LEAP 2009 Pre-Departure Orientation at the U.S. Embassy

June 26, 2009

LEAP finalists at the Pre-Departure Orientation

On June 26 PAS Tbilisi hosted a pre-departure orientation for three Legislative Education and Practice (LEAP) program finalists from Georgia. Ambassador Tefft congratulated the participants and stressed the importance of the experience and knowledge they will gain in their four-month stay in the U.S., and hoped that they will return to Georgia motivated to help young professionals contribute to developing democratic institutions. The pre-departure orientation included information on LEAP program requirements, an overview of the American and Georgian legislative systems, U.S. State and local government, U.S. federalism, and a meeting with LEAP alumni.