SUSI New Media

Study of the United States Institute for Student Leaders on New Media in Journalism  

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State

Program Information:

The U.S. Embassy in Manama is seeking nominations for its Study of the United States Institute for Student Leaders on New Media in Journalism.   The Institute will be hosted at Washington State University in Pullman, WA and will take place in June and July; exact dates will be announced at a later time.   

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders are intensive academic programs whose purpose is to provide groups of undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States, while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills.

. The four week academic residency will combine seminars on conceptual topics, case studies led by experienced working journalists, and hands-on skills workshops. This is an intensive program which will require participants to keep up with readings and assignments.  A study tour to U.S. media outlets in Seattle, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. will complement the academic residency.

Participants will also gain enhanced basic reporting and leadership skills, a renewed appreciation for the importance of ethical and responsible journalism, and a better understanding of the U.S. political system.

Program Costs:

The host institution will cover all participant costs, including: program administration, international travel, domestic travel and ground transportation, book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances, housing and subsistence.

Eligibility Requirements:

The following criteria should be used in determining the nominees:

• Candidates should have strong interest in new media
• Be between the ages of 18-25;
• Have at least one semester remaining in their university studies; and be committed to returning home to complete their degree;
• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities;
• 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;
• Candidates should demonstrate strong command of the English Language
•  Have demonstrated commitment to community and extracurricular university activities;
•  Have had 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;

Nomination Form:   

A. Nominee's Full Name, exactly as it appears on his/her passport. Clearly identify what the nominee's first, middle and surnames are as they appear on his/her passport.

B. Date of Birth (please spell out Month, Day, Year)

C. City of Birth

D. Country of Birth

E. Country of Residence

F. Country(ies) of Citizenship

G. Home Address (full address: apartment number, street, block and city), Telephone and E-mail

H. Gender

I. Medical, Physical, Dietary or other Personal Considerations: Please state if the candidate has any existing medical conditions or is currently taking any prescription medication.  This will not affect candidate selection, but will enable the host institution to make any necessary accommodations.

L. Work and Volunteer Experience (if applicable)

M. Academic Major, Institution. Please include year of entry and graduation

N. Further Study or Career Plans. Please elaborate

O. Active Memberships in Associations and Clubs etc.  Please include your role and responsibilities

P. Special Interests

Q. Extracurricular Activities

R. Previous Experience in the United States: Please list any and all trips the candidate has made to the United States and include approximate dates and the reason for travel.

S. Family Residing in the United States: Please list any immediate family members who are currently residing in the United States, including city and state.

T. Evidence of English Fluency (e.g. personal interview, test score, etc.)

U. Personal Statement by Candidate.  Tell us about yourself and your goals including the following: What about your background and/or your interests make you competitive for this particular institute.  What will you contribute to the group?  How do you expect this experience will affect your future academic and professional career?  How it will affect you personally?  Please structure your essay in paragraphs and limit your response to 250 words, or half a page, single spaced.

(Applications should be submitted to Manamapao@state.gov no later than Tuesday, December 11, 2012)