The Study of the U.S. Branch (ECA/A/E/USS) is pleased to invite candidate nominations from posts for a summer 2024 Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders from Bangladesh, Brazil, Indonesia, Jordan, and Nigeria interested in the topic of Climate Change and the Environment. The five-week program will be hosted by the Northern Nevada International Center at the University of Nevada in Reno, via an award to Meridian International Center. The tentative dates are June 22 to July 25, 2024, and any changes will be shared at the time of selection. Should health, safety, and travel conditions pose significant challenges, the program will pivot to a modified virtual format.
APPLICATION FORM:
Send your application form to international@uisi.ac.id before 11 November 2023.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
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. Each Institute hosts 20 participants. The Institutes consist 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. Note that if the program must take place virtually, participants will engage in similar activities but online from their home countries.
The Study of the U.S. Branch has sponsored Student Leader Institutes since 2003. This Institute is one of four summer 2024 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Global Student Leaders. ECA has issued an award to Meridian International Center to administer this program.
The SUSI on Climate Change and the Environment will enhance participants’ knowledge of U.S. history, government, institutions, society, and culture within the context of the theme. Participants may also explore sustainable development; clean energy; conservation; environmental justice; ocean protection; pollution; economic impact; public health; and the impact of climate change specifically on underserved, youth, and minority populations and communities, including indigenous peoples. The Institute will incorporate a focus on U.S. historical events as well as contemporary American life, including current political, social, and economic debates in a pluralistic society. In addition to classroom-based lectures and activities learning about the science behind climate change, participants will engage with government officials, nonprofit organizations, and business to learn about how these individual sectors are working individually and together to address the unique climate risks in the state of Nevada. Specific meetings may be organized with officials of the state of Nevada and of the Paiute Tribe reservation; the Nature Conservancy and the American Red Cross; and with private sector leaders in responding to sustainable industries, including Tesla, Switch Center, and Patagonia, Inc. Participants will also visit San Francisco, California, and a study tour to New Orleans, Louisiana, will conclude the program.
CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS
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.
Candidates nominated for this program will:
be proficient in English;
be interested in the topics of Climate Change and the Environment;
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 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 adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country
