Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Secondary Educators
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Secondary Educators are intensive short-term post-graduate level academic programs that provide foreign secondary school educators and administrators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the United States. 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.
SUSIs for Secondary Educators will take place at various academic institutions throughout the United States over the course of five weeks in summer 2025.
The SUSIs will provide three multinational groups of 20 experienced secondary school educators (including secondary school teachers, administrators, teacher trainers, curriculum developers and others) with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, education, and culture – past and present. The Institutes focus on providing content and materials for participants to develop high school level curricula about the United States.
SUSIs for Secondary Educators focus on content and materials about the United States, rather than teaching methods and pedagogy.
SUSIs offer three institutes on the following themes:
Exploring the concept of the «American Dream»;
Examining the nation's progress and future;
An administrator's institute covering topics such as equitable learning communities, the history of local indigenous peoples, and U.S. democracy.
The participants are expected to be mid-career secondary school teachers and administrators who wish to incorporate aspects of U.S. studies into their curricula and/or develop new courses in the Institute's subject area.
Candidates nominated for this program must:
be citizens of Belarus;
be proficient in English;
be interested in the Institute theme;
be mid-career professionals between 30 and 50 years of age who work in secondary education and whose students are approximately 14-18 years of age;
demonstrate motivation, professional achievements, and a strong interest in U.S. studies topics;
demonstrate a strong interest in enhancing, updating, or developing courses and educational materials with a U.S. studies focus or component;
have little or no prior experience living, working, or studying in the United States;
be open-minded, respectful, and able to engage with participants of diverse backgrounds and perspectives;
be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program, group activities, and educational travel; and,
be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to adjust cultural and social practices different from those of their home country.
Additional Information
Housing and Meal Arrangements
When possible, each participant will have a private room with a shared bathroom during the residency portion (four weeks) of the Institute. However, private accommodation is not guaranteed. During the study tour (one week), participants will likely share a hotel room with another participant of the same gender. During the residency, housing will typically be in college or university-owned housing or nearby hotels. Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.
Health Benefits
All participants receive the Department of State’s coverage of $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and $75 co-pay per emergency room visit for the duration of the program. Pre-existing conditions are not covered. Information on the health benefit program may be found here.
Program Requirements and Restrictions
Participants are expected to fully participate in the academic program. They should attend all lectures and organized activities, and complete assigned readings. Candidates should be aware that the Institute is very intensive and that there is little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.
English Language Ability
All candidates must be proficient in English so that they can actively participate in the academic program. Host institutions will consider that the level of comprehension and speaking ability of students may vary and will prepare lectures and discussions that meet the highest academic standards while using language appropriate for students where English is their second or third language.
Application process
The application season for this program is currently closed. If you have any questions about SUSIs for Secondary Educators, please contact American Councils for International Education at belarus@americancouncils.org
The selection of candidates for the SUSIs for Secondary Educators program is carried out by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belarus with support from American Councils for International Education.
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The program offers equal opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, native language, handicap or disability.
The SUSI program is open to all Belarusian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria irrespective of their current place of residence.