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Study of U.S. Institutes

Participants posing as a group outside of the Aces Baseball Stadium in Reno, ÁùºÏ±¦µä includes two programs designed and sponsored by the with funding provided by the U.S. Government. SUSIs are five-to-six-week academic programs designed for foreign undergraduate students between the ages of 18 and 25. These programs aim to promote a better understanding of American people and institutions, explore the diversity and culture of the United States and develop or expand curricula on the U.S. The Institutes include a four-week academic residency consisting of interactive classroom activities, discussions, lectures, readings, site visits and workshops; a one-week educational study tour to a different region of the United States; leadership skills-building activities; community service; and opportunities to interact with their American peers on a college campus. Each Institute includes approximately 20 participants from selected countries.

At the University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno, the Northern ÁùºÏ±¦µä International Center administers two different SUSI programs. The first is the John McCain Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders on the Rule of Law and Public Service, and the second is the Study of the U.S. Institute for Global Student Leaders on Climate Change and the Environment.

Prospective participants should contact the Public Affairs Section of their local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date information about 2024 and 2025 Institutes. U.S. Embassies manage the nomination of candidates, as well as organize participants' visa interviews and pre-departure orientations. In some countries, Fulbright Commissions may select candidates.

Explore leadership and public service in the U.S.

Discover how U.S. federalism and leadership can spark positive change in your community with the five-week John McCain Study of the U.S. Institutes on the Rule of Law and Public Service (SUSI McCain).

Email Sara Jones to sign up for SUSI McCain
Past participants in the SUSI McCain program holding their certificates of completion

John McCain’s study of the U.S. Institutes on the Rule of Law and Public Service (SUSI McCain)

Program dates: June 16-July 24, 2025
Contact: Sara Jones, Program Coordinator (susi@nnic.org)

Lead the fight against climate change

Apply for the Study of the U.S. Institutes for Global Student Leaders on Climate Change and the Environment (SUSI GSL) to join global student leaders in exploring solutions to climate change and learn how to make an impact in your home country.

Email Ryan Finnegan to sign up for SUSI GSL
Past participants in the SUSI GSL program posing at the Lake Tahoe campus

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Global Student Leaders, on Climate Change and the Environment (SUSI GSL)

Program dates: June 24-July 26, 2025
Contact: Ryan Finnegan, Program Coordinator (susi@nnic.org)

Get involved

University of ÁùºÏ±¦µä, Reno and Truckee Meadows Community College students can get involved in the SUSI program by applying to be a SUSI Ambassador. Ambassadors are a critical piece of the program and act as peer mentors, cultural liaisons, friends and student leaders. SUSI Ambassadors learn new skills, build their resume, make international friends, receive a stipend of $1,000 at the end of the program and have fun!

If you have questions about the Ambassador program, please contact one of the Program Coordinators, or you may email susi@nnic.org.

Learn more about becoming a SUSI ambassador