Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders for Year 2020
Application deadline: January 19, 2020
SUSI for Student Leaders are fully-funded five-week intensive short-term academic programs 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 coursework and classroom activities will be complemented by educational travel, site visits, leadership activities, and volunteer opportunities within the local community. SUSI will include a four-week academic residency component and a one-week integrated study tour to another region of the United States. During the academic residency, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in educational and cultural activities outside of the classroom.
Institute Descriptions:
SUSI on Civic Engagement will provide participants with an overview of how citizens have shaped U.S. history, government, and society both as individuals and groups. The academic program will define civic engagement, examine its development in the United States, and explore topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, and volunteerism. The Institute also includes workshop sessions that will allow participants to develop skills for journalism, story-telling, and media literacy. The program will encourage students to develop innovative and practical plans to become engaged citizens in their own communities.
SUSI on Entrepreneurship and Economic Development will provide participants with an overview of entrepreneurial approaches by reviewing the development, history, challenges, and successes of U.S. entrepreneurial enterprises, including social enterprises, business leadership and women’s economic empowerment, in the United States and globally. Topics will include, but are not limited to, business development in a global setting, diversity in the workforce, management strategies and techniques, and the relationship among businesses, governments and NGOs. Academic activities will be supplemented by opportunities to engage with the local community, including meeting with local entrepreneurs.
Candidate description and qualifications:
The participants are expected to be highly motivated first through third year undergraduate students from universities, who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. Their fields of study may include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and other professional fields. Priority will be given to candidates who have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States.
Please send your fully completed application form (here) and a recommendation letter to BaukuvieneR@state.gov no later than January 19, 2019.
