Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Scholars and Secondary Educators

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders are 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 five-week Institutes will consist 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.  Each Institute will have 20 participants and 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.  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, political leadership, and volunteerism.

Who can apply?

The participants are expected to be highly motivated first through third year undergraduate students from colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education, who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. Students should be proficient in English, be  between 18-25 years of age, be interested in the topic of civic engagement  and have at least one semester left of their undergraduate studies. Their fields of study will be varied and may include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and other professional fields.  Emphasis should be made on recruiting participants from non-elite backgrounds, from both rural and urban areas, and with little or no prior experience in the United States or elsewhere outside their home country.

Nominees MUST understand that this is an intensive academic program and they are expected to fully participate in all lectures, activities, site visits, and scheduled events.  Participants will NOT be allowed to leave the Institute to visit relatives or friends.  The Study of the U.S. Institutes cover all basic costs of an individual’s participation including transportation, lodging, and meals.

U.S. Embassy will select four finalist and two alternates from Azerbaijan based on application and interview process. Qualified candidates should have no or little  previous experience in the U.S.

Program Date: June-August, 2019.

Online Application Deadline: Tuesday, December 25, 2018.  Note: You cannot save answers on online application form.  Please, prepare your answers to essay questions offline before submitting it online.

Please, address all the questions on Summer 2019 SUSI for Students Program and application to bakueducation@state.gov .

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