Deadline: 25 December 2018
Open to: students 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
Benefits: the programme covers all basic costs of an individual’s participation including transportation, lodging, and meals

DESCRIPTION

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.

ELIGIBILITY

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.

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.