The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSIs) (on various themes) are intensive post-graduate level academic programs that provide foreign university professors and other scholars the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions.  The program goal is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad.

SUSIs for Scholars will take place at various colleges, universities, and academic institutions throughout the United States over the course of five to six weeks in summer 2024.  Each Institute includes a four-week academic residency and up to two weeks for an integrated study tour in another region of the United States.

SUSIs for Scholars comprises the following themes in U.S. Studies: American Politics and Political Thought; Contemporary American Literature; Journalism and Media; U.S. Culture, Identity, and Society; U.S. Economics and Sustainable Development; and U.S. Foreign Policy.

THE SIX INSTITUTE THEMES:

  1. The Institute on American Politics and Political Thought 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.  The University of Montana will administer this program while the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Massachusetts, will host this Institute.
  2. The Institute on Contemporary American Literature will examine how major contemporary writers, schools, and movements reflect the traditional, and evolving, U.S. literary canon.  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. The University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, will administer and host this Institute.

III. The Institute on Journalism and Media will examine the role of journalists in recognizing, pointing out 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. The University of Montana will administer this program while Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, will host the Institute.

  1. The Institute on U.S. Culture, Identity, and Society will provide a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions through the lens of diversity and national unity.  The Institute will examine the economic, ethnic, gender, political, racial, religious, and social 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 provide a model of how a foreign university might approach the study of American culture and society.  The University of Montana will administer this program while Seattle University in Seattle, Washington, will host the Institute.
  2. The Institute on U.S. Economics and Sustainable Development will provide 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 such as how financial institutions, investors, and businesses interact to support sustainable economic development, innovation, and growth; and increasing diverse and equitable employment through institutional regulation, social inclusion strategies, and private and public policies. 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.  The University of Montana will administer this program while the Institute for Training and Development (ITD), in conjunction with Suffolk University, will jointly host the Institute in Amherst and Boston, Massachusetts.
  3. The Institute on U.S. Foreign Policy will include a historical review of significant events, individuals, and philosophies that have shaped U.S. foreign policy. 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. The University of Montana will administer this program while the University of Delaware will host the Institute in Newark, Delaware.

    ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

The 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 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;

HOW TO APPLY:

Deadline: November 20, 2023


Q&A SUSI for Scholars 2024

  • 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. The program will cover all participant costs, including international travel cost, visa cost, lodging, and meals.  Nevertheless, 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.