The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars

The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (on various themes) are intensive post-graduate level academic programs whose purpose is to provide foreign university faculty and other scholars the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions. The program goal of the Institutes is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad. Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars will take place at various colleges, universities, and institutions throughout the United States over the course of five to six weeks beginning in or after June. Each Institute includes a four-week academic residency component and, if possible, up to two weeks of an integrated study tour to another region of the United States.

Candidates for this program must:

have citizenship and live in the Republic of Moldova at the time of application (permanent residents of the Transnistrian region may be considered regardless of citizenship);
be eligible for a U.S. J-1 visa. Program participants must return to and reside in Moldova for two years after completion of their program;
be mid-career scholars, typically between the ages of 30-50;
be highly motivated, experienced scholars and professionals generally from institutions of higher education or research focused organizations (not-for-profits, think tanks, etc.)
be seeking to introduce or enhance aspects of U.S. studies into their curricula or to offer specialized seminars/workshops for education professionals in U.S. studies or related fields;
have graduate degrees and have substantial knowledge of the thematic area of the Institute or a related field;
have little or no prior study or travel experience living in or visiting the United States;
must demonstrate English language fluency;
have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties;

Institute Descriptions:

I. The Institute on American Politics and Political Thought. The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula, MT will administer this program; the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA will host the Institute in Amherst, MA.

The Institute will cover a broad range of American experiences that have influenced and been influenced by American national identity. The Institute will provide a deeper understanding of major currents in U.S. political thought, from the colonial period to the present, and explore contemporary U.S. political and social debates and public policy, relating them back to U.S. political thought and American identity.

II. The Institute on Contemporary American Literature. The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula, MT will administer and host this Institute.

The Institute will cover a variety of contemporary American writers and writing and suggest how the themes explored reflect larger currents within contemporary U.S. society and culture. The Institute will also explore the diverse communities and voices that constitute the American literary landscape and expose participants to writers who are establishing new directions for American literature.

III. The Institute on Journalism and Media. The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula, MT will administer this program; Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ will host the Institute.

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. The program will also highlight the impact of technology in journalism, including the influence of the digital economy, globalization of the news media, and other changes that are transforming the profession.

IV. The Institute on U.S. Culture, Identity, and Society. The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula, MT will administer this program; New York University in New York, NY will host the Institute.

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.

V. The Institute on U.S. Economics and Sustainable Development. The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula, MT will administer this program; the Institute for Training and Development (ITD), in conjunction with Suffolk University, will host the Institute in Amherst and Boston, MA.

Throughout the Institute, participants 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.

VI. The Institute on U.S. Foreign Policy. The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula, MT will administer this program; the University of Delaware will host the Institute in Newark, DE.

The program 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 Institute will also examine the current U.S. foreign policymaking landscape and emerging trends that are shaping policy.

Should health, safety, and travel conditions pose significant challenges to the program, the SUSIs will pivot to a virtual format.

How to apply

To apply please follow the link https://forms.office.com/g/hqHSah1tWC .
For more information please visit: https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/study-us-institutes-scholars
If you have questions, please write to: education-moldova@state.gov

Q&A SUSI for Scholars 2023

What is the SUSI for Scholars Program?

The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs) are intensive post-graduate level academic programs that provide scholars the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions.

How long is the program, and where will it take place?

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars will take place at various colleges, universities, and academic institutions throughout the United States over the course of five-to-six weeks beginning in or after June 2023.

Is the Program funded?

The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs) is funded by the U.S Government.

How much money will participants need to bring for the program?

The Study of the U.S. Institutes cover all basic costs of an individual’s participation including international travel cost, visa cost, lodging, and meals.   Participants should bring their own spending money if they wish to purchase souvenirs or other items during their time in the United States.

Will meals be covered by the Program?

Generally, the Institutes provide meals through a combination of a cafeteria meal plan, a pre-loaded debit card for use at local restaurants, and/or a cash allowance for participants to purchase food for cooking. Information on meal arrangements will be provided by the implementing organization approximately six weeks prior to the start of the Institute.

Where will I live during the Program?

Participants will live in college or university owned housing. When possible, each participant will have a private room with a shared bathroom. However, private room accommodations are not guaranteed. So please be prepared to share a room with another participant of the same gender.

How much free time will I have during the program?

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.

Can I be accompanied by family members?

No. Family members and/or friends may not accompany participants on any part of the program. Participants will NOT be allowed to leave the Institute to visit relatives or friends.

What degree of English proficiency should a nominee have?

All participants must be fully proficient in English. They will need to fully understand lectures, actively participate in discussions, and read and write assignments in English throughout the Institute.

Can I arrive early or stay in the U.S. after the Program ?

No.  Participants may NOT arrive in the United States before the program start date or remain in the country after the close of the Institute.

Can Program accommodate participants with disabilities?

The Study of the U.S. Branch welcomes nominations for individuals with disabilities and can ensure appropriate accommodations for participants with disabilities.

What happens if I test positive for COVID 19 during the Program?

If a participant is tested positive for COVID 19 accommodations will follow Center for Disease Control and host institution guidelines.