American Studies Program for Student Leaders

The Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi is seeking candidates for the U.S. Studies in America (SUSI) Student Leader Program – Global Environment theme 2010.

First-year to third-year (or fourth-year in a five-year program) students at Vietnamese universities who are interested in environmental issues, demonstrate leadership skills through academic achievements, community contributions, and extracurricular activities, and possess strong English proficiency are eligible to apply. Eight full scholarships will be awarded to Vietnamese students. The application deadline is 5:00 PM on Monday, January 25, 2010. Applicants from the South (from Thua Thien Hue province southward) should contact the Cultural and Information Section of the U.S. Consulate General for further details.

Program Overview

The U.S. Studies Program for Student Leaders – Global Environment Theme – is an advanced study program designed to provide student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States and enhance their leadership skills. The program includes well-structured seminar discussions, literature reviews, group presentations, and lectures. In addition to classroom activities, the program offers study tours and field trips to various locations across the United States, as well as opportunities to participate in volunteer work.

The Global Environment research program will explore the role of environmental policy in the economic and political development of the United States. Experiential learning methods will be employed to help students understand areas such as natural resource management, sustainable development/sustainable agricultural practices, food security, ecotourism, energy production (traditional and new forms), and water management and treatment. These areas will be explored from a market-oriented perspective, focusing on federal policies and regulations. The program may investigate the relationship between environmental security and national security. Finally, the program may examine environmental issues within the context of a globalized society.

All expenses for participating in the program, including program organization costs, domestic and international travel, accommodation, learning materials, and other living expenses, will be covered by the U.S. Department of State.

This year's American Studies Program, for 20 student leaders from Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, will be held over five weeks, beginning in July 2010. It will include four weeks of coursework and one week of sightseeing in the United States, culminating in a three-day program conclusion in Washington, D.C.

Candidate requirements

The program selects candidates competitively based on their interest in environmental issues, potential to become student leaders through academic achievement, community contributions, and extracurricular activities. Applicants' fields of study can be diverse, including (but not limited to) Agriculture, Biology, Ecotourism, Engineering, Environmental Law, Environmental Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Sustainable Development, etc. Applicants who meet at least the following criteria may apply:

- Concerned about environmental issues

- Must be a full-time university student in their first, second, or third year (or fourth year of a 5-year program).

- Not older than 25 years old

- Commitment to return to school after completing the research program.

- Demonstrates leadership qualities and potential in school and community activities.

- There is a serious purpose to studying the United States.

- Having achieved excellent academic results, as evidenced by exam scores in various subjects, awards, and recommendations from teachers.

- Has participated in community and extracurricular activities.

- I have almost never studied or traveled in the United States or any other country.

- Mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, altruistic, insightful, and eager to learn.

- Desire to be able to participate in a busy program of research, sightseeing, and social activities.

- Familiar with school life, willing to live in groups, and able to adjust to new social cultures and customs.

Register to participate:

Eligible candidates should fill out the application form in English and submit it online at:http://sites.google.com/site/susistudentleaders/Before 5 PM on Monday, January 25, 2010. Additionally, please send the original of this application form along with copies of any accompanying diplomas and certificates to the following address before the above deadline:

- Candidates from the North (from Quang Tri province northward)

American Studies Program for Student Leaders
Department of Culture and Information
US Embassy
No. 7 Lang Ha Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Phone: 3850 5000/ext. 6034
Email: pas.culture@gmail.com

- Candidates from the South (from Thua Thien - Hue province southward)

The SUSI for Student Leaders Program
Public Affairs Section
US Consulate General
Saigon Center Building
65 Le Loi Street
Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: (84) (8) 3821-6400, ext. 105

Applications submitted after the aforementioned deadline will not be considered.