Now in Action: The Winter 2026 SUSI Ambassador Cohort

SUSI Southern Africa: Winter 2026 Ambassador Program (In Progress)

The Winter 2026 Study of the US Institute (SUSI) on Civic Engagement is officially underway! Having launched on January 12th, our cohort of Ambassadors and Southern African exchange students are currently engaged in a month of cross-cultural leadership and community building.

While the program is ongoing, we are excited to share the schedule of events currently taking place. Our Ambassadors, local college students and recent alumni are serving as cultural liaisons, peer mentors, and leaders throughout this exchange.

Active Program Schedule

Ambassadors are currently participating in 1-2 events per week. If you are a current participant, please note the upcoming dates:

  • Wednesday, Jan 21st (Today!) | 3:00 - 5:00 pm: Workshop on Cross-cultural dialogue & introductions (FIUTS office)

  • Wednesday, Jan 21st (Tonight!) | 5:30 - 7:00 pm: Networking mixer with SUSI participants and community members (U District brewery)

  • Monday, Jan 26th | 5:30 - 7:30 pm: Bowling and pizza with SUSI participants (UW HUB)

  • Wednesday, Jan 28th | 5:30 - 7:30 pm: Roundtable Discussions on Civic Engagement (UW HUB)

  • Sunday, Feb 1st | 1:00 - 5:30 pm: Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) & Bainbridge Island ferry trip

  • Sunday, Feb 8th | 4:30 - 7:00 pm: Final Farewell Dinner

Note: In addition to the schedule above, each Ambassador is currently organizing an independent "buddy" event with their matched SUSI participants.

About the FIUTS Ambassador Experience

The FIUTS Ambassador Program offers a unique opportunity for high school and university students around Seattle to connect with international participants for cross-cultural friendship, learning, and growth.

As an integral part of FIUTS visiting programs, Ambassadors receive hands-on experience in:

  • Citizen Diplomacy: Acting as a local guide and cultural bridge.

  • Leadership & Planning: Coordinating peer-led activities and workshops.

  • Global Networking: Building lifelong friendships with student leaders from around the world.

Whether through scavenger hunts, city trekking, or deep-dive discussions on civic issues, Ambassadors help fulfill the FIUTS mission to inspire cross-cultural understanding in the Puget Sound region.

Interested in future cohorts? While the January–February 2026 SUSI Southern Africa program is currently in session, we welcome students of all ages to keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities. There is no cost to participate, and students can earn service hours toward graduation requirements.

Please note that the FIUTS Ambassador program is only for students who are currently attending (or recent alumni) a high school, college, or university in the Seattle area. It is not a travel program. For information on how to apply for programs that will allow you to travel to the U.S. on an international exchange program, please contact your home university or local U.S. Embassy; FIUTS does not handle applications for these programs.

Not attending one of the required events does not disqualify an applicant from participating as an ambassador.

You can sign up to be an Ambassador and receive regular updates about the program or fill out the interest form below.

For more information about the Ambassador program or general interest in future opportunities, fill out the form below or contact Olena Vlasova at olena@fiuts.org, FIUTS’ Manager of Education Programs. This form is only for students who are currently attending, or have recently graduated from, Seattle-area high schools, colleges, and universities. If you are an international student hoping to travel to the U.S., please do not fill out this form.

View fullsize Meet these brilliant young leaders from Brazil, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Russia, and Tunisia TONIGHT (Thurs 11/3) at the FIUTS Roundtable Discussions. ALL are welcome, 5:30-7:30pm in the HUB on the UW campus, room 145. Learn more & register at
View fullsize They're FINALLY here! Want to meet them? You should, because they're amazing 😊 Come to the Roundtable Discussions tomorrow evening (Thurs 11/3) 5:30-7:30pm in HUB 145 to get to know our SUSI students from Brazil, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Russia, a
View fullsize Did you miss the last FIUTS Roundtable Discussions? Never fear, we've got another one coming up this Thursday, 11/3 where you can meet visiting students from all around the world! This event is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be pr
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View fullsize Are you really busy, but still want to connect with students in other countries? We've got a new, short-but-impactful opportunity to become a FIUTS Ambassador! Learn more and sign up at www.fiuts.org/ehime-medicineSign up at the link in our bio.
View fullsize Only four days left until the Roundtable on Civic Engagement in Africa with these incredible young leaders. All are welcome! Register for free to join the conversation at the link in our bio.
View fullsize We've had enough of Zoom - come meet SUSI Civic Engagement 2022 participants IN PERSON! Join our Roundtable Discussions on Civic Engagement in Africa on Mon. Oct. 17, 6-8pm in HUB 145 on the UW campus. All are welcome! Registration link in bio.
View fullsize Application Deadline Extended! Are you a Seattle-area college or university student (or recent alum) interested in meeting visiting students from Angola, Botswana, Mali, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe next week? Apply to be a FIUTS Ambassador
“The program expanded my cultural understanding and broke stereotypes that I’ve assumed over the years! Talking and chatting with the participants was such a privilege and the program really showcased what different perspectives had to offer. ”
— PAYLP Ambassador 2023