Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders 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.  The 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.  Each Institute typically has 20 participants and includes an academic residency component and, if the program is conducted in-person, an integrated study tour.  During the academic residency, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in educational and cultural activities outside of the classroom (in-person or virtual).

INSTITUTE DESCRIPTIONS:

The Study of the U.S. Institute on Environmental Issues will provide participants with an overview of climate change along with its impact on communities in the American west, natural resources, and the local economy. Academic sessions will explore clean energy, sustainable development, the risks of natural disasters, and the intersection of climate justice and community activism. In order to enhance the academic experience, the Institute will focus on specific themes and sub-topics such as strategic communication, social justice, emergency response, water rights, and energy efficiency and sustainability. Academic activities will be supplemented by opportunities to engage with the local community, including a weekend homestay and meeting with local environmental non-profits. The host institution will be identified at the time of participant selection.

OTHER ESSENTIAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:

Program Requirements and Restrictions: Participants are expected to fully participate in the academic program, whether in-person or remotely.  They should attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assignments and 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 if the program takes place in-person.

English Language Ability: All candidates must be proficient in English so that they can actively participate in the academic program.  Host institutions will take into account that the level of comprehension and speaking ability of students may vary and will prepare lectures and discussions that meet the highest academic standards while using language appropriate for students where English is their second or third language.  Posts must indicate the level of English language fluency in the nomination form.

If the Institute is conducted as a traditional in-person program:

Housing will be in shared or single university halls of residence on campus with common bathrooms.  Male participants will be housed on one floor and female participants on a separate floor.  Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.  It is important that nominees are aware of these arrangements and that they are comfortable with such accommodations. Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied.

All participants will receive the Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefit during the U.S.-based in-person component.

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.   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.

CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates applying for this program will:

• 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, if the program is conducted in-person, 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 make adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country
• The candidate must hold a Danish citizenship.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

December 1, 2022.

Please send your application to the following email address: [email protected]