What degree of English proficiency should a candidate have? All participants must be fully proficient in English. They will need to fully understand lectures, actively participate in discussions, and read and write assignments in English throughout the Institute.
To what extent do the SUSIs for Secondary Educators 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 rather than U.S. content may wish to apply for the Teaching Excellence in Achievement (TEA) program.
Can a candidate who is a dual citizen of the United States 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.
Can I apply if I am not a citizen of Cameroon? Yes. Study of the U.S. Institutes are multi-country group programs designed to further mutual understanding between U.S. citizens and people of other countries. Citizens and permanent residents of Cameroon are eligible. Temporary or transient residents will NOT be considered.
I have been to the United States before. Am I eligible to be nominated for Study of the U.S. Institutes? Yes. Nominees with minimal experience in the United States may be considered for the program. However, priority will be given to nominees with no previous experience in the United States.
Can family members of U.S. embassy and Fulbright commission employees apply for the program? Immediate family members of U.S. embassy and Fulbright commission employees are ineligible for this program. U.S. embassy and Fulbright commission employees themselves are also ineligible.
How much free time will a participant have during the program? There will be some free time during the program. However, nominees MUST understand that this is an intensive academic program and that they are expected to fully participate in all lectures, activities, site visits, and scheduled events.
Will participants have time to visit relatives or friends that may live in the United States during the program? Participants will NOT be allowed to leave the Institute to visit relatives or friends. Occasionally it is possible for a relative or friend to visit the participant on a specific day designated during the Institute, if the schedule permits. These situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the ECA program officer and the implementing partners.
Can a participant miss one part or component of the Institute? All participants are expected to participate in all scheduled lectures, events, site visits, trips, and activities.
How much money will participants need to bring for the program? The Study of the U.S. Institutes cover all basic costs of an individual’s participation including transportation, lodging, and meals. Generally, the Institutes provide meals through a combination of a cafeteria meal plan, a pre-loaded debit card for use at local restaurants, and/or a cash allowance for participants to purchase food for cooking. Information on housing and meal arrangements will be provided by the implementing approximately six weeks prior to the start of the Institute. Other than the meal stipend mentioned above, participants should not expect to receive any spending money from the Institute. Participants should bring their own spending money if they wish to purchase souvenirs or other items during their time in the United States.
I participated in the English Access Microscholarship Program. Can I participate in this Institute? Yes.
Is SUSI able to fully accommodate participants with disabilities? The Study of the U.S. Branch welcomes nominations for individuals with disabilities. We are committed to working with our partners to arrange reasonable accommodations for all participants. We ask that you identify disabilities during the application process so that we can begin working with our partners to ensure appropriate accommodations.