SUSI for Scholars (university professors) and Secondary Public School and Access Educators

The United States Embassy in Uruguay is pleased to announce the Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) 2022 for Scholars, university professors, community leaders and Secondary Public Schools, UTUs and Access Educators or Administrators.

SUSI is designed as an intensive five/six-week post-graduate level academic program with integrated study tours hosted at U.S. universities for multinational professional groups (see eligibility criteria below) that will take place in June/July 2022.

*SUSI will be conducted as traditional in-person programs at U.S. host institutions.  Should health, safety, and travel conditions continue to pose significant challenges, the programs will pivot to a modified virtual format.

Deadline for candidate applications: Saturday, January 8, 2022.

Institute Description and Goals:

The program’s purpose is to provide foreign university faculty, community leaders and secondary school educators from countries worldwide with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, education, culture, and institutions, past and present, to strengthen curricula and improve the quality of teaching about the U.S. in college, university, and secondary school classrooms abroad.

This year SEVEN institute programs are offered:

1. American Culture and Values
2. Journalism and Media
3. Religious Pluralism in the U.S.
4. U.S. Economics and Business
5. U.S. Foreign Policy
6. Workforce Development
7. Institute for Secondary Public Schools / UTU / Access Educators

Application form HERE.

The institutes will take place at various colleges and universities throughout the United States over the course of five to six weeks beginning in June/July 2022. Each Institute includes a four-week academic residency component and up to two weeks of an integrated study tour to another region of the United States.

Description of each Institute:

1. SUSI on American Culture and Values will promote American culture, leadership, and values by providing a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign university professors and other specialists with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions.  The Institute will examine the ethnic, racial, social, economic, political, and religious contexts in which various cultures have manifested in U.S. society while focusing on the ways in which these cultures have influenced social movements and American identity throughout U.S. history.  The program will draw from a diverse disciplinary base and will itself provide a model of how a foreign university might approach the study of American culture and society.  The program will be hosted by the New York University in New York, NY. Date To Be Confirmed – Summer 2022.
2. SUSI on Journalism and Media will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign journalism instructors and other related specialists with a deeper understanding of the roles that journalism and the media play in U.S. society.  The Institute will examine the role of journalists in recognizing and preventing disinformation and will explore strategies for media and information literacy to counter disinformation.  Additionally, the Institute will examine best practices in journalism by discussing the rights and responsibilities of the media in a democratic society, including editorial independence, journalistic ethics, legal constraints, and international journalism.  In addition, the Institute will examine pedagogical strategies for teaching students of journalism the basics of the tradecraft: researching, critical thinking, reporting, interviewing, writing, and editing.  The program will also highlight the impact of technology in journalism, including the influence of the Internet, globalization of the news media, and other changes that are transforming the profession.  The program will be hosted by Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. Date TBC – Summer 2022
3. SUSI on Religious Pluralism in the United States will provide a multinational group of up to 18 experienced foreign university faculty, scholars, researchers and religious leaders with a deeper understanding of U.S. society and culture, past and present, through an examination of religious pluralism in the United States and its intersection with American democracy.  The program will include a survey of the religious landscape of the United States, including religious groups; an exploration of the historical and contemporary relationship between church and state in the United States; an examination of the ways in which religious thought and practice have modified and have been influenced by, the development of American-style democracy; and discussions on the intersections of religion and politics in the United States in such areas as elections, public policy, and foreign policy.  Participants will have opportunities to meet U.S. community leaders of different faiths who advocate for collaboration and tolerance among religious groups. The program will be hosted by Seattle University in Seattle, WA. Date TBC – Summer 2022.
4. SUSI on U.S. Economics and Business will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced foreign university faculty, researchers, experts and policymakers with a deeper understanding of key components and structures of the U.S. economy.  Using a multidisciplinary approach, the program will explore various topics of socioeconomics; how financial institutions, investors, and businesses interact to support sustainable economic development and growth; and increasing diverse and equitable employment through institutional regulation, social inclusion strategies, and private and public policies.  Throughout the Institute, participants will engage in a case study involving the fishing industry, which will examine the interplay of climate change, U.S. business innovation, corporate regulation, entrepreneurship, and economic theory.  Participants will have opportunities to learn about key institutions and stakeholders in the U.S. economy and meet with a diverse range of business leaders and small business owners, among others.  A symposium where scholars will present their own research and scholarly practices will allow for robust discussion and an exchange of diverse perspectives.  The program will be hosted by the Institute for Training and Development (ITD) in Boston, MA.   Date TBC – Summer 2022.
5. SUSI on U.S. Foreign Policy will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced foreign university faculty and practitioners with a deeper understanding of new approaches to U.S. foreign policy and how U.S. foreign policy is formulated and implemented.  The Institute will include a historical review of significant events, individuals, and philosophies that have shaped U.S. foreign policy.  The Institute will explain the role of key influences on U.S. foreign policy including the executive and legislative branches of government, the media, the U.S. public, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, and multilateral institutions.  The program will also examine the current U.S. foreign policymaking landscape and recent trends that are shaping policy.  The program will be hosted by University of Delaware in Newark, DE. Date TBC – Summer 2022
6. SUSI on Workforce Development will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced foreign faculty and practitioners with a deeper understanding of how recent socioeconomic trends have changed the concept of work, workforce development, and career paths in the United States.  The academic program will include a thorough discussion of the role of U.S. educational institutions, particularly community colleges, in preparing Americans with the skills needed to succeed in multiple industries including business, technology, science, the creative arts, and emerging fields.  The Institute will offer opportunities for participants to research new ideas, in conjunction with American peers, to better understand the evolution of work, the changing demand for skills, and the advancements in workforce development through retraining and reskilling.  The program will be hosted by University of Montana in Missoula, MT, date TBC – Summer 2022.
7. SUSI for Secondary Public Schools/UTU Educators (Teachers and/or administrators) will provide multinational groups of 20 experienced secondary public schools/UTU teachers and/or administrators (including teachers, administrators, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, Ministry of Education officials, and others) with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, education, and culture – past and present.  The focus of the Institute for teachers will be on providing content and materials for participants to develop high school level curricula about the United States.  Please note that the main focus of the Institute for teachers is on content and materials about the United States rather than teaching methods and pedagogy.

The other Institute is tailored for experienced administrators including teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, Ministry of Education officials, and others.

Through a combination of traditional, multi-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary approaches, program content will examine the history and evolution of U.S. institutions and values, broadly defined.  The program will also serve to illuminate contemporary political, social, and economic debates in American society.  The four-week academic residency will be complemented by a one-week study tour.  The residency consists of a balanced series of lectures, panels, seminar discussions, readings, workshops, site visits, meetings with practitioners in the field and cultural activities. The aim of the study tour is to showcase the cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the United States.  A key cultural component of the program involves community service activities, which will provide participants with a first-hand experience of how volunteerism plays a vital role in U.S. civil society.  The program will offer multiple opportunities for follow-on engagement through alumni webinars, grant-funded follow-on projects, social media, and an alumni workshop. Hosted institution and dates to be confirmed – Summer 2022.

Other Essential Program Information

• Program Funding
  The U.S. State Department will cover all participant costs, including program administration; international and domestic travel and ground transportation; book, cultural, housing and meals, mailing, and incidental allowances.
• Housing and Meal Arrangements
  Each participant will have a private room but may be required to share a bathroom with a participant of the same gender during the Institute.  Most meals will be provided at campus facilities; participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.
  Should a participant need to quarantine due to positive COVID-19 test results, accommodations will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
• Health Benefits
  All participants will receive the U.S. Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefit, that provides coverage of up to $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and a $75 co-pay per emergency room visit, for the duration of the program.  Pre-existing conditions may be covered up to $100,000, subject to policy exclusions and limitations.  COVID-19 is treated like any other illness under the ASPE policy.  Information on the health benefit program may be found online at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos.
• Program Requirements and Restrictions
  All participants are expected to participate fully in the program, even if the program ends up conducted virtually. They are expected to attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned readings. Family members and/or friends cannot accompany participants on any part of the program. Candidates should be made aware that they are applying for an intensive institute and there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program. The institute should not be viewed as a research program. Please note that Institute curriculum will not formally address teaching methodology and pedagogical methods.
• Virtual Program Contingency
  Should health, safety, and travel conditions continue to pose significant challenges, the SUSI will pivot to a virtual format.  The virtual program will consist of a minimum of 36 hours of required programming and will be a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.  To the extent possible, the virtual programming will include lectures, small group discussions, videos, readings, panels, site visits, assignments, and individual and group activities.  Participants are required to fully participate in the entire virtual program from their home location outside the United States.
• Connectivity
  Should the program need to pivot to a virtual format, participants would need access to a computer and a stable internet connection.  If a participant does not have a computer or adequate internet access, the host will work with the participant to facilitate computer access on an as-needed basis.  Participants would be expected to actively engage in all program activities, and therefore, they should notify immediately the host institution and the Embassy of any issues with their online access during the duration of the program as well as any difficulties affecting their participation.
• Candidate Description and qualifications
  • Study of the U.S. Institutes are highly competitive.  Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update or develop courses and/or educational materials with a U.S. studies focus or component; who have no prior or limited experience in the United States; and who have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.
  • Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly motivated and experienced secondary school teachers or administrators, or academics/professionals from institutions of higher education or research focused organizations (not for-profits, think tanks, etc.). While the educational level of participants will likely vary, most should have graduate degrees and have substantial knowledge of the thematic area of the Institute or a related field.
  • Ideal candidates are individuals whose home institution is seeking to introduce aspects of U.S. studies into its curricula, to develop new courses in the subject of the Institute, to enhance and update existing courses on the United States, or to offer specialized seminars/workshops for professionals in U.S. studies areas related to the program theme.  While the nominee’s scholarly and professional credentials are an important consideration, the potential impact and multiplier effect of the Institute is equally important.  Ideal candidates will have little or no prior experience in the United States.
  • Candidates must demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding programs; participants will be expected to handle substantial reading assignments in English and to fully and actively participate in all seminar and panel discussions.
  • Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program and study tour. While senior faculty members are eligible applicants, we will give first consideration to younger and mid-career professionals, and to persons who are likely to be comfortable with campus life and an active program schedule.
• Other Factors for Consideration
  U.S. Embassy Montevideo will select one participant per institute (up to 7) as a candidate and send their applications to Washington to compete with candidates submitted by other embassies worldwide. Slots are fully pending on consistent justification arguments (based on the above info) and on the position and background information of each candidate on their respective universities (this information must be clear when filling the application).Nominations will be reviewed by the U.S Embassy in Montevideo to select one candidate per institute and by the State Department in Washington for final candidate’s approvals. Candidates may be contacted by the U.S. Embassy in January 2022, for a virtual interview if needed, so please be reachable. Candidates will be notified regarding their selection or non-selection by April 2022.

IMPORTANT

• The following factors will be used in selecting participants from among the nominations.The Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Montevideo would like to emphasize that the clarity with which each candidate and their applications address each of these factors strongly affects a candidate’s chance of selection.

• U.S Embassy Justification: The justification statement of the Embassy in Montevideo is a critical portion of the nomination, as it offers the Embassy the opportunity to provide Washington with specific reasons why the participation of a nominee is particularly desirable in terms of enhancing the study of the United States at their home universities, or more broadly, in the home country, while competing with other nominees from all over the world.  We request each candidate in their justification portion of the application, to provide the Embassy with the following information in order for us to write a strong justification:  would the nomination serve to strengthen an already established faculty, or is it intended to give a boost to a fledgling program?  Is the nominee a leader within his or her field who is in a unique position to have a significant and immediate impact on curricular development, or is the nominee a younger professional with exceptional promise whose participation is likely to result in a substantial benefit to their home institution in the long run?  Describe the role that the nominees play at their home institution. Why, in short, does the nomination matter?
  This justification does not need to be especially lengthy (250 words), but it should be included in the letter of recommendation addressing these and any other relevant issues.
• Candidate Statement (essay): In order to get a better sense of potential participant’s motivations and goals, Washington requests that each candidate provide a short personal statement (210 words) indicating why he or she is interested in participating in the program and what he or she expects to get out of the experience.
• English Language Ability: It is imperative that all candidates demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding programs; participants will be expected to handle substantial reading assignments in English and to be full and active participants in all seminar and panel discussions. English fluency is vital to a successful experience in the Institute, both for your participant and participants from other countries.
• Priority Consideration: Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update or develop courses and/or educational materials with a U.S. studies focus or component, who have limited experience in the United States, and who have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.  In addition, Washington makes every effort to have both a geographic and gender balance in the makeup of the institute.

Nomination Format and Deadline:

Candidates MUST complete and send the Application Form no later than Saturday, January 8, 2022.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

Complete your application HERE.

Institutes and Forms

• To apply for one of these Institutes:
  • American Culture and Values;
  • Journalism and Media;
  • Religious Freedom and Pluralism;
  • U.S. Economics and Business;
  • U.S. Foreign Policy;
  • Workforce Development
  • the Institute for Secondary School Educators

We look forward to receiving your nominations. Thank you.

NOTE: By applying for this program, you agree (if selected as a finalist or alternate) to have your name included in any official embassy publications including but not limited to:  press releases, email notifications and the official embassy website, Facebook Page, Twitter feed, Instagram and YouTube site.

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section addresses some commonly asked questions by posts.  If you cannot find an answer to your question please contact the program officer for the Scholar Institute(s) for which you wish to nominate.

1. What degree of English proficiency should a nominee have? All participants must be fully proficient in English; throughout the Institute they will need to fully understand lectures, actively participate in discussions, and read and write assignments in English.
2. Can a nominee who is a dual citizen (U.S. and country of origin) participate in Study of the U.S. Institutes? No.  U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are NOT eligible to participate in this program.
3. Can we nominate an individual who is not a citizen of the nominating post country? Study of the U.S. Institutes are programs designed to further mutual understanding between U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries.  If you wish to nominate someone who is not a citizen of the nominating country, please explain clearly on the application the reasons for the nomination.
4. My nominee has been to the U.S. before; would he/she be disqualified? No.  Nominees with some experience in the United States can be considered for the program.  Please be sure to clearly indicate the purpose of the nominee’s prior visit(s) to the United States, the year, and the length of his/her stay as requested on the nomination form.
5. During the in-person program, how much free time will a participant have? There will be some free time during the program.  However, nominees MUST understand that this is an intensive academic program and they are expected to fully participate in all lectures, activities, site visits, and scheduled events.
6. Will participants have time to visit relatives or friends that may live in the United States during the in-person portion of the program?  Participants will NOT be allowed to leave the Institute to visit relatives or friends.  Occasionally it is possible for a relative or friend to visit the participant on a specific day designated during the Institute, if the schedule permits.  These situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the ECA program officer and the implementing partners.
7. My nominee is not a college professor; can he/she be considered for the program? Yes. ECA will consider nominees from a variety of professional backgrounds who are professors at all stages of their careers, practitioners in a designated field, college and university administrators, and community leaders, among others.
8. If a nominee has relatives in the U.S., would he/she have time to see them? Because of the intensive nature of the Institutes, participants will NOT be able to leave the Institute to visit relatives or friends.  Participants in Scholar Institutes may, at their own expense, opt to extend their stay in the United States after the close of their program to the extent allowed by visa regulations.
9. Can a relative travel and stay with the participant during the Institute? No.  Relatives are NOT permitted to travel or stay with a participant during the program.  There are no exceptions to this rule.  Participants in Scholar Institutes may, at their own expense, opt to extend their stay in the U.S. after the close of their program to the extent allowed by visa regulations.
10. If my nominee is chosen as an alternate, what are the chances that my nominee will participate in the program?  The Study of the U.S. Branch strives to have the best possible diversity and gender balance in each Institute. If a selected candidate is not able to participate, the Study of the U.S. Branch will choose a candidate from the alternate list, if time allows.  Alternates are listed in alphabetical order (not rank) on the selection cables.
11. Can a participant arrive early/late for the Institute? ECA/A/E/USS expects Post to arrange flight itineraries so that participants arrive on the Institute start date. Occasionally flight schedules necessitate that a participant to arrive a day early.  These situations will be addressed on a case by case basis in consultation with the ECA program officer and the host institution.  Post MUST first consult with ECA program officer about a possible early/late arrival.
12. Can a participant stay after the end of the Institute? Yes.  Under the terms of their J-1 visas, participants have up to 30 days after the end of the program to depart from the U.S.  However, the participant must be aware that s/he is responsible for all expenses after the end of the Institute and will no longer have ECA-sponsored health benefits.
13. Can a participant miss one part or component of the Institute? No.  All participants are expected to participate in all scheduled lectures, events, site visits, trips, and activities.
14. How much money will participants need to bring for the program?  The Study of the U.S. Institutes cover all costs of an individual’s participation including transportation, lodging, and meals.  Generally, host institutions provide for meals through a combination of a cafeteria meal plan and cash allowance to permit participants to cook or eat at local restaurants.  Information on housing and meal arrangements will be provided by the host institution six weeks prior to the start of the Institute.  Participants should bring their own spending money if they wish to purchase souvenirs or other items during their time in the United States.  All participating scholars will receive a stipend to purchase books and research materials while in the U.S. as well as a certain amount to cover mailing costs.
15. My nominee participated in the English Access Microscholarship Program. Can they participate in this Institute? Yes.
16. Are you able to fully accommodate participants with disabilities? The Study of the U.S. Branch welcomes nominations for individuals with disabilities. We are committed to working with our partners to arrange reasonable accommodations for all participants. We ask that you identify disabilities during the nomination process so that we can begin working with our partners to ensure appropriate accommodations.
17. To what extent do the Institutes for Secondary Educators cover teaching methods and pedagogy?  SUSIs for Secondary Educators focus primarily on content, materials, and education related to the United States. The Institutes for teachers typically include a handful of sessions on teaching methodologies. However, these sessions are supplemental to the main focus of the Institute. Teachers more interested in teaching methods and pedagogy rather than U.S. content may wish to apply for the Teaching Excellence in Achievement (TEA).