Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders – Kosovo

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders are intensive academic (5 week) programs hosted by the U.S. universities 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 consist of a four-week academic residency with a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures.  Site visits, leadership development, cultural activities, and community service complement the coursework and academic sessions.  If conditions allow, the Institutes will include a one-week integrated study tour in the United States.

Program Funding

• All participation costs are covered by the SUSI program.
  • Housing and Meal Arrangements: Housing will be in shared or single university dorms on campus or full-service hotels within walking distance of most classroom activities.  Male and female participants will be housed in separate quarters.  In addition to regular group meals and a university meal plan, 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. All participants will be expected to respectfully share communal spaces and any necessary responsibilities.

Duration

• The program will tentatively take place from June 25 to July 31, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidate Description and Qualifications
  • The participants are expected to be highly motivated first through third year undergraduate students from colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education, who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. Their fields of study will be varied and may include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and other professional fields. Priority will be given to applicants from disadvantaged groups, individuals with disabilities and women.
• Potential candidates for this program need to:
  • demonstrate English language proficiency (speaking, reading, writing, listening);
  • have an interest in the Institute topic;
  • be between 18 and 25 years of age;
  • have at least one semester left of their undergraduate studies (after the end of summer 2024), and 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 sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated by grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
  • have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of Europe;
  • be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful, and inquisitive;
  • be willing to respectfully engage with fellow participants representing different backgrounds and different points of view;
  • be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and educational travel; and
  • be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country.

Program Requirements and Restrictions

• Candidates should be aware that they are applying for an intensive and rigorous academic institute and are expected to fully participate in all aspects of the program.
• Participants must attend all lectures, participate in all required organized activities, and complete all assignments.
• Due to the intensive nature of the program, participants should not expect to fulfill professional or academic obligations, including remote work for jobs or internships, classwork, or examinations for their home university, while in the United States.
• Doing so will count as an unexcused absence from program activities. Family members and/or friends may not accompany or join participants for any part of the program.

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