SUSI Journalism and Media Program

About the Program

The Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Student Leaders from Europe, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by FHI 360, is designed to enable cohorts of undergraduate students from Europe to attend intensive cultural exchange and academic programs at U.S. host institutions. Due to the pandemic, in 2021 student participants engaged in a 3-week virtual program that included leadership development, volunteer activities, cultural interactions, classroom instruction, and active educational opportunities related to a range of topics. In 2022, the 2021 program continues with a 3-week onsite, in-person program.

SUSI — Journalism and Media at Washington State University provides participants with a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a free press in U.S. society. The Institute emphasizes the role of journalists in preventing disinformation and explores strategies for media literacy such as critical thinking. Academic sessions examine First Amendment rights, technology’s impact on journalism, editorial independence, journalistic ethics, legal constraints, civic and investigative journalism, and digital and social media. Finally, the Institute includes the basics of journalism tradecraft: researching, reporting, writing, and editing.

WSU’s program includes leadership and community service components that integrate academic study with practical learning opportunities and community engagement. Students gain a greater understanding of the United States as they explore the role and influence of key principles and values in American society, such as democracy, rule of law, individual rights, freedom of expression, equality, diversity, and tolerance. SUSI seeks to develop the participants’ leadership and collective problem-solving skills to inspire participants to apply these skills upon their return.

Who We Are

U.S. Department of State 
The SUSI program is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Staff work with U.S. embassies and Fulbright commissions across Europe to select the participants for each Institute.

FHI 360 
FHI 360, a D.C.-based nonprofit organization, administers the program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and the university partners.

Washington State University
Staff at WSU organize and manage the cultural and academic aspects of the program. They are also the main points of contact for students during their stay in the U.S.