Winter 2023 SUSI On Civic Engagement: Week 2 Recap

The Study of the US Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Civic Engagement includes 20 undergraduates from Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.

During the 5-week program, the group travels to Washington DC, and Seattle to study civic engagement and participate in volunteer activities, leadership workshops, and cultural excursions.

Program themes include civil rights, grassroots student activism, volunteerism, political leadership, citizen advocacy, and minority political engagement. Throughout the program, participants take part in intensive project planning seminars to prepare them to develop and lead projects that benefit their home communities.

This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by Meridian International Center and FIUTS. The 2023 program will run from January 10-February 10 in Seattle and from February 11-15 in D.C..

Take a look at the photo recap to see what the SUSIs were up to during their first week in Seattle here!

The SUSIs had a very eventful second week in Seattle. Tuesday started out with a class on Civic Engagement and Social Change, and ended with Mozambique giving their country presentation.

The next day, SUSIs attended a presentation from Committee for Children’s Director of International Partnerships Carolyn Hubbard. Committee for Children is a global nonprofit that works with educators, parents, policymakers, and partner organizations to deliver research-based programs, advocate for public policies, and provide leadership in their field. After Carolyn’s presentation, South African (2nd pic) and Botswanan (3rd pic) participants shared their country presentations.

That evening, FIUTS held the SUSI Roundtable! This event sparked a series of discussions on issues related to civic engagement and community development in Africa and around the world and was open to FIUTS students and community members.

Thursday included lunch at the Seattle Center Armory and a private tour of the Gates Foundation at the Discovery Center!

A visit to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without the Space Needle!!

After their eventful week, SUSIs headed off to their homestays for the weekend! Thank you to the incredible hosts for volunteering their time and energy and participating in our homestay program. Stay tuned for pictures coming in next week’s recap!