Announcement of the 2009 Student Leaders' Study in the United States Program

The Public Affairs Section (PAS), U.S. Embassy Hanoi, is seeking candidates for the 2009 Study in the United States (SUSI) Student Leadership Program.

First- to third-year undergraduate students from Vietnamese universities who demonstrate leadership through academic performance, community involvement and extracurricular activities, and have a good command of English, are invited to apply. Eight full scholarships will be available for Vietnamese students. Deadline for applications: 5:00 p.m., Monday, January 19, 2009.

Program Overview

The Study of the United States for Student Leaders program 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 program includes seminars, case studies, group presentations, and lectures, all in a structured way. In addition to classroom activities, the program includes study tours and field trips to various locations in the United States and opportunities for volunteering.

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 Myanmar, Cambodia and Vietnam will be held for five weeks, from June 28 to August 2, 2009, including four weeks of coursework and one week of study in the United States, including a three-day program finale in Washington, DC.

Candidate criteria

The program selects candidates on a competitive basis based on their potential to become a student leader through academic performance, community involvement, and extracurricular activities, regardless of field of study, ethnicity, religion, or gender. Applicants who meet at least the following criteria may apply to the program:

- Be a first, second or third year full-time university student;

- Under 25 years old;

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

- Demonstrate leadership qualities and promise in school and community activities;

- Have a serious purpose in studying 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 studied or traveled in the United States or any other country;

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

- Desire and ability to engage in a busy program of research, engagement and social activities;

- Get used to school life, be willing to work in groups and be able to adjust to new culture and social customs.

Sign up

Qualified candidates are requested to complete the application form in English (attached) and send it to pas.culture@gmail.com by 5pm, Monday, January 19, 2009. In addition, the original of this application form together with copies of the accompanying diplomas and certificates should be sent to the following address before the deadline above:

American Studies Program
Department of Culture and Information
US Embassy
7 Lang Ha, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Applications submitted after the above deadline will not be considered.