Deadline for application: December 14, 2019
The U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria is now accepting applications for the 2020 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Secondary School Educators from Bulgarian nationals. The institutes will take place over the course of five weeks in early June 2020. The Institute includes a four-week academic residency component and a one week integrated study tour. Information about last year’s Institutes can be found here: http://exchanges.state.gov/susi.
Two of the Institutes are tailored for secondary school teachers; please note that the Institutes for Teachers focus on content and materials about the United States rather than teaching methods and pedagogy. The third Institute is tailored for experienced administrators including teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, ministry of education officials, and others. The University of Montana in Missoula, MT will oversee and administer the three Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators under the unifying theme of “Liberty, Equality, and the American Dream.” All three Institutes will examine this topic through a different lens, capitalizing on the resources and culture of each location. The University of Montana (UM) in Missoula, MT will host one Institute for Teachers from approximately May 31 to July 5, 2020. The Institute will explore American studies through the lens of democracy and citizenship. The Institute for Training and Development (ITD) in Amherst, Massachusetts will host the second Institute for Teachers from June 6 to July 11, 2020. The Institute will explore the ways in which individual rights and social obligations have evolved through American history. California State University at Chico will host the Institute for Administrators from June 3 to July 9, 2020. Within the overarching shared theme, the Institute will focus on access and equity in U.S. education and society. All three Institutes will conclude with one-week study tours that end in Washington, D.C. Please, indicate which of the three institutes you are applying for in your application.
COSTS AND OTHER ESSENTIAL INFORMATION:
All participant costs will be covered. Participants may be asked to share living quarters during the residency portion (four weeks) of the Institute. Private room accommodations cannot be guaranteed. During the study tour (up to one week), participants may share a hotel room with a participant of the same gender. During the residency, housing will typically be in college or university owned housing. Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.
Applicants will be expected to participate fully in the program. They are expected to attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned readings. Family members and/or friends cannot accompany participants on any part of the program. Please note that teaching methodology and pedagogical methods will not be addressed formally in the institute. Applicants should be aware that they are applying for an intensive institute and there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program. The institute is not a research program.
APPLICANT DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Study of the U.S. Institutes are highly competitive. Priority will be given to candidates who have no prior or limited experience in the United States; and who have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties. Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly motivated and experienced secondary school teachers and administrators. Ideal candidates are individuals who are seeking to introduce or enhance aspects of U.S. studies into their curricula or to offer specialized seminars/workshops for education professionals in U.S. studies or related fields. English Language fluency is required.
Applicant Statement: In order to get a better sense of potential participants’ motivations and goals, the U.S. Embassy requests that each applicant provide a strong candidate statement that should convey why the participant is interested in participating in the particular Institute, what s/he expects to gain from the experience, and what s/he will bring to the program. In addition, candidate statements should describe the candidate’s capacity and plans to amplify the impact of the Institute beyond their own knowledge and research. Please observe the limit of 250 words.
In order to apply, please submit the completed Application Form (PDF 330 KB) and the Essay by December 14, 2019 via e-mail to:
SofiaEducationPrograms@state.gov
Interviews will be held mid-January, 2020.
