The Iraq University Linkages Program (ULP) supported Iraqi faculty and administrators in strengthening university curricula, enhancing and updating teaching methods and technology, and improving career services for students.

Through the program, Iraqi universities engaged with the global community and catalyzed social, political, and economic development in Iraq. Iraqi faculty built their capacity to conduct ongoing curriculum review and model internationally recognized accreditation standards.

• The program partnered with 73 universities in the U.S. and Iraq.
• More than 530 Iraqi university faculty and administrators received training in instructional strategies and curriculum development, affecting over 63,000 students.
• The program resulted in over 400 new or revised course syllabi.
• Over 12,000 Iraqi students attended job fairs. Through the program’s support, 1,700 gained employment or an internship.

U.S. Embassy Baghdad

• Promote higher education as an important pillar in rebuilding civil society by bridging the gap between universities and the private sector in Iraq.
• Build higher education capacity in Iraq in curriculum development, technology, pedagogy, and career services.
• Strengthen mutual understanding and U.S.–Iraqi relationships through technical assistance, collaboration, online and videoconferencing courses, and training and exchanges.
• Forge substantive and long-term connections between U.S. and Iraqi universities that will endure beyond the scope of the program as a sustainable partner network.

• Technical assistance to universities: The program supported Iraqi universities through consulting and training in curriculum development, technology, and pedagogy, and by promoting U.S.–Iraqi academic collaboration.
• Support to career centers: To prepare students for employment, the program created and/or supported career centers at more than 46 Iraqi universities, thereby facilitating dialogue between industry and academia.
• English-language training: Iraqi undergraduates became better prepared for the realities of a globalized economy through intensive English-language training at American universities.
• Foundational training for academic leaders: The program supported emerging Iraqi academic leaders in university administration. Leaders received intensive training in management and leadership development, job shadowing opportunities at American universities, and support for participant-led reform initiatives.

E-mail: Hep-iraq@irex.org