SUSI on Women's Leadership
Study of the U.S. Institutes
on Women’s Leadership
The Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders, by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, are 5 to 6 week academic programs for international undergraduate students hosted by colleges and universities across the United States. These programs are designed to provide participants a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture and institutions through leadership training, civic engagement, domestic study tours and interactions with Americans of all walks of life.
The SUSI on Women’s Leadership (SUSI-WL) focuses on the history and participation of women in public life in the United States. In addition, participants: 1.) Develop leadership skills in areas such as critical thinking, communication, decision-making and managerial abilities; 2.) Place these abilities in the context of women’s engagement in U.S. politics, economics, culture and society; and 3.) Utilize the knowledge gained during the program to activate projects in their home communities.
As a part of the Women's Global Leadership Consortium, the University of Delaware is host to the SUSI-WL for participants from sub-Saharan Africa. Twenty participants annually engage in an academically grounded program that includes community service and cultural activities throughout Newark, Delaware and in nearby metropolitan areas. In addition to the Delaware-based experiences, study tours include trips to Atlanta, New York City, Lancaster, and Washington, D.C.
The University of Delaware has long been recognized as a leader in international education. It was an early pioneer in study abroad and now regularly hosts groups of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from abroad, providing them with creative programs blending academics and cultural enrichment.
This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by the University of Delaware.
Institute Staff
Our Location
The University of Delaware is an East Coast classic. Our location, midway between New York City and Washington, DC, allows participants access to meaningful connections, resources and opportunities. Delaware’s picture-perfect and ideal-sized campus is a walkable, historic space with grand architecture and a central green lawn (called “The Green”) for informal gathering and special events. Our home is the iconic college town of Newark, Delaware whose Main Street is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants. Together, these attributes create a secure and welcoming environment for all members of the University community.