Deadline: 10-Dec-21
The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine is pleased to announce a competition for the 2022 Study of the United States Institute on Civic Engagement for Student Leaders. This program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and will cover all participant costs.
Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders from Europe is an intensive short term academic program 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 Institute consists of a four-week academic residency with a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures. If conditions allow, the Institute will include a one-week integrated study tour in the United States. Note that if the program must take place virtually, participants will engage in similar activities online.
The program will take place during June to August timeframe in 2022. Should health, safety, and travel conditions continue to pose significant challenges; the program will pivot to a modified virtual format.
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. In order to enhance the academic experience, the Institute will focus on specific themes such as civil rights and protections, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), citizen journalism, social movements, education, governance, minority communities, leadership, and media.
The Institute will encourage participants to develop innovative and practical plans to become engaged citizens in their own communities. Academic activities will be supplemented with a study tour to Seattle, Washington. Should conditions allow, the SUSI for Student Leaders from Europe will begin with an Opening Forum in Washington, D.C., bringing together participants in all three Institutes for networking, foundational leadership skills development, and exploring relevant topics from multi-regional perspectives.
Candidate Description and Qualifications
The candidates 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. The ideal candidates should be from non-elite backgrounds, with little or no prior experience in the United States or elsewhere outside their home country, and should include historically underserved groups, indigenous groups, disadvantaged groups, individuals with disabilities, members of the LGBTI community, and ethnic minority communities. ECA reserves the right to disqualify nominees who do not meet the diversity requirements.
Program Requirements and Restrictions
Participants are expected to fully participate in the academic program. They should attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned readings. Candidates should be made aware that the Institute is very intensive and that there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.
Under no circumstances are participants allowed to arrive in the United States prior to the start date of the Institute or remain in the United States after its end date. Similarly, participants will not be permitted to leave the Institute to visit relatives or friends while in the United States. If a relative or friend wishes to visit them, it will be considered on a case by case basis in consultation with the ECA program officer and the host institution. Participants are required to return to their home countries immediately following the end of the Institute(s). Violations of program rules, host institution rules, or local, state or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates nominated for this program will:
- be a citizen of Ukraine currently residing and studying in Ukraine as a full time University student at the undergraduate level;
- be proficient in English;
- be interested in the Institute topic;
- be between 18 and 25 years of age;
- have at least one semester left of their undergraduate studies, and therefore be committed to return 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 sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated by grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
- demonstrate commitment to community 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;
- if the program is conducted in-person, be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to make adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country; and,
- if the program is conducted virtually, the participants will need to have access to the internet and program will help facilitate such access if needed.
For more information, visit https://ua.usembassy.gov/education-culture/current-programs-grants/