Deadline to apply: December 26, 2015.
The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Amman is pleased to announce the 2016 Study of the U.S. Institute for Secondary School Educators.
OVERVIEW: The Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Secondary Educators are intensive post-graduate academic programs with integrated study tours to provide foreign secondary educators and administrators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions. The goal is to strengthen curricula and enhance teaching about the United States in secondary schools and other academic institutions abroad. The five-week programs will be May through July 2015.
The Study of the U.S. Institute for Secondary Educators (Administrators) will provide a multinational group of 20 experienced administrators (including teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, ministry of education officials, and others) with a deeper understanding of U.S. society, education, and culture – past and present. The program’s theme, “Exploring Access and Equity in U.S. Education and Society” will focus on education, immigration, and civic engagement within U.S. society and culture. The Institute will include an intellectually rigorous academic residency component, meetings with regional educators and prominent community leaders, guided independent research, visits to topically relevant sites, a two-week study tour, and the completion of a research project. Pending final ECA grant approval, the Institute will be hosted by the California State University, Chico and will take place in early June through mid-July, 2016.
Priority is given to candidates with:
- firm plans to enhance, update, or develop courses/materials with a U.S. studies focus or component;
- limited or no prior experience in the United States; and
- special interest in the institute topic as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and duties.
Candidates should:
- be in their mid-career,
- be aged 30-50,
- be highly-motivated and experienced secondary school educators (teachers, trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, administrators, ministry officials, or other professionals with responsibility for secondary education).
- Have firm plans to enhance, update, or develop courses and/or educational materials with a U.S. studies focus
- Have the credentials and the potential to impact community;
- be able to demonstrate English Language proficiency; (Institutes are rigorous; participants are expected to read substantial assignments in English and actively participate in all discussions)
- be able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program and study tour;
- NOT be a U.S. Citizen;
- be eligible to receive United States J-1 visa.
OTHER ESSENTIAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
FUNDING: The U.S. Department of State will cover program costs, including air travel and ground transportation in the United States, as well as cultural, housing, subsistence, mailing, books, and incidental allowances.
HOUSING & MEALS: Participants may share living quarters during the four-week residency. Private rooms cannot be guaranteed. During the one week study tour, participants may share a hotel room with a participant of the same gender. Residency housing will 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 their own meals. The host institution will provide full details in pre-institute communications to participants at least six-weeks in advance. Care will be taken to ensure any special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied.
HEALTH: During the program, participants receive Department of State coverage up to $100,000 (with a $25 co-pay per medical visit). Pre-existing conditions are not covered. For more on health benefits, visit usdos.sevencorners.com.
REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS: All participants are expected to participate fully, attend all lectures and activities, and complete assigned readings. Family and/or friends cannot accompany participants on any part of the program. This is an intensive program, with little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
a. What degree of English proficiency is necessary? Participants must be fully proficient in English, so they can fully understand lectures, actively participate in discussions, and read and write assignments in English.
b. To what extent do the Institutes cover teaching methods and pedagogy? SUSIs for Secondary Educators focus primarily on content, materials, and education related to the United States. The Institutes for teachers typically include a handful of sessions on teaching methodologies; however these sessions are supplemental to the main focus of the Institute. Teachers more interested in teaching methods and pedagogy than content may wish to apply for the Teaching Excellence in Achievement (TEA) program or the International Leaders in Education Program (ILEP).
c. Can a nominee who is a dual citizen (U.S. and country of origin) participate in Study of the U.S. Institutes? No. U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are NOT eligible to participate in this program.
d. How much free time/time for independent research will a participant have during the program? There will be some free time during the program as well as some time designated for independent research. However, nominees MUST understand this is an intensive academic program and they are expected to participate in all lectures, activities, and scheduled events. Secondary Educators may, at their own expense, extend their stay in the U.S. after the close of their program to the extent allowed by visa regulations.
e. If a nominee has relatives in the United States, would he/she have time to see them? Because of the intensive nature of the Institutes, participants will NOT be able to leave the Institute to visit relatives or friends. Secondary Educators may, at their own expense, extend their stay in the United States after the close of their program to the extent allowed by visa regulations.
f. Can a relative travel and stay with the participant during the Institute? No. Relatives are NOT permitted to travel or stay with a participant during the program. There are no exceptions. Secondary Educators may, at their own expense, extend in the U.S. after the close of their program to the extent allowed by visa regulations.
g. Can a participant stay after the end of the Institute? Yes. Under the terms of their J-1 Visas, participants generally have up to 30 days at the end of the program to depart from the U.S. However, the participant must be aware that he/she is responsible for all arrangements and expenses after the end of the Institute and will no longer have U.S.- sponsored health benefits.
h. Can a participant miss one part or component of the Institute? No. All participants are expected to participate in all scheduled lectures, events, site visits, trips, and activities.
i. How much money will participants need to bring? The program covers all transportation, lodging, and meal costs. Participants will receive a stipend to purchase books and research materials. Participants should bring their own spending money if they wish to purchase souvenirs or other items.
To apply, please fill out the online form. Deadline to apply is: December 26, 2015.
For further information on the program, please do not hesitate to email us at: ammanexchanges@gmail.com.
