community and maybe even the world.
How much does it cost to study in MEET?
Upon acceptance, and after committing to participation, MEET students receive a full scholarship which covers all costs of the program, including tuition, teaching materials, transportation, and food for a full year of the MEET experience (valued at $5,000). The students are not expected to pay for any of the MEET activities.
Why is MEET different than anything else I will do this summer?
MEET will provide you with a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience while using the skills you have received at MIT to make a positive impact in the Middle East. Together with a dynamic and carefully selected group of excelling MIT instructors you will participate in planning a curriculum program, gain teaching and lecturing experience and serve as a project leader for a group of high school students. In addition, you will have a rare opportunity to gain an in depth and balanced perspective of the Middle East. And where else could you find yourself in the computer lab in the morning, and in the evening going on a tour of the Old City of Jerusalem and on the weekend taking a jeep trip in the desert?
The MEET staff is comprised of highly motivated Palestinians, Israelis and Americans that are determined to make your instruction experience an unforgettable one on many levels: academic, professional and social.
Who can apply to be a MEET instructor?
We are looking for highly motivated MIT undergraduates, graduates and alumni who have a passion for teaching and using their skills to make a difference in the world. Applicants should :
• Have a strong programming background (at least have taken 6.170 or 1.00 or have similar programming experience)
• Have some teaching experience
• Have strong teamwork capabilities
The following skills will be to the advantage of applicants:
• Experience with JSP, SQL, or J2ME
• Entrepreneurship experience hands on and/or academic
• Project Management experience
What expenses does MEET cover?
Once accepted, MEET pays for all instructor expenses. This includes full airfaire (roundtrip), daily transportation, housing, internet, communication, and a generous stipend. At MEET we know that the success of our program relies on our instructors and we do everything in our capability to ensure their experience is enjoyable. MEET is determined to show its staff a good and enriching time while they are in the Middle East. This is done by weekend activities and trips such as tours of historical sites, jeep trips, river rafting and much more.
Should I be concerned with my security during the summer?
MEET takes every possible measure to ensure its instructor's safety. Instructors are housed in a top quality residential area, spend most of their day at Hebrew University which has the highest level of security, always travel in private MEET trasportation, and are always accompanied by MEET local staff.
Although the region appears in the news regarding violence and terrorism attacks, one needs to understand that relatively speaking these type of events occur less often than criminal violence in many neighborhoods in the Boston area. Due to the pschyological and political aspects of these events they get broad news coverage. While, as with many things we undertake in our lives, risk is involved, statistically speaking by spending the summer in the region you are probably in as much danger as traveling to many other regions in the world.
However, it is important to emphasize that the reality of the region has to be taken into account by applicants when they apply to MEET. The program relies on it's instructor team and each instructor is selected out of many applicants for his or her special talents and personality. We therefore count on our addmitted candidates not to cancel participation in the program due to security conditions which may take place prior to arrival in the region.
What are the dates for MEET 2008 summer program?
Instructors are required to arrive in the region by June ~29th and remain until August ~13th. Although the actual program begins July 6th and ends August 7th, preparation of curriculum and instructor workshops will take place the week before the program and summary feedback meetings and events will take place in the days following the end of the program. (Actual dates finalized soon.)
What will I teach at MEET 2008?
MEET is constantly developing our Java-based curriculum with a focus on providing students the tools they need to succeed: a strong grasp of computer science, a practical knowledge of Java, and experience working in teams to solve problems and develop innovative projects. As an instructor, you'll be responsible for teaching everything from control structures to event models, Java syntax to object-oriented concepts – as well as fielding all sorts of questions from the students. You'll always have the support of experienced Java practitioners on the team to lend a hand if you need it and a structured curriculum on which to rely.
Do I need to pay for my own expenses?
No, see what expenses does MEET cover?
How much programming background do I need?
In general, applicants should be familiar with object-oriented programming and willing to learn Java.
Why is MEET different?
MEET harnesses the students’ interests in technology creating a process in which mutual respect and understanding comes from working together and accomplishing tangible real-world goals.
• MEET uses technology to create a common language between Israelis and Palestinians that can be translated into future cooperation between the communities.
• MEET is an environment in which the pursuit of excellence and creative thinking are paramount.
• MEET works to sustain participant relationships over long periods of time. The controlled atmosphere of a summer program is an excellent place to start building these relationships, but it is out in the realities of their region in which they must thrive. MEET mentors continue working throughout the year with the students continuing to develop their projects and build on their relationships with one another.
What is MEET’s connection to MIT?
MEET was born at MIT. Two of the MEET founders are students at MIT and all of the summer teaching instructor team is comprised of MIT students and graduates. Moreover, MEET is supported by a wide range of students, faculty and alumni of MIT. MEET has generated a great buzz and excitement at MIT. We have the personal support and commitment of former MIT President Prof. Charles Vest as well as Prof. Rodney Brooks, head of CSAIL.
Why is MEET focused on technology?
Technology enables creating a process in which mutual respect and understanding comes from working together and accomplishing tangible real-world goals.
• The technology focus and the demanding curriculum let the students relate on the professional undermining their differences. The students learn to thrive together as professional team-members to achieve their mutual goals.
• Allows MEET to attract students with diverse political views from both sides.
• MEET believes that only a focus on a neutral professional common denominator such as technology can sustain participant relationships over long periods of time.
Who is behind MEET?
MEET is supported by a prestigious network of business and academic leaders from the Middle East, the United States and Europe. MEET is a non-profit and non-political grassroots program that was founded in 2003. MEET puts an emphasis on bringing together the academic and business worlds of the region, with the belief that a positive dialogue in the Middle East will be greatly enhanced by such partnerships. MEET’s programs are run by a highly dedicated team of American instructors from MIT and Israelis, and Palestinians that are determined to help shape tomorrow by empowering our youth today.
How do I support MEET?
An investment in MEET is an investment in the future leaders of the Middle East. MEET supporters contribute to MEET success in diverse ways - with their experience, their services and their capital. Should you decide to join the distinguished group of the MEET supporters please click here to learn more about making a donation.
If you would like to help and support MEET in any other way other than a financial contribution please contact us. |
