The Study of the United States Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders will begin accepting applications from September 5, 2025, for its 2026 program. The initiative targets undergraduate students interested in entrepreneurship and economic development. The five-week academic program will be conducted in English at the Institute for Training and Development (ITD) in Amherst, Massachusetts, from January 10 to February 14, 2026.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government or Fulbright commissions are not eligible to apply.
SUSI is designed as a short-term academic program that brings together undergraduate students from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay to deepen their understanding of leadership through various seminars and activities. The program hosts 20 participants and includes a four-week academic residency featuring seminar discussions, group presentations, lectures, site visits, cultural activities, and community service. It also features a one-week integrated academic field experience within the United States.
Participants in the SUSI on Entrepreneurship and Economic Development will learn about principles of entrepreneurship by examining U.S. business history and leadership both domestically and globally. Topics may include strategies for economic development, financial literacy, banking, microfinance, organizational management, innovation, emerging markets analysis, and strategic planning. Program elements involve visits to community organizations and development centers as well as travel to Boston, New York City, and Tucson.
Candidates should be highly motivated first- through third-year undergraduates who demonstrate leadership through academics or extracurricular activities. Fields of study can range across sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business or other professional areas.
Applicants must show proficiency in English; have an interest in entrepreneurship; be between ages 18-25; have at least one semester left after the program ends; commit to returning to their home universities; display strong leadership potential; maintain high academic achievement; show commitment to community service; have little or no prior international experience; possess qualities such as maturity and open-mindedness; be ready for intensive participation in all aspects of the program; and adjust to campus life with shared accommodations.
The SUSI program covers all participant costs including administration fees; international travel expenses including visas; domestic transportation within the U.S.; allowances for books and incidental expenses; housing arrangements—typically university dorms or hotels—and meals provided via meal plans or stipends for local dining options.
Participants receive health coverage through the Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE), which provides up to $100,000 coverage with set co-pays per visit during their stay in the United States (details available at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos).
Travel policies require that participants arrive no earlier than the start date nor remain beyond the end date of SUSI. Visits from relatives are subject to approval by host institutions on a case-by-case basis. All selected students must adhere strictly to program rules as violations may result in dismissal.
Applications require detailed completion of nomination forms including essays that play a significant role in candidate selection. Both virtual and in-person interviews will be conducted before final selection of five principal candidates plus two alternates.
Questions regarding applications from Uruguay should be directed to Marcela Serra at serramm@state.gov.