American Studies Program for Student Leaders

The Public Affairs Section (PAS), U.S. Embassy Hanoi is seeking candidates for the 2010 Study in the United States (SUSI) Student Leadership Program on Global Environment.

First- to third-year students (or fourth-year students of five-year programs) at Vietnamese universities who are interested in environmental issues, have leadership skills demonstrated through academic performance, community involvement, and extracurricular activities, and have good English skills can apply for the program. Eight full scholarships will be available for Vietnamese students. Application deadline: 5:00 p.m., Monday, January 25, 2010. Applicants from the South (from Thua Thien - Hue to the South) should contact the Cultural and Information Section, U.S. Consulate General for more information.

Program Overview

The Study of the United States for Student Leaders - Global Environment - is an advanced study program designed to provide student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States and to enhance their leadership skills. The study program includes seminars, case studies, group presentations, and lectures that are delivered in a structured manner. In addition to classroom activities, the program includes study tours and field trips to various locations in the United States and opportunities to participate in volunteer activities.

The Global Environment program will explore the role of environmental policy in the economic and political development of the United States. Experiential learning will be used to explore the areas of natural resource management, sustainable development/sustainable agricultural practices, food security, ecotourism, energy production (traditional and new forms), and water management and treatment. The areas will be explored in terms of markets, policies, and regulations at the federal level. The program may examine the relationship between environmental security and national security. Finally, the program may examine environmental issues in the context of a globalized society.

All costs of participation in the program, including program costs, domestic and international travel, accommodations, course materials, and other living expenses, will be covered by the U.S. Department of State.

This year's Study in the United States Program for 20 student leaders from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam will be held for five weeks, starting in July 2010, including four weeks of coursework and one week of sightseeing in the United States, including a three-day program wrap-up in Washington, DC.

Candidate criteria

The program selects candidates on a competitive basis based on their interest in environmental issues, potential for student leadership through academic performance, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. Applicants’ fields of study may 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 to the program:

- Concerned about environmental issues

- Be a first, second or third year full-time university student (or fourth year of a 5-year training program)

- Not over 25 years old

- Commitment to return to school after completing the research program

- Demonstrates leadership qualities and promise in school and community activities

- Have a serious purpose when studying about the United States

- Have excellent academic results, demonstrated by subject test scores, awards and recommendations from teachers

- Participated in community and extracurricular activities

- Almost never attended school 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, travel and social activities

- Familiar with school life, willing to work in groups and able to adjust to new culture and social customs

Register to participate:

Eligible candidates fill out the application form in English and submit online at:http://sites.google.com/site/susistudentleaders/before 5:00 p.m. Monday, January 25, 2010. In addition, the original of this application form together with copies of accompanying diplomas and certificates should be sent to the following address before the above deadline:

- Northern candidates (from Quang Tri to the North)

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

- Southern candidates (From Thua Thien - Hue to the South)

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 above deadline will not be considered.