PRESS RELEASE: Meridian Launches “Study Of The U.S. Institutes (SUSI) For Student Leaders From Europe” In Partnership With Leading American Universities
Meridian proudly announces its recent award to implement the 2022 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for Student Leaders from Europe, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs.
The SUSI program builds students;’ understanding of the diversity of U.S. perspectives, values, cultures, and institutions; increases their professional skills and theoretical knowledge of Institute topics; and empowers them to become engaged leaders in their home communities.
On June 25, 2022, the SUSIs for Student Leaders from Europe program welcomed 60 outstanding undergraduate students from 33 European countries to the United States. In partnership with U.S. higher education institutions and non-governmental organizations, students will travel in cohorts of 20 to one of three academic Institutes for a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, and institutions. This year, the Institutes will focus on Civic Engagement, Environmental Issues, and Journalism & Media, as well as leadership development sessions to enhance their skills in community building and diplomacy.
The SUSIs for Student Leaders from Europe Consortium, along with the Meridian Center for Global Leadership, represents 75+ years of experience implementing State Department programs, including previous SUSI cohorts and education programs. The 2022 Consortium partners include:
- Visiting International Professional Program, Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan)
- Northern Nevada International Council, University of Nevada (Reno, Nevada)
- Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Arizona State University (Phoenix, Arizona)
The Institutes feature a four-week academic residency that includes community service activities, leadership development sessions, opportunities for interaction with American peers, and excursions of cultural and historical significance. The residencies are then followed by a Case Study Tour to a geographically and demographically diverse region of the United States, underscoring the above program themes and enriching the participants’ experience.
All participants convene in Washington, D.C., for a closing conference as they prepare to return to their home communities and transition to SUSI alumni.
Meridian and the SUSI Student Leaders from Europe Consortium believe in the potential for a more significant impact when leadership development programs target young leaders. Meridian programs have directly benefitted over 3,500 fellowship and exchange alumni, such as the SUSIs for Global Student Leaders Program (SUSIs GSL) and Pan African Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP), empowering students as “agents of change” in their home countries while inspiring at least as many U.S. youth and adults.
The Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by Meridian International Center.
