Announcement for 2025 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok invites interested scholars to apply to summer 2025 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars. The program will take place over the course of five to six weeks beginning between late-May and early-July 2025.

Applicants can download the application form on the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok’s website via this link: Application Form.

Applications must be received at the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok by 12.00 a.m. of Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Please submit your applications to BangkokPD@state.gov with the subject line, stating “Application to 2025 SUSI for Scholars_ Your Full Name.”

Applicants will be selected for an interview based on the criteria below. Candidates will be notified regarding selection or non-selection by April 2025. For inquiries, please email BangkokPD@state.gov.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Scholars are intensive post-graduate level academic programs that provide foreign university faculty 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.

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 in summer 2025.  Each Institute includes a four-week academic residency component and a one-week integrated study tour in the United States.

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars comprise 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.

INSTITUTE THEMES:

The Institute on American Politics and Political Thought will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign university faculty and practitioners insight into how intellectual and political movements have influenced American political institutions and American democracy.  The Institute will explore the shaping of American identity and the chemistry between that identity and U.S. history, politics, and the democratic process.  The Institute will cover a broad range of American experiences that have influenced and been influenced by American national identity.  The Institute 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.

The Institute on Contemporary American Literature will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign university faculty and practitioners with a deeper understanding of U.S. society and culture, past and present, through an examination of contemporary American literature.  The Institute will examine how major contemporary writers, schools, and movements reflect the 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 Institute will cover a variety of contemporary American writers and texts and suggest how the themes explored reflect larger currents within contemporary U.S. society and culture.  The University of Montana in Missoula, Montana, will administer and host this Institute.

The Institute on Journalism and Media will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign journalism instructors and other related specialists with a deeper understanding of the roles that journalism and the media play in U.S. society.  The Institute will examine the role of journalists in recognizing 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 program will also highlight the impact of technology in journalism, including the influence of the digital economy, globalization of the news media, and other changes that are transforming the profession.  The University of Montana will administer this program; Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, will host the Institute.

The Institute on U.S. Culture, Identity, and Society will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign university faculty and other specialists with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions through the lens of diversity and national unity.  The Institute will examine the ethnic, racial, social, economic, political, and religious 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; Seattle University in Seattle, Washington, will host the Institute.

The Institute on U.S. Economics and Sustainable Development will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced foreign university faculty, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers with 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.  Throughout the Institute, participants will examine the interplay of climate change, U.S. business innovation, corporate regulation, entrepreneurship, and economic theory.  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; the Institute for Training and Development (ITD), in conjunction with Suffolk University, will jointly host the Institute in Amherst and Boston, Massachusetts.

The Institute on U.S. Foreign Policy will provide a multinational group of 18 experienced and highly motivated foreign university faculty and practitioners with a deeper understanding of new approaches to U.S. foreign policy and how U.S. foreign policy is formulated and implemented.  The Institute 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; the University of Delaware will host the Institute in Newark, Delaware.

OTHER ESSENTIAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:

Program Funding: Through an award given to the University of Montana (UM), the Department of State will cover all participant costs, including program administration; travel allowances, domestic travel and ground transportation; book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances; and housing and subsistence, as well as arrange and pay for participants’ international and visa travel costs and travel allowances within set limits.

Program Requirements and Restrictions: All participants are expected to participate fully in the program.  Candidates should be made aware that they are applying for an intensive program and there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.  The Institute is not a research program.  Participants must attend all lectures and organized activities and complete assigned readings.  Family members and/or friends may not accompany participants on any part of the program.  If the program is conducted virtually, the same participation requirements apply.  Note that 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.

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 (up to two weeks), 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.  Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own. All participants will be expected to respectfully share communal spaces and any necessary responsibilities.

Special Requirements: Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily or weekly worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied.  Special accommodations will be made available to the greatest extent possible.  Should a participant need to quarantine due to health and safety concerns, accommodations will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and host institution guidelines.

Travel Arrangements: For all Institutes, the implementing partner (UM) will arrange and pay for international and visa travel for all Institutes.  The host institution will provide each participant with a small travel allowance.  The host institutions will arrange and cover the cost of any program-related 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 during the U.S.-based in-person component, 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.  Information on the health benefit program may be found online at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos.

Grounds for Program Dismissal: Violations of program rules, host institution rules, or local, state, or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.  If selected, candidates are required to sign the SUSI Terms and Conditions.  This document will outline SUSI policies and rules for participation in more detail.

CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars are highly competitive. 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; who have no prior or limited experience in the United States; and who have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.

Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly motivated, experienced scholars and professionals generally from institutions of higher education or research-focused organizations (not-for-profits, think tanks, etc.). While the educational level of participants will likely vary, most should have graduate degrees and have substantial knowledge of the thematic area of the Institute or a related field.

Ideal candidates come from home institutions 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 nominee’s 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.

As noted above, candidates must demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding academic programs conducted entirely in English. Participants will be expected to read and comprehend substantial written materials and assignments in English and to participate in all seminar and panel discussions fully and actively. English fluency is vital to a successful experience in the Institute, for participants as individuals and to foster a cohesive and interactive group.

Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program, comfortable with campus life and an active program schedule.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible for these programs.

Relatives of U.S. embassy or Fulbright commission employees are not eligible for SUSIs.

Candidates must be willing to respectfully engage with fellow participants representing different backgrounds and points of view.

Announcement for 2025 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators 

U.S. Embassy Bangkok invites interested secondary school educators to apply to the Summer 2025 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary School Educators. The program will take place over the course of five weeks beginning between late-May and early-June 2025.

HOW TO APPLY: 

Applicants can download an application form on the U.S. Embassy Bangkok website via this link: Application form. Applications must be sent to BangkokPD@state.gov, stating “Application to 2025 SUSI for Secondary Educators_(Your Full Name)” by 12.00 a.m. of Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Applicants will be selected for interview based on the criteria mentioned above. Interviews will take place at the Media and Cultural Section of the U.S. Embassy Bangkok or Zoom in January 2025. Candidates will be notified regarding selection and non-selection by April 2025. All communications and questions regarding the SUSIs for Secondary Educators should be sent to BangkokPD@state.gov.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators (SUSIs) 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.
Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators will take place at various academic institutions throughout the United States over the course of five weeks in summer 2025. Each Institute includes a four-week academic residency and, if conditions allow, a one-week integrated study tour in the United States.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators (SUSIs) will provide three multinational groups of 20 experienced secondary school educators (including secondary school 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.  Two of the Institutes are tailored for secondary school teachers; please note that the Institutes for teachers focus on content and materials about the United States rather than teaching methods and pedagogy.  The third Institute is tailored to experienced administrators, including teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, Ministry of Education officials, and others.

Through a combination of traditional, multi-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary approaches, program content will examine the history and evolution of U.S. institutions and values, broadly defined. The programs will also illuminate contemporary political, social, and economic debates in American society. The four-week academic residencies will take place at U.S. university and college campuses and will consist of a balanced series of lectures, panels, seminar discussions, readings, workshops, site visits, meetings with practitioners in the field, and cultural activities. Study tours will complement the academic residencies and showcase the cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the United States. The program features curriculum based on the study of how America’s foundations and historical development have shaped and continue to inform U.S. politics, economics, and society. Community service activities are a key cultural component of the program and provide participants with a first-hand experience of how volunteerism plays a vital role in U.S. civil society.  The program will offer multiple opportunities for follow-on engagement through alumni webinars, grant-funded follow-on projects, social media, and an alumni workshop.

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, 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.

OTHER ESSENTIAL PROGRAM INFORMATION: 

Program Funding: Through an award given to the University of Montana (UM), the Department of State will cover all participant costs, including program administration; travel allowances, domestic travel, and ground transportation; book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances; and housing and subsistence; as well as arrange and pay for participants’ international and visa travel costs and travel allowances within set limits and in coordination with posts and Fulbright commissions.

Program Requirements and Restrictions: All participants are expected to participate fully in the program.  Candidates should be made aware that they are applying for an intensive program and there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.  The Institute is not a research program.  Participants must attend all lectures and organized activities and complete assigned readings.  Family members and/or friends may not accompany participants on any part of the program.  If the program is conducted virtually, the same participation requirements apply.  Note that 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.

English Language Ability: All candidates must be proficient in English so that they can actively participate in the academic program. Host institutions will take into account that the level of comprehension and speaking ability of participants may vary and will prepare lectures and discussions that meet the highest academic standards while using language appropriate for participants who English as a second or third language.

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. All participants will be expected to respectfully share communal spaces and any necessary responsibilities.

Special Accommodations: Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily or weekly worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied.  Special accommodations will be made available to the greatest extent possible.  Should a participant need to quarantine due to health and safety concerns, accommodations will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and host institution guidelines.

Travel Arrangements: The University of Montana (UM) will arrange and pay for international and visa travel for all Institutes.  The host institution will provide each participant with a small travel allowance. The host institutions will arrange and 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.  Information on the health benefit program may be found online at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos.

Grounds for Program Dismissal: Violations of program rules, host institution rules, or local, state, or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.  If selected, candidates are required to sign the SUSI Terms and Conditions.  This document will outline SUSI policies and rules for participation in more detail.

Virtual Program Contingency: Should health, safety, and travel conditions pose significant challenges to the program, SUSIs will pivot to a virtual format.

Connectivity: Participants should have access to a computer and a stable internet connection for virtual pre-departure orientation sessions. If a participant does not have a computer or adequate internet access, the University of Montana (UM) will work with the participant to facilitate access on an as-needed basis.

CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators are highly competitive. 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; who have no prior or limited experience in the United States; and who have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.

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.

Ideal candidates come from institutions seeking to introduce aspects of U.S. studies into their 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.

As noted above, candidates must demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding academic programs conducted entirely 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 discussions.  English fluency is vital to a successful experience in the Institute, for participants as individuals and to foster a cohesive and interactive group.

Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible for these programs.

Relatives of U.S. Embassy or Fulbright commission employees are not eligible for SUSIs.

Candidates must be willing to respectfully engage with fellow participants representing different backgrounds and different points of view.