The U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria is now accepting applications for six Summer 2015 Study of the U.S. Institutes for multinational groups of experienced university faculty, scholars, and other related professionals. The program will take place at various colleges, universities, and institutions throughout the United States over the course of six weeks beginning in or after June 2015.  Each Institute includes a four week academic residency component and up to two weeks of an integrated study tour.

Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars are intensive post-graduate level academic programs with integrated study tours whose purpose is to provide foreign university faculty and other scholars the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions.  The ultimate goal of these Institutes is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad.

This year institute themes are:

• Contemporary American Literature
• Journalism and Media
• Religious Pluralism in the United States
• U.S. Culture and Society
• U.S. Foreign Policy
• U.S. Political Thought

In order to apply, please submit the completed Application Form and the Essay by December 12, 2014 via e-mail to:

Vanya Ivanova
Cultural Affairs Assistant
Public Affairs Section
Tel: +359 2 937 5186
Email: ivanovaih@state.gov