Application for Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) is open now!
SUSI Student Leaders – Comparative Public Policymaking Program:
Hosted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the SUSI for Student Leaders from Pakistan on Comparative Public Policymaking will explore issues of public policy and democracy in the United States and compare U.S. policy with that of Pakistan. The academic program will examine policymaking at the federal, state, and local levels of government and weave together a strong understanding of American institutions. To enhance the academic experience, the Institute will focus on sub-themes such as the need for diversity in the policymaking process, civil rights and protections, food security, environmental policy, immigration, education, and leadership. The program will take place June to July 2025; exact dates will be shared in spring 2025.
SUSI Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program – Public Policy (only for female candidates):
Hosted by the University of Kansas, the SUSI for Albright Young Women Leaders on Public Policy will enhance participants’ knowledge of U.S. democratic principles and society, culture, values, and institutions, while developing their leadership skills in areas such as critical thinking, communication, decision-making, and management. The program will incorporate a focus on American historical events as well as contemporary American life including current political, social, and economic debates in a pluralistic society. Participants will examine how American government policies, business and private sector practices, and socio-cultural norms and values engage and affect women through the thematic lens of Public Policy. The program will take place June to July 2025; exact dates will be shared in spring 2025.
Candidate Eligibility:
Eligible candidates must:
• Be proficient in English;
• Have an interest in the topic of public policymaking;
• 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 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 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.
Candidate Ineligibility:
The following candidates are ineligible to participate:
• An employee or immediate family member of employees of the U.S. Government or Fulbright commission;
• Persons with a dual U.S./Pakistan nationality; and
• Participants from past SUSIs or the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (UGRAD) who are now considered SUSI or Global UGRAD alumni.
Programs’ Requirements and Restrictions:
Under no circumstances are participants allowed to arrive in the United States prior to the start date of the Institute or remain in the United States after its end date. Similarly, participants will not be permitted to leave the Institute to visit relatives or friends while in the United States. If a relative or friend wishes to visit them, it will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Participants are required to return to their home countries immediately following the end of the Institute(s).
Violations of program rules, host institution rules, or local, state, or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.
Other Essential Information:
Program Funding: U.S. Government will cover all participant costs, including program administration; international and visa travel, 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, if the program is conducted in person.
Housing and Meal Arrangements: Housing will be in shared university dorms on campus with common bathrooms. For Comparative Public Policymaking program, male participants will be housed on one floor and female participants on a separate floor. For female specific program, two females will share one room. Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own. It is important that participants are aware of these arrangements and that they are comfortable with such accommodations. Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied.
Health Benefits: All participants will receive the Department of State’s coverage of $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and $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. COVID-19 is treated like any other illness under the Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) policy. Information on the health benefit program may be found online at https://www.sevencorners.com/about/gov/usdos
How to Apply:
Complete an online application form (link below) by 11:59 pm on Monday, November 11, 2024. Any application received after this time due to any reason will automatically be disqualified.
While answering questions, please be mindful of the word limits.
The Public Diplomacy Section will contact applicants selected for interviews based on the criteria above, as demonstrated in the application. Interviews will take place either in person or virtually by around mid to late December 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
The list of finalists and alternates will be announced between mid-April and early May 2025.
Selected participants will need to obtain passports and apply for U.S. visas with the assistance of the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy.
Students will receive orientation materials in the weeks prior to the start of the program to help prepare them for the program and their trip to the United States, if an in-person program is conducted. Participants may have an opportunity to speak with the Public Diplomacy Section about the program.
Subject to (any) travel restrictions and visa approvals, participants will travel to the United States for the Institute in the summer of 2025.
If you have any further questions not covered in the Frequently Asked Questions document attached to the email, you may contact the relevant team at PakistanExchangePrograms@state.gov.
Online Application Form Link:https://pk-usembassy.wizehive.app/program/susi/info?cycleId=1CFc2yqnFQLVQpPZjutgfy
