Jun. 8, 2009
Media Contact: James Greif, jgreif@gmu.edu 703-993-9118
George Mason University will host a Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders from China as part of a broader U.S. State Department program designed to promote a better understanding of the U.S. abroad and to help develop future world leaders. Mason has organized a program that includes the study of U.S. history, government, institutions, economy, society and culture. Approximately 30 student guests, selected from the best undergraduates in China, will also have the opportunity to experience the Washington area's vibrant economy, historic sites and cultural amenities.
A total of six institutes take place concurrently across the country. The purpose of the program is to expose the future leaders of China to the strength of American democracy and promote understanding between the two nations. The U.S. State Department is supplying the grant under the Fulbright-Hays Act with the purpose "to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries." Other institutions hosting similar student groups this year include: Green River Community College; Nazareth College; Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; University of Alabama, Huntsville; University of Arkansas, Fayetteville; and University of Minnesota.
Some other highlights of the Mason program will include a trip to a local courthouse to witness the American system of justice in operation and a series of lectures on American politics and governmental institutions by Mason professors Mark Rozell and Jeremy Mayer, assisted by other faculty members.
Administered by the Academy for Educational Development, this program was conceptualized by both the U.S. Department of State and the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This is a reciprocal program involving the exchange of thirty U.S. students and thirty Chinese students and is designed to strengthen mutual understanding and trust between young people of the two countries.
The Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders is designed by the Study of the U.S. Branch in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to promote a better understanding of the U.S. abroad and to help develop future world leaders. Institute participants are among the more than 40,000 academic and professional exchange program participants overseen annually by ECA. Other ECA programs include the Fulbright Program and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. For more information about ECA programs, visit http://exchanges.state.gov.
About George Mason University
Named the #1 national university to watch by U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in the heart of Northern Virginia's technology corridor near Washington, D.C., Mason prepares its students to succeed in the work force and meet the needs of the region and the world. With strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, dance, organizational psychology and health care, Mason students are routinely recognized with national and international scholarships. Mason professors conduct groundbreaking research in areas such as cancer, climate change, information technology and the biosciences, and Mason's Center for the Arts brings world-renowned artists, musicians and actors to its stage.
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