Call for Applications: SUSI Program for Students of Journalism, Media Studies and Communication

Deadline: 27 December 2019

U.S. Embassy in Montenegro is inviting applicants for its SUSI program for students of journalism, media studies and communication.

The Study of the U.S. Institute on Journalism and Media hosted by Washington State University, will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a free press in U.S. society.

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Students 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 Institute will examine the role of journalists in preventing disinformation and explore strategies for media literacy such as critical thinking to counter disinformation. Academic sessions will examine First Amendment rights, technology’s impact on journalism, editorial independence, journalistic ethics, legal constraints, civic journalism, and digital and social media.

Program Funding

Through an award given to FHI360, ECA will cover all participant costs, including: program administration; domestic travel and ground transportation; visa travel; book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances; and housing and subsistence.
FHI360 will arrange and pay for participants’ international and visa travel costs and travel allowances within set limits and in coordination with posts and Fulbright Commissions.

Eligibility Criteria

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 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 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; and,
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.
Participants are expected to fully participate in the academic program. They should attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned readings.