2018 Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) on Civic Engagement for Student Leaders

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders are five- to six-week academic programs for foreign undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 25 designed to improve their understanding of the United States and to develop their leadership skills. Institutes include a four-week academic residency consisting of interactive classroom activities, discussions, lectures, readings, site visits, and workshops; one week of educational travel to a different region of the United States; leadership skills building activities; community service; and opportunities to interact with their American peers on a college campus. Each Institute includes approximately 20 participants from selected countries.

Eligibility

Requirements:

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 25 and have at least one semester left of college or university
• Demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities
• Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English
• Have little or no prior travel or study experience in the United States
• Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
• Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa

The Study of the U.S. Institute on Civic Engagement provides student leaders with an overview of how citizens have shaped U.S. history, government, and society both as individuals and groups. The coursework examines the development of civic engagement in the U.S. and explores topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political leadership, and volunteerism.

Other topics such as civil rights, entrepreneurship, ethics, and leadership are discussed. In addition to classroom sessions, participants will meet with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of non-profit organizations. The academic sessions are complemented by workshops designed to build practical skills and educational travel that allows participants to broaden their understanding of citizen engagement across the United States.

Host Institution: Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS) h
Program Dates: January-February 2018
Countries Hosted: Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe

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