Summer Institute for Outstanding European Students in Education
A program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State at the University of Alaska at Anchorage
About the Program
The Summer Institute for Outstanding European Students in Education is a program in the United States for university students who are focusing their studies in Education. The Institute program will offer several students from Germany the opportunity to learn about the United States and the American systems of primary, secondary, and higher education, join in community service activities, refine their English language skills, and interact with American students and fellow participants from Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Individuals from a broad range of ethnic, religious 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 at the University of Alaska in Anchorage, Alaska. There will be a total of 15 participants in the program. All will attend a meeting in Washington, DC, at the conclusion of the Institute. Recruitment and selection of candidates for the Institute will be managed by the German Fulbright Commission.
- Participants of the 2008 Summer Institute in Alaska - (from left to right) Thomas Balkamis, Tuyrak Vural, Christoph Schindler, Muhamet Idrizi und Karolin Pawelzik
The University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage is a public four-year university located in Alaska’s largest city. Over 20,000 students are enrolled in graduate and undergraduate programs on the Anchorage campus. The city of Anchorage provides a unique setting to study current issues in Education due to the city’s exponential growth over the last few years. Over 100 languages are spoken in the Anchorage School District.
Nicknamed “The Last Frontier,” the state of Alaska is home to spectacular wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the Alaskan countryside and participate in outdoor activities. A highlight for past Institute participants has been the trip to Mount McKinley, the tallest peak in North America at 6,194 meters.
Academic Component
The Institute will offer an academic component comprised of in-classroom activities, lectures and presentations by university faculty members, professionals and community leaders. Coursework will focus on the U.S. education systems of primary, secondary, and higher education and how they evolved, American pedagogical practices, U.S. education policy, and integration and diversity in American schools. Participants will interact with American counterparts and fellow participants from Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom in organized discussions, presentations, and other activities. In the academic component, participants will be introduced to important events and documents that have shaped the United States.
English Language Component
Participants who could benefit from English language instruction or an English language “refresher” will be able to join small groups 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.
- German students at a field trip with program participants from Spain, United Kingdom and France
Educational Travel
Participants will travel to local museums, historical and cultural sites and other places of interest to learn more about their host city and its history. Travel outside of the local university area to other cities and regions will allow participants to experience the richness and diversity of American life and culture.
School Visits and Community Service
Institute participants will have the opportunity to visit local primary and secondary schools to observe the American classroom in action and interact with students and teachers. The Institute will also offer participants a chance to experience grassroots civic leadership through volunteer work with a community service organization.
Eligibility Requirements
The Summer Institute for Outstanding European Students in Education is open to students whose program of study is related to Education (“Lehramtsstudenten”).
Individuals interested in participating must meet the following eligibility requirements. Applicants must:
- be able to participate in the program in its entirety
- have completed two years of coursework in Education; (= 4 semesters of “Lehramt”-studies)
- have an adequate working knowledge of English
- be committed to returning to their home university in the fall of 2008 to continue their program, or to begin further education
- have a sustained 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
- be mature, responsible, independent, and open-minded
- and be willing and able to fully participate in an academically intensive program that includes community service
Financial Provisions
Those 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, DC, at the conclusion of the program
- 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 accordance with United States Government guidelines
- a small book and educational materials allowance
Application Procedure & Deadlines
Recruitment and selection of candidates for the Institute will be managed by the German-American Fulbright Commission. The application deadline is February 26, 2010. Awards will be announced in April 2010.
