Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Scholars on U.S. National Security Policymaking
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Scholars are intensive post-graduate level academic programs with integrated study tours whose purpose is to provide foreign university faculty and other scholars the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions. The ultimate goal of these Institutes 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 institutions throughout the United States over the course of six weeks. Each Institute includes a four week academic residency component and up to two weeks of an integrated study tour. Posts and prospective applicants are encouraged to visit our website page to obtain general information about the Institutes. The website address is: http://exchanges.state.gov/susi.
INSTITUTE DESCRIPTION:
The SUSI for Scholars on U.S. National Security Policymaking will provide a group of 18 scholars and professionals an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the foundations of U.S. national security policy and current threats facing the United States. The institute focuses on the formulation of U.S. foreign and national security policy and the role of the federal government, think-tanks, media, and public opinion in shaping that policy. The Institute will be hosted by the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware.
The program will examine the question of how we discern U.S. national security policy continuities and changes that shape the policies and conduct of presidential administrations. Against the backdrop of the 2016 presidential elections, the Institute will encourage intellectual engagement, reflection, and interaction with U.S.-based experts to deepen scholar knowledge of the foundations and formulation of U.S. national security policy. The program will focus on four interconnected modules; 1) The U.S. view of the world and its place in the global system; 2) Terrorism and national security in the U.S. and abroad; 3) U.S. immigration and refugee policies and 4) The search for the right balance between unilateralism and multilateralism in U.S. national security policy. Each week, scholars will participate in academic sessions, roundtable discussions with U.S. national security experts, and conversations with the broader Newark, Delaware community on key thematic topics. The Institute participants will also travel to San Antonio and Austin, Texas, as well as New York City, Washington D.C., and other regional locales.
CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Study of the U.S. Institutes are highly competitive. Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update or develop courses and/or educational materials with a 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. In addition, ECA/A/E/USS makes every effort to have both a geographic and gender balance in the makeup of the Institute.
A. Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly-motivated and 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.
B. Ideal candidates are individuals whose home institution is seeking to introduce aspects of U.S. studies into its curricula, to develop new courses in the subject of the Institute, 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 of the Institute is equally important.
C. Ideal candidates will have little or no prior experience in the United States.
D. Candidates must demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding programs; participants will be expected to handle substantial reading 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, both for your participant and participants from other countries. Posts must indicate the level of English language fluency in Section R of the nomination form.
E. Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program and study tour. It is important that posts and Commissions nominate only persons who are likely to be comfortable with campus life and an active program schedule. ECA/A/E/USS encourages posts to strive to recruit diverse nominees including candidates from disadvantaged groups and women. While senior faculty members and new professionals to the field are eligible applicants, ECA/A/E/USS urges posts and Commissions to give first consideration to mid-career professionals with little or no prior experience in the United States.
APPLICATION:
To apply you have to write a short essay conveying your interest in participating in the Institute, what you expect to gain and what you will contribute to the Institute. The personal statement should also address how you will leverage the experience to achieve other potential outcomes. In addition, the essay should describe your capacity to amplify the impact of the program beyond your research and knowledge. Limit your essay to 250 words.
Submit the essay along with your CV to GaburAG@state.gov no later than October 10, 2016.
OTHER ESSENTIAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
A. Program Funding: Through a Cooperative Agreement to the University of Delaware, ECA/A/E/USS will cover all participant costs, including: program administration; travel and ground transportation in the United States; and book, cultural, housing, subsistence, mailing, and incidental allowances. ECA/A/E/USS will provide posts with fiscal data to pay for the international travel costs of the participants within set limits.
B. 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. 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. Full details will be provided once the Cooperative Agreements have been approved. Please explain the above possible housing arrangements to your nominees to ensure that they are comfortable with such arrangements, particularly sharing a room with another participant during the study tour.
Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied. While the host institution will make every effort to accommodate all needs, participants should be made aware of the rigorous nature of the Institute and the expectation that the success of the Institute depends on their full participation.
C. Travel Arrangements: Post is expected to arrange economy class round trip international travel for each selected participant. These tickets will be funded by the Study of the U.S. Branch. After the selection of participants, the Study of the U.S. Branch will issue fiscal data cables that will specify the dates, airports, cost ceilings, and travel allowances.
The host institution will cover all travel within the United States during the Institute.
D. 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 are not covered. Information on the health benefit program may be found online at usdos.sevencorners.com.
E. 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. Please note that Institute curriculum will not formally address teaching methodology and pedagogical methods. Please make these requirements clear to all nominees.
Please submit your CV and essay to GaburAG@state.gov by 5PM, October 10th.