SUSIS Undergraduate Awards

Grant Information

SUSIs Undergraduate Award Now Closed.

The application period for the 2023 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for European Student Leaders in Civic Engagement  is closed.

There was one Institute on Civic Engagement on offer for 2023.

This 5-week academic program to Michigan State University will provide undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the U.S., while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills. The 2023 SUSIs program will explore topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political leadership, and volunteerism.

The Study of the U.S. Institute on Civic Engagement, hosted by Michigan State University, will provide participants with an overview of how citizens have shaped U.S. history, government, and society both as individuals and groups. The academic program will define civic engagement; examine its development in the United States; and explore topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political leadership, and volunteerism. In order to enhance the academic experience, the Institute will focus on specific themes such as civil rights and protections; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA); citizen journalism, social movements, education, governance, minority communities, leadership, and media. Academic sessions will be complemented with hands-on sessions or workshops designed to build skills in the topics mentioned above. The Institute will encourage participants to develop innovative and practical plans to become engaged citizens in their own communities. Read our FAQs.

The 2023 SUSIs for European Student Leaders on Civic Engagement will:

• consist of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures on Civic Engagement
• provide participants with an overview of how citizens have shaped U.S. history, government, and society both as individuals and groups
• define civic engagement, examine its development in the U.S., and explore topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political leadership, and volunteerism
• discuss other topics such as civil rights, entrepreneurship, ethics, leadership, and media
• provide students with an opportunity to meet with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of non-profit organizations

How to Apply?

Participants are expected to be highly motivated 1st to 3rd year undergraduate students (where 3rd year is not final year) from colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education. Fields of study may include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and other professional fields.

Candidates for this program must:

• be Irish citizens, or resident in Ireland for the last 3+ years (dual Irish-U.S. citizens are not eligible, please see FAQs)
• demonstrate English language proficiency (speaking, reading, writing, listening); 
• have an interest in the Institute topic; 
• be between 18 and 25 years of age;
• have at least one semester left of their undergraduate studies, and be committed to returning to their home universities following completion of the program
• demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in their university and community activities; 
• indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States; 
• have sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated by grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
• demonstrate commitment to community service and extracurricular university activities; 
• have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of Europe; 
• 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; and be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country.

Candidates should review the grant information here carefully.

You will receive a response immediately. If you do not, please check your spam folder.

Deadline

The 2023 SUSIs Undergraduate Awards are now closed.

Completed applications, including references, must be submitted online by 4 January 2023 at 4pm. Hard copies are not required.

Interviews will take place virtually via Zoom on 18 January 2023. 

The Program usually runs between June and August. Dates have yet to be announced.

Transcripts: Copies of transcripts should be included in applications. Students can request transcripts from their college registrar. Hard copy originals will only be required from the successful candidate following award offer.

Any queries on the Summer Institute Awards can be addressed to awards@fulbright.ie