About the Program

The Summer Institutes for Outstanding European Students are two five-week academic Institutes for undergraduate students that will be held in the United States in the summer of 2010.  The Department of State is pleased to work with Drexel University and Bentley University on these two programs. Participation is open to students from a broad range of ethnic, religious, geographic, and socio-economic backgrounds from Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.  All activities will be conducted in English. Please see the description for each Institute below.

The Institute at Drexel University will offer participants a program focused on the study of the United States.  Participants will learn about the history of the United States and study the key documents, important events, and people that have shaped the United States and the American character   Drexel’s location in the historic city of Philadelphia will allow participants to visit the sites pivotal to America’s birth as a country.  Students will have ample opportunities to refine their English, writing, and public communications skills and work in teams alongside American students on a public service project. This Institute will host 24 participants.

Bentley University will administer a program focused on entrepreneurship and leadership development.  Participants will learn about different forms of entrepreneurship, including social entrepreneurship, hear from young entrepreneurs, and build the skills necessary for leadership.  Public speaking and written communication will be key components of the program.  While entrepreneurship is typically identified in the business field, students in all fields of study are encouraged to apply.  This Institute will host 20 participants.

All program costs will be fully funded by the U.S. Department of State.  Participants will travel to the United States in mid-July (approximately July 16, 2010) and stay for five weeks.  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 the candidates for the Institute will be managed by the U.S-Norway Fulbright Foundation.

NB! The new application deadline is March 15st, 2010.  Participants will be announced in May 2009. 

For more information about how to apply: click here .

Eligibility Requirements

Both Institutes are open to students in all courses of study.  Individuals interested in participating must meet the following eligibility requirements.  Applicants must:

• be able to participate in the program in its entirety;
• have completed no more than two years of university study;
• have an adequate working knowledge of English;
• be committed to returning to their home university in the fall of 2009 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 Norway;
• 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.

All participants will be required to obtain a J-1 visa prior to traveling to the United States.  The U.S. Department of State will issue the relevant paperwork, and the Fulbright Commission will arrange the visa interview.

Financial Provisions

Those selected as participants in the 2010 Summer Institutes 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 book and educational materials allowance.

Application Information

Application forms are available in an electronic format. To request an application, please follow this link.  Along with the application form, applicants must submit their grades and/or transcripts, submit two letters of reference (in English) and a CV (in English).  Those selected as semi-finalists will be asked to attend an interview conducted in English.  Questions about the program should be directed to:
Sara Ullerø, Program Officer, U.S.-Norway Fulbright Foundation: sara@fulbright.no. Tlf: 22 01 40 11

A Program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State