2008 SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR OUTSTANDING EUROPEAN STUDENTS
http://www.ccla.pt/eng/1.0apres/1.3.1noticia.php?op=c52f1bd66cc19d05628bd8bf27af3ad6 A Program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State
About the ProgramThe Summer Institute for Outstanding European Students is a five-week program for undergraduate students held in the United States that focuses on study of the United States, concepts of leadership from American perspectives, and civic engagement through academic coursework and participatory activities. The 2008 Institute program will offer two students from Portugal the opportunity to learn about the United States, to develop presentation skills, to join in community service activities, to refine English language skills, and to interact with American students and fellow participants from Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Individuals from a broad range of ethnic, religious, geographic, and socio-economic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Awards will cover all participant costs. All Institute activities will be conducted in English.
The Institute will be held July 13 – August 16, 2008, at two different American university campuses. The program and activities will be the same at both universities. All participants will attend a debriefing and evaluation session in Washington, D.C., at the conclusion of the Institute before returning to Europe. Recruitment and selection of candidates for the Institute will be managed by the Fulbright Commission in Portugal. The application deadline is April 9, 2008. Awards will be announced in May 2008.
Eligibility RequirementsIndividuals interested in participating in the Summer Institute for Outstanding European Students must meet the following eligibility requirements. The program is open to students in all courses of study. Applicants must:
* be able to participate in the program in its entirety;
* be 18 to 20 years of age;
* have an adequate working knowledge of English;
* be committed to returning to their home university in the fall of 2008 or to beginning higher or further education;
* have a high level of academic achievement, as indicated by academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
* have had little or no study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of Portugal;
* be mature, responsible, independent, and open-minded;
* and be willing and able to participate fully in the Institute academic program, including attending all sessions, completing all assignments, and contributing to classroom discussions.
Financial ProvisionsThose selected as participants in the 2008 Summer Institute will be provided with the following:
* round-trip airfare from home city to the host university in the United States, including a stop in Washington, D.C., at the conclusion of the program to participate in a debriefing session;
* visa sponsorship;
* tuition and fees at the host university;
* lodging and meals on the host university campus;
* a small daily allowance for incidental expenses;
* health and accident coverage in accord with United States Government guidelines; and
* a small book and educational materials allowance.
Application InformationApplication forms are available in an electronic format. To request an application, please email the Fulbright Commission at
studyusa@ccla.pt . Along with the application form, applicants must submit their grades and/or transcripts. Those selected as semi-finalists will be asked to submit two letters of reference and attend an interview conducted in English. Questions about the program should be directed to:
Ricardo Sequeira
Centro de Informação Fulbright
Edifício da Reitoria da Universidade de Lisboa
Alameda da Universidade, Cidade Universitária,
Campo Grande, 1649-004 Lisboa,
Phone: 217611130
e-mail:
studyusa@ccla.pt Summer Institute for Outstanding European Students
July 13 – August 16, 2008
Program DescriptionThe Summer Institute for Outstanding European Students is a five-week program that offers undergraduate students from Europe the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the United States through academic coursework and visits to historical and cultural sites. Participants will also explore the concept of civic engagement in the United States by participating in community service activities. Because all Institute activities will be conducted in English, participants will also have the chance to improve their English language skills. The Institute will be held July 13 – August 16, 2008, with groups at two American university campuses.
Academic Component: The Institute’s academic component is comprised of coursework especially designed for Institute participants, classroom activities--including lectures, discussions, and presentations by university faculty members and community leaders--and extracurricular assignments that complement classroom work. Participants will be introduced to important events, people, and documents that have shaped the United States and learn about American society and values. Coursework will also focus on skills that are important to leadership roles and responsibilities, such as public speaking, cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and debate. Participants will interact with American peers and fellow participants from Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom in organized activities.
English Language Component: All participants will have an opportunity to strengthen their English proficiency through organized activities during the program. Those who need more structured English language instruction or an English-language “refresher” will be required to attend small group or one-on-one tutorials. The tutorials will focus on speaking, writing, and/or reading English and will be held several times a week for the duration of the Institute. All finalists will sit for an English language assessment prior to departing for the United States. The assessment will be administered at no cost to the finalists.
Site Visits and Educational Travel: Participants will visit cultural and historical sites, civic organizations, local institutions and other places of interest to learn more about their host city and its history. These visits will complement classroom activities and showcase the roles that various organizations and institutions play in the community. Travel outside of the university area to other cities and regions will show participants the diversity of American life and culture.
Community Service: The Institute will offer participants a firsthand experience with civic engagement in action through volunteer work with a community not-for-profit organization. Participants will work together with American volunteers on a project that will benefit their host community.
Participant Profile: Awards will be made to individuals from a broad range of ethnic, religious, geographic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Participants must have an adequate working knowledge of English. Applicants should have strong academic credentials and a willingness to be involved in extracurricular activities. They must be mature, responsible, independent, thoughtful, and inquisitive, and able to adapt to new and different situations. They must agree to participate fully in the program, attend all sessions, be punctual, and meet all program deadlines. Participants are expected to be tolerant and open-minded about the program, presenters, and other participants.
Award Provisions: The Institute award will cover round-trip airfare from home city to the United States, tuition and fees at the host university, lodging and meals, a small daily allowance, health and accident insurance, and a small book allowance. Participants will be housed in their host university’s dormitory and with an American host family during a portion of the program. A debriefing and evaluation session for all participants will be held in Washington, D.C., at the conclusion of the program.
