CFAs: Summer Study of the U.S. Institutes Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program Economic Empowerment 2025

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders are intensive short-term academic programs 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.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet ALL these criteria:
  • Be female
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency (speaking, reading, writing, listening)
  • Demonstrate interest in the institute topic, especially the specific institute theme
  • Be between 18 and 25 years of age
  • Have at least one semester left of their undergraduate studies, 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 a sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated by grades, awards, and teacher recommendations
  • Demonstrate commitment to community service and extracurricular university activities
  • Have little or no prior study or travel experience in the united states or elsewhere outside of their home country
  • 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
  • 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.

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