Study of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders

Published on  
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders are five- to six-week academic programs for foreign undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 25 designed to improve their understanding of the United States and to develop their leadership skills. Institutes include a four-week academic residency consisting of interactive classroom activities, discussions, lectures, readings, site visits, and workshops; one week of educational travel to a different region of the United States; leadership skills building activities; community service; and opportunities to interact with their American peers on a college campus. Each Institute includes approximately 20 participants from selected countries. In 2017, the following themes will be offered for a total of 19 student leader programs:
PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 weeks

Eligibility and Application Overview

Applicants must meet the following requirements:
  • Be between the ages of 18 and 25 and have at least one semester left of college or university
  • Demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities
  • Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English
  • Have little or no prior travel or study experience in the United States
  • Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
  • Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa
Prospective participants should contact the Public Affairs Section of their local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information about 2017 Institutes. U.S. Embassies manage the nomination of candidates, as well as organize participants' visa interviews and international travel to the United States. In some countries, candidates may also be selected by a binational Fulbright Commission.