Deadline: 18 December 2018
U.S. Mission Iraq has announced the 2019 Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Religious Freedom and Pluralism.
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) 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. The Institute 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 Institute on Religious Freedom and Pluralism in the United States will focus on U.S. history, society, and institutions within the context of religious freedom, pluralism, and interfaith dialogue. Topics may include, but are not limited to, early religious traditions in the United States, freedom of religion as a fundamental human right and source of stability, the introduction of new religions in the United States, protection and representation of minority groups and religions, the separation of church and state, and interfaith dialogue and cooperation in a diverse and rapidly changing world. Participants will have opportunities to meet with U.S. community leaders of different faiths who advocate for collaboration and tolerance among religious groups. Participants will also examine the leadership role that religious officials play in their own societies and develop ideas for how they can work with leaders, of similar or different faiths, on shared goals for their societies.
The Institute will take place during the June to August time frame in 2019; exact dates will be provided at a later stage.
Eligibility Criteria
- be proficient in English;
- be interested in the topic of Religious Freedom and Pluralism;
- be between 18 and 25 years of age;
- have at least one year 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; 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.
How to Apply
Applications can be e-mailed at the address given on the website.
For more information, please visit https://iq.usembassy.gov/education-culture/exchange-programs/susi/
