U of M to host 20 North African students this summer for U.S. State Department leadership program

Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders program to help students gain understanding of the United States

Contacts: Jennifer Schulz, International Programs, (612) 624-0557 schul160@umn.edu
Ryan Maus, University News Service, (612) 624-1690, maus@umn.edu

MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (06/25/2009) — The University of Minnesota will host a Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) academic exchange program for future student leaders from North Africa as part of a broader U.S. State Department program designed to promote a better understanding of the U.S. abroad and to help develop future world leaders. The program, organized by the U of M’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), includes the study of U.S. history, government, institutions, economy, society and culture.

The 20 student participants (hailing from Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Libya) will also have the opportunity to experience Minnesota hospitality and many recreational and cultural opportunities both within the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.  The institute is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and is administered by the Academy for Educational Development (AED).

The program is one of six institutes taking place concurrently across the country this fall. The approximately 120 participating student leaders arrive in the United States in late June to take part in a five-week program at select institutions. The program then culminates in a conference in Washington, D.C. where the students make presentations highlighting their learning and experiences.

The State Department is supplying the grant under the Fulbright-Hays Act with the purpose “to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” Other participating institutions include Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; University of Alabama, Huntsville; Nazareth College and Green River Community College.

Some highlights of the University of Minnesota program will include personal leadership training, tours of the State Capitol and meetings with state representatives, Regional Action Project training by Wellstone Action, a trip to the North Shore and Iron Range and service learning projects with local charity and non-profit groups.

In addition to the North Africa SUSI program, ISSS is also hosting two other custom programs this summer – a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program for 12 undergraduates from Norway focusing on the environment, and a professional development program for 20 South Korean teachers plus one supervisor. The teachers will be participating in a variety of professional activities designed to improve teaching of English and understanding of different cultures. These custom-designed programs allow the university to offer intercultural opportunities that fit the participants’ needs, both in length and content.

More information is available through the ISSS office, which can be reached at 612-626-7100 or by visiting http://www.isss.umn.edu

The Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders is designed by the Study of the U.S. Branch in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to promote a better understanding of the U.S. abroad and to help develop future world leaders.  Institute participants are among the more than 40,000 academic and professional exchange program participants overseen annually by ECA. Other ECA programs include the Fulbright Program and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.  For more information about ECA programs, visit http://exchanges.state.gov