Study of the U.S. Institutes

Civic Engagement
Hosted by: University of Alabama in Huntsville
Administered by: IREX
Program Dates: July 22, 2012 - September 3, 2012
Countries Hosted: Azerbaijan

The Study of the U.S. Institute on Civic Engagement provides Azerbaijani undergraduates with an academic program that includes an overview of U.S. history, government, and institutions while focusing on civic engagement in the United States.  The program explores civic engagement and the American pursuit of civil rights throughout U.S. history as well as in current events. The Institute includes one week of intensive English language training at the beginning of the program. Leadership skill-building, volunteer activities and U.S. home stays are also included in the program.
 

Comparative Public Policy for Pakistani Student Leaders
Hosted by: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 
Program Dates: June 29, 2012 – August 11, 2012
Country Hosted: Pakistan
 
The Study of the U.S. Institute on Comparative Public Policy for Pakistani Student Leaders brings Pakistani and American students together to explore the political, economic, historical, institutional, and cultural issues involved in providing security and services to their citizens. The Pakistani and American students have the opportunity to explore the broader themes of public policy through the narrower issue of food production and distribution and its relationship to hunger. Students examine case studies, conduct group research projects, and participate in community service activities.  The students also study the history and politics of their respective nations and use that knowledge to prepare a joint project on local elections.  Pakistani participants continue their studies in New York City, Boston, Charlottesville, VA, and Washington, D.C.

Global Environmental Issues
Hosted by: East-West Center, Hawaii
Program Dates: May 6, 2012 – June 10, 2012
Countries Hosted: Burma, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand
 
Hosted by: East-West Center, Hawaii
Program Dates: June 23, 2012 – July 28, 2012
Countries and Territories Hosted: Jordan, Palestinian Territories

Hosted by: University of Montana
Program Dates: July 1, 2012 – August 5, 2012
Countries Hosted: Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam

The Study of the U.S. Institute on Global Environmental Issues explores the role that environmental policy has played in the economic and political development of the United States. The Institute uses experiential learning techniques to expose participants to current themes in the field, including: natural resource management; sustainable development/sustainable agricultural practices; food security; ecotourism; new and traditional forms of energy generation and water management and treatment. Students explore the issues from numerous angles, including local grassroots activism and civic initiatives, market-oriented approaches, and federal government policies and regulation. The Institute examines the relationship between environmental security and national security and explores environmental issues in the context of a globalized society, drawing comparisons between the United States and the participants’ home countries.

New Media in Journalism
Hosted by: Ball State University, Indiana
Program Dates: June 24, 2012 – July 29, 2012
Countries Hosted: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines
 
Hosted by: University of Oklahoma
Program Dates: May 19, 2012 – June 21, 2012
Countries Hosted:  Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
 
Hosted by: Washington State University
Program Dates: June 16, 2012 – July 21, 2012
Countries and Territories Hosted: Bahrain, Iraq, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Yemen
 
The Study of the U.S. Institute on New Media in Journalism examines major topics in journalism, including the concepts of a free press, First Amendment rights, the media’s relationship to the public interest and media business models. Students examine all elements of journalism, including researching, writing, editing, and reporting with particular emphasis on new forms of media. The program underscores the impact of new technologies on journalism, and gives participants new skills such as editing photographs and videos online, using social networking sites like Twitter, and publishing personal blogs. Through the internship component of the program, students gain firsthand experience in the field of new media.  

Religious Pluralism in the United States
Hosted by: Dialogue Institute, Temple University, Pennsylvania
Program Dates: January 13, 2012 - February 17, 2012
Country Hosted: Indonesia

Hosted by: Dialogue Institute, Temple University, Pennsylvania
Program Dates: June 23, 2012 – July 28, 2012
Countries Hosted: Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia

The Study of the U.S. Institute on Religious Pluralism in the United States explores U.S. history, society, and institutions within the context of religious pluralism and interfaith dialogue. Topics include, but are not limited to, early religious traditions in the U.S.; the separation of church and state; immigration and the introduction of new religions in the U.S.; protection and representation of minority groups and religions; and interfaith dialogue and cooperation in a diverse and rapidly changing world. Participants meet with U.S. community leaders of different faiths who advocate for collaboration and tolerance among religious groups. Participants also examine the leadership role that religious officials play in their own societies and develop ideas for how they can work with leaders of similar or different faiths to bring about positive social change.

Social Entrepreneurship
Hosted by: University of Connecticut
Program Dates: June 23, 2012 - July 28, 2012
Countries Hosted: Turkey

Hosted by: University of Connecticut
Program Dates: July 23, 2012 –July 28, 2012
Countries Hosted: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia
 
Hosted by: University of Connecticut
Program Dates: July 23, 2012 – July 28, 2012
Countries Hosted: Cote D'Ivoire, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan
 
The Study of the U.S. Institute on Social Entrepreneurship provides participants with an overview of how to employ business techniques and entrepreneurial skills to address social issues. The Institute reviews the development, history, challenges, and successes of social enterprises and community leaders in the United States and around the world. Students examine topics such as microfinance; organizational development and management; grant writing; innovation; emerging markets and risk analysis; strategic business planning; corporate social responsibility; and women and minorities in entrepreneurship.

U.S. History and Government
Hosted by: Wheelock College
Administered by: George Mason University
Program Dates: January 6, 2012 – February 11, 2012
Countries Hosted: Argentina, Chile, Uruguay

Hosted by: George Mason University
Administered by: George Mason University
Program Dates: January 6, 2012 – February 11, 2012
Countries Hosted: Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay (conducted in Spanish)

Hosted by: North Carolina Central University
Administered by: George Mason University
Program Dates: January 6, 2012 – February 11, 2012
Countries Hosted: Brazil

Hosted by: Institute for Training and Development
Administered by: Institute for Training and Development
Program Dates: July 7, 2012 – August 11, 2012
Countries Hosted: Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama (conducted in Spanish)

Hosted by: St. Bonaventure University, New York
Administered by: Institute for Training and Development
Program Dates: July 7, 2012 – August 11, 2012
Countries Hosted: Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela

Hosted by: University of Arizona, Tucson
Administered by: Institute for Training and Development
Program Dates: July 7, 2012 – August 11, 2012
Countries Hosted: Guatemala, Mexico (conducted in Spanish)
 
The Study of the U.S. Institute on U.S. History and Government gives participants a deeper understanding of U.S. culture and society and broaden their leadership abilities. The programs focus on U.S. history and government and the evolution of U.S. society, culture, and values. Presentations, discussions and reflection engage participants, and cultural enrichment activities and regular interaction with their American peers stimulate participants’ interest in the United States. In addition, the Institutes offer leadership development, team building, collective problem-solving and communication skill building. The Institute also includes a robust community service component.  The three Institutes conducted in Spanish target participants from indigenous and minority communities.

Women’s Leadership
Hosted by: University of Kansas
Program Dates: January 14, 2012 – February 23, 2012
Countries Hosted: Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen

Hosted by: Green River Community College, Washington State
Program Dates: June 23, 2012 – July 29, 2012
Countries Hosted: Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan

Hosted by: Simmons College, Massachusetts
Program Dates: June 17, 2012 – July 21, 2012
Countries Hosted: Angola, Liberia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, South Sudan

Hosted by: St. Mary’s College, Indiana
Program Dates: June 17, 2012 – July 21, 2012
Countries Hosted: Burma, Egypt, Libya, Mongolia, and Tunisia

Hosted by: University of Kansas
Program Dates: June 12, 2012 – July 21, 2012
Countries Hosted: Afghanistan, Egypt, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Sudan

The Study of the U.S. Institute on Women's Leadership examines the history and participation of women in public life in the United States. The Institutes focus on two major areas: (1) Developing participants’ leadership skills in areas such as critical thinking, communication, decision-making and managerial abilities; and (2) Placing these abilities in the context of the history and participation of women in U.S. politics, economics, culture and society. The programs also examine women’s historical domestic progress toward equality in the United States, the current domestic successes and challenges to women in a variety of fields, and current challenges in global women’s issues.  Community service, mentorship, engaging with U.S. peers, and public policy discussions are also included in the Institutes.