Summer 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Secondary Educators
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Secondary Educators are intensive post-graduate level academic programs for foreign secondary school educators and administrators. The overall program goals are to strengthen curricula; provide educators and administrators with resources to teach about the United States in secondary schools and other academic institutions upon their return home; and ensure that the United States is the preferred partner for educational exchanges and training opportunities.
SUSIs for Secondary Educators will take place at various academic institutions throughout the United States over the course of five weeks in summer 2026 with rigorous, dedicated America250 program content promoting American excellence and innovation. Each Institute will include a one-week integrated academic field experience in the United States. The program will begin between late-May and early-June 2026; exact dates will be communicated in spring 2026.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The SUSIs will provide three multinational groups of 20 experienced secondary school educators (including secondary school teachers, administrators, teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, Ministry of Education officials, and others) with a deeper understanding of U.S. society and institutions, U.S. history, and American excellence, informing and enhancing teaching about the United States. The Institutes focus on providing content and materials for participants to develop curricula about the United States, including key readings on American historical documents and visiting U.S. historical and natural landmarks celebrating America’s great legacies. Two of the Institutes are tailored for secondary school teachers. The third Institute is tailored for experienced administrators, including teacher trainers, curriculum developers, textbook writers, Ministry of Education officials, and others. Please note that the SUSIs for Secondary Educators focus on content and materials about the United States, rather than teaching methods and pedagogy.
Through a combination of traditional, multi-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary approaches, Institutes will examine rigorous, dedicated America250 program content promoting American excellence and innovation. The four-week academic residencies will take place at U.S. educational institutions and will consist of a series of lectures, panels, seminar discussions, readings, workshops, site visits, meetings with practitioners in the field, and cultural activities. The academic field experience will complement the residency and take participants to a different region of the United States. The program provides secondary educators with resources to teach American history upon their return home, promoting a deeper understanding of America’s founding principles, history, and achievements that celebrate America250 themes. Participants will learn from content related to patriotic education; key readings such as the Gettysburg Address and the American Constitution; and visiting U.S. historical and natural landmarks celebrating America’s great legacies. The program will offer multiple opportunities for follow-on engagement.
The Institutes for teachers will be held at the University of Montana (UM) in Missoula, and the Institute for Training and Development (ITD) in Amherst, Massachusetts. California State University, Chico, will conduct the Institute for administrators.
CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
SUSIs for Secondary Educators are merit-based and highly competitive. Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update, or develop courses and/or educational materials with a U.S. studies focus or component; who have limited or no prior experience in the United States; and who have a special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past accomplishments and professional duties.
Specific requirements:
Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly motivated, and experienced secondary school teachers and administrators.
Candidates come from home institutions seeking to introduce aspects of U.S. studies into their curricula, develop new courses in the Institute subject, enhance and update existing courses on the United States, or offer specialized seminars/workshops for professionals in U.S. studies areas related to the program theme. While the nominees’ scholarly and professional credentials are an important consideration, the potential impact and multiplier effect from their participation in the Institute is equally important. Ideal candidates will seek to learn about U.S. studies, with an understanding that pedagogy/teaching methods is not the focus of the program.
Candidates must demonstrate English language fluency. Institutes are rigorous and demanding academic programs conducted entirely in English. Participants will be expected to read and comprehend substantial written materials and assignments in English and to fully and actively participate in all seminar and panel discussions. English fluency is vital to a successful experience in the Institute and fosters a cohesive and interactive group.
Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program within a campus, with an active program schedule and limited time for individual pursuits. Applicants should be made aware that the program schedule and syllabus are designed for the group, and that sessions will not be customized to their individual interests.
Candidates must be willing to respectfully engage with fellow participants representing different backgrounds and points of view.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible for these programs.
OTHER ESSENTIAL PROGRAM INFORMATION:
All participant costs are covered by the program, including travel allowances, domestic/international travel, and ground transportation; book, cultural, mailing, and incidental allowances; housing and subsistence; and health insurance (within set limits).
This is an intensive and rigorous academic program. All participants are expected to fully participate in all aspects of the program. The Institute is not a research program. Participants must attend all lectures, engage in all required organized activities, and complete all assignments. Due to the intensive nature of the program, participants should not expect to fulfill professional or academic obligations, including remote work for jobs while in the United States. Family members and/or friends may not accompany participants on any part of the program.
Violations of program rules, the Institute rules, or local, state, or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.
How to Apply:
Please fill out the Application Form and submit it to BelgradeEL@state.gov
Deadline for submitting your application is January 14, 2026. Qualified candidates will be contacted by the Embassy for an interview by the end of January 2026.
Should you have any questions, please contact BelgradeEL@state.gov.