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Institute description: Study of the United States Institutes 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 American society, culture and institutions.  The ultimate goal is to strengthen curricula and to improve the quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad.

The institutes will take place at various colleges and universities throughout the United States over the course of six weeks beginning every June.

• American Civilization
• American Politics and Political Thought
• Contemporary American Literature
• Journalism and Media
• Religious Pluralism in the United States
• U.S. Foreign Policy: Foundations and Formulations
• U.S. National Security: Policymaking in a Post 9-11 World
• Study of the U.S. for Secondary School Educators

A. Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 25-50, highly-motivated and experienced professionals from institutions of higher education. 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.

B. The ideal candidate will also be an experienced professional with little or no prior experience in the United States, 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.  In this respect, while the nominee's scholarly and professional credentials are an important consideration, an equally important factor is how participation in the institute will enhance course offerings in U.S. studies at the nominee's home institution.

C. Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program and study tour.  While senior faculty members are eligible applicants, ECA/A/E/USS urges posts and commissions to give first consideration to younger and mid-career professionals, and to persons who are likely to be comfortable with campus life and an active program schedule.

English Language Ability: It is imperative that all candidates demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding programs; participants will be expected to handle substantial reading assignments in English and to be full and active participants 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.

For more information write to Ricardo Espinosa at espinosar@state.gov