All participants are expected to participate fully in the program.  Candidates should be made aware that they are applying for an intensive program and there will be little time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.  The Institute is not a research program.  Participants must attend all lectures and organized activities and complete assigned readings.  Family members and/or friends may not accompany participants on any part of the program.  If the program is conducted virtually, the same participation requirements apply.  Note that Institute curriculum will not formally address teaching methodology and pedagogical methods.

1. Mongolian citizens currently living in Mongolia;
2. Candidates should be mid-career, typically between the ages of 30-50, highly motivated, experienced scholars and professionals generally from institutions of higher education or research-focused organizations (not-for-profits, think tanks, etc.)  While the educational level of participants will likely vary, most should have graduate degrees and have substantial knowledge of the thematic area of the Institute or a related field;
3. Ideal candidates are individuals whose home institution is seeking to introduce aspects of U.S. studies into its curricula, to develop new courses in the subject of the Institute, to enhance and update existing courses on the United States, or to offer specialized seminars/workshops for professionals in U.S. studies areas related to the program theme.  While the nominee’s scholarly and professional credentials are an important consideration, the potential impact and multiplier effect from their participation in the Institute is equally important.  Ideal candidates will have little or no prior experience living or visiting in the United States;
4. Candidates must demonstrate English language fluency.  Institutes are rigorous and demanding academic programs conducted entirely in English.  Participants will be expected to read and comprehend substantial written materials and assignments in English and to participate in all seminar and panel discussions fully and actively.  English fluency is vital to a successful experience in the Institute, for participants as individuals and to foster a cohesive and interactive group.
5. Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program.
6. Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied. However, while Institute staff will make available special accommodations to the greatest extend possible, scholars must be reminded that full participation in all Institute activities is still expected.  Should a participant need to quarantine due to positive COVID-19 test results, accommodations will follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) and host institution guidelines.
7. Violations of program rules, U.S. host institution rules, or U.S. local, state or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program.
8. Participants should have access to a computer and a stable internet connection for virtual pre-departure orientation sessions.  If a participant does not have a computer or adequate internet access, the University of Montana (UM) will work with the participant to facilitate access on an as-needed basis.
9. U.S. citizens and permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible for these programs.

1. Travel Arrangements: For all Institutes, the implementing partner (UM) will arrange and pay for international and visa travel.  The host institution will provide each participant with a small travel allowance.  In all Institutes, the host institutions will cover the cost of any travel within the United States during the program.
2. Housing and Meal Arrangements: When possible, each participant will have a private room with a shared bathroom during the residency portion (four weeks) of the Institute.  However, private room accommodations are not guaranteed.  During the study tour (up to two weeks), participants will likely share a hotel room with another participant of the same gender.  During the residency, housing will typically be in college or university owned housing.  Most meals will be provided at campus facilities, though participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.
3. Health Benefits: All participants will receive the Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefit, which provides coverage of up to $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and a $75 co-pay per emergency room visit, for the duration of the program.  Pre-existing conditions may be covered up to $100,000, subject to policy exclusions and limitations.  COVID-19 is treated like any other illness under the ASPE policy.  Information on the health benefit program may be found online at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos.

To apply for the SUSI for Scholar’s program, prospective applicants are required to follow the steps below:

• Fill out and submit SUSI application form
• Submit the completed application via email to Alumni@usembassy.mn

Things to remember when filling out an application:

• Read the announcement carefully in full;
• Application must be completed in English in electronic format;
• Applicants must answer all questions in the application form. Incomplete applications will be deemed technically ineligible. No questions can be left blank. Put N/A if not applicable;
• Application must be typed. Hand-written applications will be disqualified;
• Essays must be your own work reflecting your original thought. Other people’s works/ideas used anywhere in the application must be properly noted;
• Please note any word or character limit for essay portions of the application and give your answers within the limit.

All U.S. Government scholarship programs are merit-based. Although we take into account special circumstances of candidates such as disability, disadvantaged background, or any other notable characteristics, final decision is made based on the candidate’s overall strength as represented by the application quality and interview. We also consider one’s ability to be a cultural ambassador and his/her ability and motivation to give back to the community.

Following are the main steps for selection for the SUSI program: Primary communication method with the prospective applicants is via email(s).

1. Technical Screening: This is the initial review to verify the completeness of the applications. During technical screening, we check to see two main things:
2. If applications and any required supplemental documents are complete;
3. If applicants meet all the eligibility requirements.
4. Application Review: After technical screening, all complete applications are then reviewed by an application review committee. During this process, each application gets to be reviewed by a minimum of three people.
5. Short List: Based on the recommendations of the application review committee, an interview short list is created. Candidates who are included in the short list are then invited for an in-person interview.
6. Interview: An interview panel consisting of representatives of the U.S. Embassy and program alumni interviews all short-listed candidates and select finalists to be nominated for the global competition.
7. Nomination: Finalists selected from the interview are then nominated by the embassy to SUSI Program Office in Washington D.C. where they will compete with nominations from embassies from around the world.
8. Final Selection: If selected from the global competition, the candidate is confirmed to participate in the program.

• October – November: Scholarship is announced through U.S. Embassy website and social media;
• November – January: Technical screening, application review and interview;
• March – April: Final selection results announced to the finalists;