FULBRIGHT COMMISSION: 2013 US Summer Institutes applications now open

Opportunities for students to study social entrepreneurship or environmental stewardship in the US during the summer

Applications for the 2013 US Summer Institutes are now open!

The US-UK Fulbright Commission and US Department of State are delighted announce the return of the US Summer Institutes for British students.

We have two new and exciting study abroad summer programmes running in 2013 for students with a passion for business or the environment and the desire to experience another culture first-hand: the Summer Institute on Social Entrepreneurship and the Summer Institute on Environmental Stewardship. The Institutes are open to students in all courses of study. We will accept applications from current university students and those beginning university in autumn 2013. We are looking for candidates who have a keen interest in the topics offered by the Institutes but they do not necessarily need to have had previous experience in the subject matter.

The Fulbright US Summer Institute on Social Entrepreneurship will offer participants a five-week programme based at a US higher education institution. Participants in the Institute will examine social entrepreneurship in the United States, including the development, history, challenges, and successes of U.S. social enterprises.  The Institute will give participants a foundation in how to employ entrepreneurial skills to address social issues and will provide opportunities to meet with American local community leaders.  The Institute may address topics such as business ethics, negotiations, emerging markets and risk analysis, microfinance, corporate social responsibility, strategic business planning and innovation, and women and minorities in entrepreneurship.

The Fulbright US Summer Institute on Environmental Stewardship will explore current themes in environmental studies, which may include natural resource management, sustainable development/sustainable agricultural practices, food security, ecotourism, energy generation (new and traditional forms), and water management and treatment.  The issues will be explored from numerous angles: local grassroots activism and civic initiatives, market-oriented approaches, and federal government policies and regulation.  The Institute might also examine the relationship between environmental security and national security.  In addition, the Institute will explore environmental issues in the context of a globalized society, and will draw comparisons between the United States and the participants’ home countries.  We expect the Institute on Environmental Stewardship to provide opportunities for participants to engage with policy makers, individuals in technical positions, community representatives, indigenous leaders, and other key actors committed to the protection and management of the environment. 

In addition to the academic focus of each Institute, the Summer Institutes are intended to introduce European students to US culture and society. The Institutes will include cultural activities that allow students to become familiar with their American host community.

UK participants will be joined by other young European participants from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Spain and Sweden.

The Summer Institute will cover all participant costs including round-trip airfare from the UK to the US; tuition and fees at the host university; accommodation and meals; a small daily allowance; health and accident insurance; a small book allowance; and, visa processing.

Individuals from a broad range of ethnic, religious, geographic, and socio-economic backgrounds are encouraged to apply

Full application details are available from http://www.fulbright.org.uk/fulbright-awards/exchanges-to-the-usa/undergraduates/us-summer-institutes

The deadline for applications is 5pm, Friday 15 February 2013.

Students with questions about the programme should email:

programmes@fulbright.org.uk