“We look forward to institutions in the U.S. … to continue building in Libya,” Aleshi said.

Although undergraduate students in the program will have their tuition and monthly living allowances covered through May 2012, about 19 additional Libyan students attending MSU through a different program still must deal with a lack of funding from the Libyan government.

Funding for the Visiting International Professional Program, or VIPP, still remains frozen by the State Department, university spokesman Kent Cassella said.

Originally, expenses for that program were covered through funding from the Libyan National Economic Development Board. The group’s assets were frozen in March following extreme political unrest that erupted in February.

“We’ve extended the VIPP program twice … to allow participants to explore all options,” Cassella said. “In the meantime, we’ve provided them humanitarian assistance, with temporary food and housing and health insurance.”

The current extension of the program is due to expire on June 30.

Classes for program members ended June 15, and participants can legally remain in the country until July 15 under visa regulations.

Cassella said the university continues to work with the state’s congressional delegation to determine the program’s status.

The future for many students in the program remains uncertain once university support for the program expires.

“If we return to Libya, it’s likely we’ll be hanged,” said Mohamed Gibril, a VIPP participant.

Gibril said Libyan officials are strongly opposed to reinstating the program’s funding, and the situation remains extremely dangerous for himself and his colleagues.

“What they’re saying is they will never allow this program to be continued,” he said.