US Embassy inviting Applications for the 2023 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars in Uzbekistan

Deadline: 31-Oct-22

The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent is pleased to accept applications for the summer 2023 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Young Women Leaders program sponsored by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

SUSI for Young Women Leaders is an intensive four-week academic program which aims to provide groups of undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills. The Institute consists of a four-week academic residency with a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures. Site visits, leadership development, cultural activities, and community service complement the coursework and academic sessions. If conditions allow, the Institutes will include a one-week integrated study tour in the United States.

SUSI for Young Women Leaders enhances participants’ knowledge of U.S. democratic principles and society, culture, values, and institutions, while developing their leadership skills in areas such as critical thinking, communication, decision-making, and management. The Institute will incorporate a focus on American historical events as well as contemporary American life including current political, social, and economic debates in a pluralistic society.

The theme of the 2023 SUSI for Young Women Leaders program for Central Asian countries is Environmental Issues. Hosted by Green River College in Auburn, WA, the Institute will examine topics including, but not limited to, climate change, sustainable development, clean energy, conservation, environmental justice, ocean protection, pollution, ecotourism, water access, climate entrepreneurship, sustainable agricultural practices, public health, and the impact of climate change on underserved, youth, and minority populations and communities including women.

The program will take place beginning in June 2023. If health, safety, or travel conditions pose significant challenges, the program will switch to a modified virtual format. The virtual program would consist of at least 36 hours of required programming with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.

Program Funding

The program will cover all participant costs, including international travel, travel allowances, domestic travel, ground transportation, book, cultural, miling and incidental allowances, as well as housing and meals.
If the program is conducted virtually, a technology stipend will be provided to participants.

Eligibility Criteria

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. Their fields of study will be varied and may include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and other professional fields.
Applicants must:
- be female;
- demonstrate English language proficiency (speaking, reading, writing, listening);
- demonstrate interest in the Institute topic (Environmental Issues);
- be between 18 and 25 years of age;
- have at least one semester left of their undergraduate studies, and be committed to returning 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 high level of academic achievement, as indicated by grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
- demonstrate commitment to community service 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
- if the program is conducted in-person, be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country.