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

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Secondary Educators are intensive post-graduate level academic programs that provide foreign secondary school educators and administrators 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 secondary schools and other academic institutions abroad.

Each Institute will take place at a U.S. academic institution throughout the United States over the course of five weeks beginning between late-May and early-June 2025; exact dates will be communicated in spring 2025. Each Institute includes a four-week academic residency component and, if conditions allow a one-week integrated study tour in United States. Should health, safety, and travel conditions pose significant challenges, the program may pivot to a modified virtual format.

The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula, Montana will oversee and administer the three SUSIs for Secondary Educators and will conduct one Institute for teachers which will explore the concept of the “American Dream”. The Institute for Training and Development (ITD) in Amherst, Massachusetts, will conduct the second Institute for teachers which will explore the nation’s progress and future. California State University at Chico will conduct the Institute for administrators and will focus on equitable learning communities, the history of local native people in the Northern California region, and U.S. democracy.

Program Specifications

• All participants are expected to participate fully in the program. The Institute is not a research program. Participants must attend all lectures and organized activities and complete assigned readings. If the program is conducted virtually, the same participation requirements apply. The Institute curriculum will not formally address teaching methodology and pedagogical methods. Institutes focus on U.S. studies with only a brief focus on the U.S. education system itself. Family members and/or friends may not accompany participants on any part of the program.

Benefits

• Program Funding: All participant costs will be covered; domestic travel and ground transportation; book, cultural, mailing, and incidental allowances; and housing and subsistence; as well as participants’ international and visa travel costs and travel allowances within set limits.
• Housing and Meal Arrangements: When possible, each participant will have a private room with a shared bathroom during the residency portion (four weeks) of the Institute. However, private room accommodations are not guaranteed. During the study tour (one week), participants will likely share a hotel room with another participant of the same gender. During the residency, housing will typically be in college or university owned housing or nearby hotels. Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own. Candidates should make sure they are comfortable with such arrangements, particularly sharing a room with another participant during the study tour.
• Special Accommodations: Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied. Special accommodations will be made available to the greatest extent possible.
• Travel Arrangements: International and visa travel will be arranged for all Institutes. The host institution will provide each participant with a small travel allowance. In all Institutes, the host institutions will cover the cost of any travel within the United States.
• Health Benefits: All participants will receive the Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefit, which provides coverage of up to $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and a $75 co-pay per emergency room visit, for the duration of the program. Pre-existing conditions may be covered up to $100,000, subject to policy exclusions and limitations.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program. The program schedule and syllabus are designed for the group and sessions will not be customized to individual interests. Candidates should make sure they are comfortable with campus life and an active program schedule with limited time for individual pursuits.
• Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly motivated, experienced secondary school teachers and administrators whose students are approximately 14-18 years of age. Candidates from historically underserved groups, minorities communities, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
• Ideal candidates come from home institution seeking to introduce aspects of U.S. studies into its curricula, to develop new courses in the Institute subject, to enhance and update existing courses on the United States, or to offer specialized seminars/workshops for professionals in U.S. studies areas related to the program theme.  While the nominees’ scholarly and professional credentials are an important consideration, the potential impact and multiplier effect from their participation in the Institute is equally important. Ideal candidates will have little or no prior experience living in or visiting the United States. Ideal candidates will seek to learn about U.S. studies, with an understanding that pedagogy is not the focus of the program.
• Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update, or develop courses and/or educational materials with U.S. studies focus or component, and who have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties. To confirm suitability for this highly competitive program as well as the required English fluency, an American officer at the U.S.
• All candidates must be proficient in English. Participants will be expected to read and comprehend substantial written materials and assignments in English and to fully and actively participate in all seminar and panel discussion. English fluency is vital to a successful experience and in the Institute, for participants as individuals and to foster a cohesive and interactive group. To confirm suitability for the program as well as the required English fluency an American officer at the U.S. Embassy will interview the proposed nominee in English.

Ineligibility Criteria

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible.

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