Public Affairs

Information Sheet:  Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders Summer 2008

The Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders is an intensive academic program 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 institute will consist of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations and lectures.  The coursework and classroom activities will be complemented by educational travel to other parts of the United States, local site visits, and volunteer opportunities.  The institute will include an academic residency component of approximately four weeks and a domestic travel component of approximately one week that will conclude with a 2-3 day program in Washington, D.C.

The principal objective of the institute is to heighten the participants' awareness of the history and evolution of U.S. society, culture, values and institutions, broadly defined.  In this context, the institute will incorporate a focus on contemporary American life, as it is shaped by historical and/or current political, social, and economic issues and debates.  The role and influence of principles and values such as democracy, the rule of law, individual rights, freedom of expression, equality, diversity and tolerance will also be addressed.

In addition to promoting a better understanding of the United States, an important objective of the institute is to develop the participants, leadership and collective problem-solving skills.  In this context, the academic program will include group discussions, training and exercises that focus on such topics as the essential attributes of leadership, teambuilding, collective problem-solving skills, effective communication, and management skills for diverse organizational settings.  There will also be a community service component, in which the students experience firsthand how not-for-profit organizations and volunteerism play a key role in American civil society.

Local site visits and educational travel will provide opportunities to observe varied aspects of American life and to discuss lessons learned in the academic program.  The program will also include opportunities for participants to meet American citizens from a variety of backgrounds, to interact with their American peers, and to speak to appropriate student and civic groups about their experiences and life in their home countries.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit the following website to obtain general information about last year's program: http://exchanges.state.gov/education/amstudy/

Other Essential Program Information

Program Funding:  The United States government will cover all participant costs, including international travel; travel and ground transportation in the U.S.; book, cultural, mailing, and incidental allowances; and housing and subsistence expenses.

Housing and Meal Arrangements:  Housing will typically be in college or university owned housing.  Participants may be expected to share a room and bathroom with another student of the same gender.  Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.  Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied. 

Health Insurance:  All participants will receive the U.S. Department of State’s coverage of $50,000 with a $25 deductible for the duration of the program.  Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Program Requirements and Restrictions:  Participants are expected to participate fully in the academic program.  They are expected to attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned readings.  Candidates should be made aware that the institute is very intensive and that there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.

Under no circumstances are participants allowed to arrive in the U.S. prior to the start date of the institute or remain in the U.S. after its end date.  Similarly, participants will not be allowed to leave the institute to visit relatives or friends while in the U.S.  If a relative or friend wishes to visit them, it will be addressed on a case by case basis, in consultation with the program director.

Violations of host institution rules or local, state or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.

English Language Ability:  It is imperative that all candidates demonstrate English language fluency.  The institute is a rigorous and demanding program; 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.

Candidate Description and Qualifications:  The participants are expected to be highly motivated first through third year undergraduate students from colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education, who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities.  Their fields of study will be varied and will include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and other professional fields.  All participants will have a good knowledge of English.  The Embassy welcomes applicants from both rural and urban areas, with little or no prior experience in the United States or elsewhere outside Turkey.

Candidates nominated for this program will:

• Be typically 25 years of age or younger;
• Be committed to returning to their home universities following completion of their institute program;
• Demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in their university and community activities;
• Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
• Have a sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated in grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
• 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 Turkey;
• 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 program; and,
• Be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to make adjustments to cultural and social practices different from those in Turkey.

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