Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary School Educators (Tunisia)

About Program

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Secondary Educators are post-graduate level academic programs for secondary educators whose purpose is to strengthen curricula and to improve the teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad. SUSIs for Secondary Educators are five-weeks. These Institutes are comprised of a four to five-week academic residency and a one to two-week educational study tour to a different region of the United States. During the Institutes, scholars engage in rigorous academic coursework and panel discussions, interact and establish networks with American scholars, meet with experts in respective disciplines, visit civic institutions, and in some cases, participate in research symposia and conferences. In 2021, cohorts of 18 to 20 participants will take part in nine programs under the following disciplines:

• American Culture and Values
  • Host Institution:  New York University
  • Administered By: University of Montana
    • The Study of the U.S. Institute on American Culture and Values provides foreign scholars with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, civil society institutions, democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law. The Institute examines the concepts of American exceptionalism and American resilience through social, economic, political, and religious contexts in which, historically, various cultures have manifested and shaped contemporary U.S. culture, values, and society. The program includes a study tour to a different region of the United States.
• Education and Workforce Development
  • Host Institution: University of Montana
  • Administered By: University of Montana
    • The Study of the U.S. Institute on Education and Workforce Development examines how new socioeconomic trends have changed the concept of work, workforce development, and career paths in the United States. The academic program includes a thorough discussion about 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 other emerging fields. The Institute includes topics such as economic development and advances in technology such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The Institute offers 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, reskilling, and closing the skills gap. The program includes a study tour to a different region of the United States.
• Journalism and Media
  • Host Institution: Arizona State University
  • Administered By: University of Montana
    • The Study of the U.S. Institute on Journalism and Media provides scholars with a deeper understanding of the roles that journalism and the media play in U.S. society. The Institute examines the rights and responsibilities of the media in a democratic society, including editorial independence, journalistic ethics, legal constraints, and international journalism. The Institute discusses pedagogical strategies for teaching students of journalism critical thinking skills in addition to the basics of the tradecraft: researching, reporting, writing, and editing. The program also highlights the impact of technology on journalism, such as the influence of the Internet, the globalization of the news media, the growth of satellite television and radio networks, and other changes that are transforming the profession. During the program participants visit local media outlets and news organizations. The program includes a study tour to a different region of the United States.
• Religious Freedom and Pluralism
  • Host Institution: Seattle University
  • Administered By: Institute for Training and Development
    • The Study of the U.S. Institute on Religious Freedom and Pluralism examines U.S. society and culture, past and present, through the lens of religious freedom as a foundational American value. The program includes a survey of the religious landscape of the United States, inclusive of major and minor religious groups, in addition to historic religious traditions and contemporary American religious groups. The Institute explores both the historical and contemporary relationship between church and state in the United States; examines interfaith understanding and dialogue, religious pluralism, freedom of religion as a fundamental unalienable human right and source of stability; and discusses ways in which religious freedom should be protected. The program analyzes the intersections of religion and politics in the United States, especially in U.S. foreign policy. Participants have opportunities to meet with U.S. community leaders of different faiths who advocate for collaboration and tolerance among religious groups. The program also includes a study tour to a different region of the United States.
• Secondary Education
  • Host Institution:  University of Montana (UM)
  • Administered By: University of Montana
  • Host Institution:  California State University, Chico (CSU Chico)
  • Administered By: University of Montana
  • Host Institution:  Institute for Training and Development (ITD)
  • Administered By: University of Montana
    • The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary School Educators provides three multinational groups of 20 experienced secondary school educators (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 Institutes focus on providing content and materials for participants to develop high school level curricula about the United States. Under the shared theme of Liberty, Equality, and the American Dream, each Institute explores the theme through a different lens while capitalizing on the culture and resources of each location. The Institute for Teachers at UM explores democracy and active citizenship; the Institute for Teachers at ITD examines individual rights and social obligations; and the Institute for Administrators at CSU Chico explores access and equity in U.S. education and society. The programs highlight contemporary political, social, and economic debates in American society. The four-week academic residencies consist of a balanced series of lectures, panels, seminar discussions, readings, workshops, site visits, meetings with practitioners in the field, and cultural activities that illuminate the overall program theme. The program includes a study tour to a different region of the United States.
• U.S. Economics and Business
  • Host Institution: Institute for Training and Development
  • Administered By: Institute for Training and Development
    • The Study of the U.S. Institute on U.S. Economics and Business examines key components and structures of the U.S. economy as the world’s largest economy. Using a multidisciplinary approach, the program explores 1) how financial institutions, investors, and businesses interact to support growth and employment and 2) the institutional backdrop that is required to sustain a competitive and strong private sector, including but not limited to corporate governance structures, monetary policy, and the legal and regulatory framework of the business sector. The program also discusses how the United States, as the leading nation for global trade, influences industries, free markets and financial sectors around the world and advances trade, investment, and capital flows. Participants have a firsthand look at key institutions and stakeholders in the U.S. economy and the opportunity to meet with business and corporate leaders, Wall Street executives and board members, and small business owners, among others. The program includes a study tour to a different region of the United States.
• U.S. Foreign Policy
  • Host Institution:  University of Delaware
  • Administered By: University of Montana
    • The Study of the U.S. Institute on U.S. Foreign Policy examines how contemporary U.S. foreign policy is formulated and implemented. The Institute includes a historical review of significant events, individuals, and philosophies that have shaped U.S. foreign policy. The Institute explains the role of key players in 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. Topics such as the concept of American sovereignty, shifting attitudes towards globalism, U.S. foreign aid, monitoring of foreign investment in the United States, efforts to combat terrorism and radicalization, new trade policies and agreements, immigration and border safety, and cybersecurity are included. The program includes a study tour to a different region of the United States.

Eligibility Criteria

• Ideal candidates should be:
  • Mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50,
  • Highly motivated and experienced secondary school teachers and administrators whose students are approximately 14-18 years of age
  • Highly proficient in English
  • Individuals who are seeking to introduce or enhance aspects of U.S. studies into their 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 education professionals in U.S. studies or related fields.
  • Candidates who have no or limited prior experience in the United States, and who have a special interest and experience in the field of secondary or higher education as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Tunisia.