Deadline: 31 December 2017
The U.S. Embassy in Beirut is seeking applications for its 2018 Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Religious Pluralism in the U.S. program, 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 on Religious Pluralism in the United States will focus on U.S. history, society, and institutions within the context of religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue. Participants will discuss topics such as early religious traditions in the U.S.; the separation of church and state; immigration and the introduction of new religions in the U.S.; protection and representation of minority groups and religions; and interfaith dialogue. Students will meet with community leaders of different faiths that advocate for collaboration and tolerance among religious groups. The academic residency will be complemented by an educational tour that will take participants to another area of the U.S. where they will meet with local leaders of different faiths, leaders of nonprofit organizations, and visit important religious sites. The Institute will then conclude with a three-day program in Washington, D.C.
The program will include students from Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, and Turkey who are interested in the topic of Religious Pluralism in the United States. The Institute will take place in June and July 2018; exact dates will be provided at a later stage.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidate should be Lebanese or long-term Palestinian resident in Lebanon. American citizens or green card holders are not eligible to apply.
- Candidate should be a student who has completed at least one semester of university and has at least one semester remaining in his/her university studies after the end of this program; applicants who have already graduated from university are ineligible.
- 18 – 25 years of age;
- Fluent in English;
- Interested in religious pluralism;
- Committed to returning to Lebanon to complete university studies;
- Committed to community and extracurricular activities;
- Willing to participate fully in an intensive academic program, community service, and educational travel; and,
- Comfortable with campus life, sharing living accommodations, and able to make adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country.
How to Apply
Applicants must download the application form and submit it via email at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit SUSI for Student Leaders.