Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Secondary Educators are intensive post-graduate level academic programs that take place in the summer and provide secondary school educators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions. The program goal is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in secondary schools and other academic institutions abroad. These Institutes are comprised of a four- week academic residency and a one-week integrated study tour to a different region of the United States. During the five-week program, scholars engage in a balanced series of lectures, panels, seminar discussions, readings, workshops, site visits, meetings with practitioners in the field, and cultural activities. This program is funded by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy to Belgium.
Should health, safety, and travel conditions continue to pose significant challenges, the program will pivot to a modified virtual format.
DURATION
- Five-week program during the summer (June-July)
APPLICATION PERIOD
Between November and January
IMPORTANT
Review eligibility requirements below and include all required documents in your online application.
BENEFITS
- Full funding of all program costs
- Full funding of international travel to/from program
- Housing in on-campus dorms with meals at campus facilities
- Sickness and accident benefits
- J-1 visa sponsorship
- Pre-departure orientation in Brussels
- Prestigious title and access to alumni network
ELIGIBILITY
- Belgian citizenship
- Demonstrated English language proficiency
- Have limited prior experience in the United States
- Be an experienced secondary school teacher
- Have firm plans to enhance, update, or develop courses and/or educational materials with a U.S. studies focus
- Eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa
- Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
- Application form
- Short essay (250 words)
- Two recommendations
HOW TO APPLY
The application deadline for the summer 2023 program was January 6, 2023.
Top-ranked applicants will be invited for a mandatory interview in mid to late January. The complete application includes biographical information, a 250-word essay, and two recommendations. For clarity, please type as much of the application as possible.
All applications are evaluated by the staff of the Fulbright Commission in Brussels and the U.S. Embassy of Brussels. The most competitive applicants demonstrate ambassadorial qualities and a genuine interest in cultural exchange.
More details on the SUSI Program for Secondary Educators can be found here.
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SUSI PROGRAMS
Through a combination of traditional, multi-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary approaches, program content will examine the history and evolution of U.S. institutions and values, broadly defined. The programs will also serve to illuminate contemporary political, social, and economic debates in American society. The four-week academic residencies will take place at U.S. university and college campuses and will consist of a balanced series of lectures, panels, seminar discussions, readings, workshops, site visits, meetings with practitioners in the field, and cultural activities. One-week study tours to a different region will complement the academic residencies and showcase the cultural, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the United States. The program features curriculum based on the study of how America’s foundations and historical development have shaped and continue to inform U.S. politics, economics, and society. A key cultural component of the program involves community service activities, which will provide participants with a first-hand experience of how volunteerism plays a vital role in U.S. civil society. The program will offer multiple opportunities for follow-on engagement through alumni webinars, grant-funded follow-on projects, social media, and an alumni workshop.
HEAR FROM OUR GRANTEES
“I would like to thank Fulbright Belgium, the U.S. State Department and ITD Amherst for this amazing program. It has been of immense significance since it helped me not only to enrich my knowledge about U.S. culture through museum visits, guided tours and participation in cultural events but also to be part of the U.S. daily life through visits to schools, offering community service and forming relationships with locals. I am deeply grateful as well for the networking opportunities which have been offered to me in the light of future fruitful co-operations. Overall, being able to participate in this program has been a transformative experience which has broaden my intellectual and cultural horizon and enhanced my personal and professional development.”
Maggy Brusselmans
FORMER PARTICIPANT
“The program provided us with a view on the U.S. Education system through different angles. I especially enjoyed the school visits and the interesting conversations I shared with my fellow teachers in the USA. I also loved the interesting workshops and lectures we attended, all given by great knowledgeable people who shared with us their educational expertise and Experiences.”
Rajae Ramram
FORMER PARTICIPANT
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