In July 2023, Anna-Maria Mandziy, a student of the Faculty of International Relations (OP “International Relations”) of Lviv University (specialization – “American Studies”) became the winner of the American government educational program SUSI (Studies of the U.S. Institutes for Student Leaders from Europe) from Ukraine. She also took part in an academic trip to the USA (Michigan State University). It is worth emphasizing that Anna-Maria became the fourth student of Lviv University in the last three years to win the competition. During 2021 and 2022, students of the “American Studies” specialization (Kateryna Anisova, Oleksandra Shapkina, Elizaveta Shevchenko) were also among the participants of the prestigious American government educational program.
After returning to Ukraine, Anna-Maria gladly shared her impressions of the trip to the USA and participation in the program:
“During June-July 2023, I had the chance to participate in the Study of the U.S. program. Institute for Student Leaders from Europe 2023, which became a unique opportunity for me to gain experience studying in the USA, learn more about the American way of life, compare it with the European one, and draw essential conclusions about American society and the main differences between Ukraine and the USA. The theme of my program was Civic Engagement.
If we talk about the program in more detail, it lasts five weeks. In total, it is divided into three parts: the opening of the program in Washington, and the academic part for four weeks at one of the partner universities of the program. In my case, it was Michigan State University, located in Lansing, Michigan. It all ended with a study trip to Atlanta, Georgia. The academic part of the program consisted of lectures and workshops related to the development of leadership skills, the study of American history and institutions, the influence of ethnicity and race on the formation of American society, and the like. However, classroom learning is only a tiny part of the program, as it includes many study visits to government institutions, community organizations, local initiatives, volunteering in local organizations, a trip to Detroit, Michigan, and much more.
Also, within the framework of the program, the main task was to create a Community Action Plan, that is, a final project, thanks to the implementation of which it would be possible to raise a particular problem that exists in the society of the country of origin, and thanks to specific actions, to influence the solution of this problem. In my final project, I decided to address the issue of the LGBTIQ+ community and their legal status in Ukraine.
First of all, it is worth noting that the academic part of the program and numerous study visits helped me realize that the understanding of the concept of “civic engagement” in Ukraine and the USA is different, as well as how Ukrainian and American societies are built and how people perceive social activism.
Twenty participants from 17 European countries took part in the program and, despite the experience of participating in international programs, I encountered certain problems and obstacles in communication with other program participants, in particular, due to the topic of the Russian war against Ukraine. It helped me to understand that we need to continue working on the image of Ukraine in the world and the dissemination of accurate information about the war, because the perception of the war and its future resolution, as well as of Russia as an aggressor country, is different among representatives of many European countries.
I can note that participation in this program is an excellent opportunity to experience the advantages and disadvantages of life in the USA and compare it with life in Europe because there are many differences. It is also worth remembering that the purpose of such programs funded by the US government is cultural diplomacy. Despite this, we managed to see not only the best aspects of this state but also to communicate with people who are critical of the American government and the state as such in general, as well as to hear different opinions and views on the place of the USA in the world and the future of this state. In addition, a catching aspect was the American approach to the study of history, in particular, the recognition of mistakes regarding the racial and ethnic policies of the American government in past centuries. Such experience was precious, especially for understanding American society from the inside and the problems it faces.
To summarize, it is worth noting that participation in SUSI 2023 was a valuable experience for me. It helped me expand my worldview and improve my understanding of the USA as a country from the inside, as well as the moods that prevail in American society. The important thing is that I managed to hear both positive and negative opinions, which, without a doubt, helped to form a more complete picture of what is happening in this state and on what principles it was built. Regarding the subject of the program, Civic Engagement, I am sure that the knowledge and experience I gained in the USA will help me in my activities in Ukraine.
In addition, I realized that Ukrainians should continue to actively spread information about the war and defend the interests of our state, as well as be prepared for the fact that the longer the Russian war against Ukraine continues, the more difficult it will be to maintain a positive attitude of the foreign public, and a vision of the future – completely pro-Ukrainian.
Last, but not least, is that the participants of this program are representatives of entirely different cultures and political and economic backgrounds, so it is a perfect opportunity to improve the skills of intercultural communication, find compromises, as well as learn to be a good ambassador of your country.”
Certificate. Summer Student Leadership Institutes from Europe (SUSI) is a five-week academic program for international undergraduate students aged 18 to 25, designed to develop leadership skills and deepen their understanding of US culture. The program involves attending interactive classes, discussions, lectures, and seminars for four weeks and a one-week study trip to another region of the USA. Attendees will be able to interact with local students and learn about campus life. From 20 to 25 finalists from different European countries participate in each project. All costs for SUSI program participants are covered by the US State Department.