Email applications to GibrielMA@state.gov with “SUSI Scholars” and your name in the subject line.  Deadline is January 1, 2018.

• Application Form (Word Document 14 KB)

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars are intensive post-graduate level academic programs with integrated study tours whose purpose is to provide foreign university faculty and other scholars the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions.  The ultimate goal of these Institutes is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad.

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars will take place at various colleges, universities, and institutions throughout the United States over the course of six weeks beginning in or after June 2018.  Each Institute includes a four week academic residency component and up to two weeks of an integrated study tour.

INSTITUTE THEMES:

The Institute on American Politics and Political Thought will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced foreign university faculty and practitioners with a deeper understanding of major currents in U.S. political thought from the colonial period to the present.  Drawing upon the American Political Development approach, the Institute will provide a full and diverse understanding of U.S. political thought its connection to U.S. politics and institutions by linking contemporary issues with historical debates.  The Institute will explore particular themes including self-rule and limited government, liberty and freedom, individualism and identity, equality and inequality, and the American dream.

The Institute on Contemporary American Literature will provide a multinational group of up to 18 foreign university faculty and scholars with a deeper understanding of U.S. society and culture, past and present, through an examination of contemporary American (U.S.) literature.  Its purpose is twofold: to explore contemporary American writers and writing in a variety of genres; and to suggest how the themes explored in those works reflect larger currents within contemporary U.S. society and culture.  The program will explore the diversity of the American literary landscape, examining how major contemporary writers, schools, and movements reflect the traditions of the U.S. literary canon.  At the same time, the program will expose participants to writers who represent a departure from that tradition, and who are establishing new directions for American literature.

The Institute on Journalism and Media will provide a multinational group of 18 journalism instructors and other related specialists with a deeper understanding of the roles that journalism and the media play in U.S. society.  The Institute will examine the rights and responsibilities of the media in a democratic society, including editorial independence, journalistic ethics, legal constraints, international journalism, and media business models.  The Institute will examine pedagogical strategies for teaching students of journalism the basics of the tradecraft: researching, reporting, writing, and editing.  The program will also highlight the impact of technology on journalism, such as the influence of the Internet, the globalization of the news media, the growth of satellite television and radio networks, and other changes that are transforming the profession.

The Institute on Religious Pluralism in the United States will provide a multinational group of up to 18 foreign university faculty and practitioners with a deeper understanding of U.S. society and culture, past and present, through an examination of religious pluralism in the United States and its intersection with American democracy.  Employing a multi-disciplinary approach and drawing on fields such as history, political science, sociology, anthropology, law, and others, the program will explore both the historical and contemporary relationship between church and state in the United States.  Participants will examine the following aspects of religious pluralism in the United States: the ways in which religious thought and practice have influenced, and been influenced by, the development of American-style democracy; the intersections of religion and politics in the United States in such areas as elections, public policy, and foreign policy; and the sociology and demography of religion in the United States today, including a survey of the diversity of contemporary religious beliefs and its impact on American politics and society.

The Institute on U.S. Culture and Society will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly-motivated foreign university faculty and other specialists with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions.  The Institute will examine the ethnic, racial, social, economic, political, and religious contexts in which various cultures have manifested in U.S. society while focusing on the ways in which these cultures have influenced social movements and American identity throughout U.S. history.  The program will draw from a diverse disciplinary base, and will itself provide a model of how a foreign university might approach the study of U.S. culture and society.

The Institute on U.S. Foreign Policy will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced foreign university faculty and practitioners with a deeper understanding of how contemporary U.S. foreign policy is formulated and implemented.  The Institute will include a historical review of significant events, individuals, and philosophies that have shaped U.S. foreign policy.  The Institute will explain the role of key players in U.S. foreign policy including the executive and legislative branches of government, the media, the U.S. public, think-tanks, non-governmental organizations, and multilateral institutions.

CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update or develop courses and/or educational materials with a U.S. studies focus or component; who have no prior or limited experience in the United States; and who have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.

Candidates should be mid-career, between the ages of 30-50, highly-motivated, experienced scholars and professionals generally from institutions of higher education or research focused organizations (not-for-profits, think tanks, etc.).

Candidates must demonstrate English language fluency.

Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program and study tour.

ELIGIBILITY

Be proficient in English

U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are NOT eligible.

Nominees must be citizens of Sudan

Nominees with some experience in the United States can be considered for the program.  Nominee should indicate the purpose of the prior visit(s) to the United States, the year, and the length of his/her stays as requested on the nomination form.

Nominees MUST understand that this is an intensive academic program and they are expected to participate in all lectures, activities, and scheduled events.

All participants are expected to participate in all scheduled lectures, events, site visits, trips, and activities.

Email applications to GibrielMA@state.gov with “SUSI Secondary School Educators (Teachers)” and your name in the subject line.

Deadline is January 1, 2018.

• Application Form (Word Document 23 KB)

The Study of the U.S. Institute for Secondary Educators (Teachers) is an intensive post-graduate level academic program with integrated study tours whose purpose is to provide foreign secondary educators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions.  The ultimate goal of the Institute is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in secondary schools and other academic institutions abroad.  Posts and prospective applicants are encouraged to visit our website page to obtain general information about the Institutes.

Institute Description:

The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators will provide multinational groups of 20 experienced secondary school educators (including teachers, administrators, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, ministry of education officials, and others) with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, education, and culture – past and present.  The focus of the Institutes will be on providing content and materials for participants to develop high school level curricula about the United States.  The four week academic residencies will take place at U.S. universities, colleges, or other academic institutions and will consist of a balanced series of lectures, panels, seminar discussions, readings, workshops, site visits, meetings with practitioners in the field, and cultural activities.  One week study tours to a different region of the United States will complement the four week academic residencies.  One goal of the study tours is to showcase the cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the United States.

The opportunity is opened for one teacher and one administrator from Sudan; for a total of up to two nominations. 

 

ELIGIBILITY: 

SUSI is highly competitiveand aims for geographic and gender balance.Priority is given to candidates with:

• firm plans to enhance, update, or develop courses/materialswith a U.S. studies focus or component;
• limited or no prior experience in the United States; and
• Special interest in the institute topic as demonstrated through pastscholarship, accomplishments, and duties.

Candidates should be mid-career, typically aged 30-50, highly-motivated and experienced secondary school educators (teachers, trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, administrators, ministry officials, or other professionals with responsibility for secondary education).  Ideal candidates are seeking to introduce or enhance U.S. studies in their curricula or offer specialized seminars/workshops for education professionals in U.S. studies or related fields.   English fluency is vital to a successful experience.  Institutes are rigorous; participants are expected to read substantial assignments in English and actively participate in all discussions.

Other Essential Program Information

FUNDING: The U.S. Department of State will cover program costs, including air travel and ground transportation in the United States, as well as cultural, housing, subsistence, mailing, books, and incidental allowances.

HOUSING & MEALS: Participants may share living quarters during the four-week residency.  Private rooms cannot be guaranteed.

REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS: All participants are expected to participate fully, attend all lectures and activities, and complete assigned readings.  Family and/or friendscannot accompany participants on any part of the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree of English proficiency is necessary? Participants must be fully proficient in English, so they can fully understand lectures, actively participate in discussions, and read and write assignments in English.

To what extent do the Institutes cover teaching methods and pedagogy?  SUSIs for Secondary Educators focus primarily on content, materials, and education related to the United States.

Can a nominee who is a dual citizen (U.S. and country of origin) participate in Study of the U.S. Institutes? No.U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are NOT eligible to participate in this program.

How much free time/time for independent research will a participant have during the program?  There will be some free time during the program as well as some time designated for independent research.

If a nominee has relatives in the United States, would he/she have time to see them?  Because of the intensive nature of the Institutes, participants will NOT be able to leave the Institute to visit relatives or friends.

Can a relative travel and stay with the participant during the Institute? No.  Relatives are NOT permitted to travelor stay with a participant during the program.

Can a participant miss one part or component of the Institute?  No.  All participants are expected to participate in all scheduled lectures, events, site visits, trips, and activities.

How much money will participants need to bring?  The program covers all transportation, lodging, and meal costs.  Participants will receive a stipend to purchase books and research materials. Participants should bring their own spending money if they wish to purchase souvenirs or other items.

Email applications to GibrielMA@state.gov  with “SUSI Student Leader” and your name in the subject line.   Deadline is December 16, 2017.

• Application Form (Word Document 19 KB)

Study of the U.S.  Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Social Entrepreneurship is an intensive short term academic program whose purpose is to provide groups of undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States, while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills.   The Institutes will take place in June and July 2018; exact dates will be communicated at a later time.  The Institutes will be hosted by California State University, Chico in Chico, California (Africa), and the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut (Middle East and Africa).   This Institute includes participants from Africa Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, and Senegal) and the Middle East and Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia)

The four week academic residency will focus on the development, history, challenges, and successes of social enterprises and community leaders, in the United States and globally.   Participants will discuss topics such as microfinance; organizational development and management; grant writing; innovation; emerging markets and risk analysis; strategic business planning; corporate social responsibility; and, women and minorities in entrepreneurship.   Students will also have the opportunity to leave the classroom to meet with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of non-profit organizations.    The academic residency will be complemented by an educational study tour that will take participants to another area of the U.S. where they will meet with local, state, private, and nonprofit organizations working in the field.  The Institute will then conclude with a three-day program in Washington, D.C.

The program consists of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures.   The coursework and classroom activities will be complemented by educational travel, site visits, leadership activities, and volunteer opportunities within the local community.   The Institutes will include an academic residency component of approximately four weeks and a domestic study tour of approximately one week.   During the academic residency, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in educational and cultural activities outside of the classroom.

ELIGIBILITY:  Participants should be highly motivated first through third year undergraduates.   Preference will be given to applicants from rural or urban non-elite backgrounds, with little or no experience outside Sudan.   Candidates will:

• be proficient in English;
• be interested in the topic of Social Entrepreneurship;
• be between 18 and 25 years of age;
• have at least one semester left of their undergraduate studies, and therefore be committed to return to their home universities following completion of the program;
• demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in their university and community activities;
• indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
• have a sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated by grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
• demonstrate commitment to community and extracurricular university activities;
• have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of their home country;
• be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful, and inquisitive;
• be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and educational travel; and,
• be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to make adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country.

ESSENTIAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:

 FUNDING:  The U.S.  Department of State will cover program costs, including air travel and ground transportation in the United States, as well as housing, subsistence, mailing, books, and incidental allowances.

HOUSING & MEALS:  Housing will be in university dorms or a full service hotel.   Participants may be expected to share a room and bathroom with another student of the same gender.   Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook their own meals.   Care will be taken to ensure any special requirements regarding diet; daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied.

RAMADAN: Most of this program will occur during Ramadan.   Host institutions will make every effort to accommodate Friday prayers at local mosques and fasting.   For example, host institutions should provide access to kitchens and refrigerators so participants can prepare and store food.   (Halal food may not be readily available in all parts of the United States.)  Those fasting should be aware of the rigorous and challenging nature of the Institute and the expectation of full participation in all activities.   Some activities, such as community service and site visits, may take place outdoors in high temperatures, and daylight in the U.S. during the summer may last longer than 15 hours per day.

HEALTH:  During the program, participants receive Department of State coverage up to $100,000 (with a $25 co-pay per medical visit).  Pre-existing conditions are not covered.  For more on health benefits, visit usdos.sevencorners.com.

REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS:  All participants are expected to participate fully, attend all lectures and activities, and complete assigned readings.   This is an intensive program, with little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.   Under no circumstances may participants arrive in the U.S.  prior to the start date of the Institute or remain after its end date.   Participants will not be permitted to leave the Institute to visit relatives/friends.   If a relative/friend wishes to visit them, this will be considered on a case by case basis, the program officer and host institution.  Violations of program or host institution rules, or local, state or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal. ENGLISH: All candidates must be proficient in English to actively participate.  Host institutions take into account that comprehension and speaking ability of students varies, and will prepare discussions that meet the highest academic standards while using language appropriate for students for whom English is their second or third language.

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What degree of English proficiency is necessary?  Participants must be proficient in English, so they can fully understand lectures, actively participate in discussions, and read and write assignments in English.

Can a nominee who is a dual citizen (U.S.  and country of origin) participate in Study of the U.S.  Institutes?  No.  U.S.  citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are NOT eligible to participate in this program.

How much free time will a participant have during the program?  There will be some free time, but nominees MUST understand this is an intensive academic program, and they are expected to fully participate in all lectures, activities, site visits, and scheduled events.

Can a graduate student participate in this Institute?  No.   The program is designed exclusively for undergraduate students with at least one remaining semester of study.

Can a participant miss one part or component of the Institute?  No.   All participants are expected to participate in all scheduled lectures, events, site visits, trips, and activities.

How much money will participants need to bring?  The program covers all transportation, lodging, and meal costs.  Participants should bring their own spending money if they wish to purchase souvenirs or other items.

Can someone who participated in the English ACCESS Microscholarship Program apply?  Yes.

Can the sibling of a SUSI alum apply?  Priority will be given to those who are unrelated to past participants.

Are participants permitted to smoke?  Yes, but many places in the United States (such as university housing, classrooms, office buildings, restaurants, public parks, etc.) now prohibit smoking.   Smoking in such places could be a violation of the law, so look for designated areas.

Nomination Form (Word Document 14 KB)

Through three-week, intensive exchanges in the United States, participants will engage in workshops on leadership and service, community site visits related to the program themes and subthemes, interactive training in conflict resolution, presentations, visits to high (secondary) schools, local cultural activities, and homestays with local American families.  A key component of the program requires participants to develop follow-on community-based projects in their home communities to effect positive change after their return home.

The youth participants should all be high (secondary) school students aged between 15 to 18 years at the start of the exchange who have demonstrated their leadership potential through academic achievement, community involvement, and engagement in extracurricular activities.  Participants must have strong English skills.

A successful youth candidate for this program will:

• be a high (secondary) school student who is aged 15, 16, 17 or 18 years at the starting of the exchange on April 7, 2018.
• is proficient in English;
• is able to attend at least one additional semester of high (secondary) school in Sudan following completion of the program;
• indicates a serious interest in learning more about the United States of America;
• demonstrates strong leadership qualities and potential in his/her school or community;
• has a high level of academic achievement, as indicated by academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
• demonstrates a personal commitment to community service and record of engagement in extracurricular activities;
• have had little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of his/her home country;
• be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful and inquisitive; and
• be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive program, including community service events and an active educational travel program during the exchange, as well as in follow-on activities afterward in his/her home country.