The Return of the Scholars!

We were ecstatic to once again welcome the Study of the U.S. Institutes for Global Scholars on American Politics and Political Thought. It is a U.S. Department of State-sponsored program for mid-career foreign scholars, faculty, practitioners and educators designed to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions and improve the teaching about the United States in academic institutions abroad.

The seventeen scholars from as many countries were our first to land in the U.S. this summer and call Amherst their temporary home. They came from Argentina, Bangladesh, Chile, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Israel, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Turkey and Ukraine.

The capstone in Amherst was their presidential campaign simulations. They ended their U.S. experience with a study tour down the East Coast to New York City, Charlottesville, VA and Washington, DC. 

The APD group is unique not only due its multicultural makeup but also because of the spread of the ages of the participants. Their wealth of lived experiences made discussions both in and out of class deep, serious and entertaining. Academic session topics ranged from the foundation of American democracy, money's influence on politics, voting rights, the modern U.S. presidency, partisanship, reproductive rights, the Supreme Court, immigration, media policy, and more. We were so happy to host this program again after a break of a few years!

Entrepreneurship-minded students come for economic empowerment

We had our fourth Economic Empowerment program cohort from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. The participants represented a range of academic backgrounds including computer science, business, pharmacy, interior design and artificial intelligence. With that multitude of interests, they came together to learn the concepts, practices and realities of entrepreneurship.

Arguably the busiest of our three groups, they combined academic sessions, networking functions with local entrepreneurs, a business competition complete with selling at a local market.The group had weekly community service projects during which they donated their time and muscle to the farm at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, The Connecticut River Conservancy, The Kestrel Land Trust and the Not Bread Alone kitchen. The group took some time each week to reflect on all this activity by contributing to a group blog. The ended with capstone week in the Detroit area to experience another region of the US while attending site visits to places like the Ford Rouge Factory, Rocket Companies Headquarters, and Visit Detroit.

SUSI Pakistan brings energy and curiosity to Amherst again!

The Study of the U.S. Institutes on Comparative Public Policy for Pakistan has been run nearly continuously by Civic Initiative for the last 15 years. This summer, 20 undergraduate scholars from across Pakistan represented multiple areas of study, including medicine, engineering, literature, law, accounting, business, mathematics and more. The group’s academic sessions covered public policy issues including LGBTQ+ rights, leadership, artificial intelligence, mass incarceration, elections, the media landscape, race and bias, the environment, alternative policing and many more topics.

The theme of food insecurity connected several of their activities, including a presentation by the executive director of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Andrew Morehouse; volunteering at the food bank’s farm in Hadley, MA; learning about the Amherst Survival Center’s services for the local families and individuals in need; and serving food to clients at the Not Bread Alone soup kitchen. They also participated in a campaign simulation competition.

Each week in Amherst was capped with a blogging session to reflect on their experiences. The program entered the home stretch with a study tour of Boston, New York City, Gettysburg, PA and Washington, DC. The New York City experience included a tour of the United Nations by the Pakistani Mission to the UN as well as a formal function at the Consulate General of New York. The group also met Ambassador Masood Khan at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC.

Alumni Spotlight - Ghita Chaoui (Morocco)

Entrepreneurship & Economic Development - 2019

We caught up recently with Ghita who was kind enough to give us an update despite the huge workload at her hospital in the wake of the recent earthquake.

What have you been up to since the program?

A few months after the end of the SUSI program in July 2019, my journey took an unexpected turn with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This period proved to be both challenging and an opportunity for me to enhance the digital aspects of my startup and initiate several impactful endeavors during the pandemic.

My initiatives included:

1. 'Humans of COVID': This series of videos aimed to humanize the pandemic by highlighting the tremendous efforts made by doctors, nurses, and citizens involved in community initiatives.

2. 'COVISIONS': We organized live streams featuring international doctors and esteemed national experts to make scientific information accessible to the public and debunk misinformation.

3. 'Step Out Covid Support': We launched a three-day free program offering psychological support to frontline workers, followed by ongoing support sessions.

4. My team and I also introduced a new startup called 'Al-Hakeem,' a digital therapeutic education and follow-up program designed to help patients manage chronic diseases more effectively. Its launch is imminent.

In 2021, I secured an alumni grant from the US Embassy of Morocco for the launch of 'MED Days,' focusing on therapeutic education and doctor capacity building. It included a 'training of trainers' program for 30 doctors in therapeutic education of diabetic patients.

In 2022, I initiated a photography project aimed at documenting the human-centric experiences within hospitals, capturing poignant quotes from patients encountered in my daily practice.

What was the most influential experience you had while in the U.S. with the Civic Initiative?

I think one of the most influential experiences I had while in the U.S. with the Civic Initiative was our group project, "Yalla." Our project involved setting up a stand at the local market in Amherst, where we showcased cultural products and souvenirs to visitors. This initiative represented every aspect of the program and provided us with a platform to put our business and soft skills into practice. Working together as a group, we formed a strong union around a common goal, which involved market research, meticulous planning, joining forces, and focusing on what each of us excelled at. What made this experience truly unforgettable were the enriching conversations we had with the locals about our respective countries, cultures, and the program itself.

What do you miss most about your time in Amherst?

One thing that stands out is how much I miss SDT (Sigma Delta Tau sorority residence), a place that quickly became our home away from home. It allowed us to quickly break the ice and bond deeply. Every corner holds a special memory from unforgettable moments like our shark tank night, Becky's birthday celebration, and lively karaoke nights, to the countless hours spent in the basement working on our projects and engaging in beautiful conversations on SDT's porch. Lastly, etched in my heart is the memory of our post-work strolls through the picturesque Amherst during the golden hour, where the sky's breathtaking hues painted the trees in a mesmerizing palette of colors.

What is one piece of advice you would give to a person chosen to participate in this program?

One valuable practice I would recommend maintaining throughout your time in the program is journaling. It personally helped me a lot. The program can be incredibly intense and filled with experiences, which can sometimes become overwhelming. Journaling provides the chance to clarify your thoughts, express your emotions, and keep a record of your days. By the end of the program, you'll have a collection of documented memories and raw emotions that you can reflect upon.

Additionally, I'd strongly advise you to acquire a UMass souvenir, such as a sweater, during your time on campus. These items are unique and cannot be found elsewhere, and I still regret not buying one to this day.

What is next on your To-Do List?

I was selected recently for a prestigious hospital internship with Sorbonne University Hospital in Paris for three months. Right now, I am focusing on preparing for my upcoming thesis defense scheduled for just a few months from now. I would also be very happy to offer my mentorship to SUSI alumni or candidates if needed. I am grateful for the SUSI experience and truly willing to give back.

Staff Spotlight - Becky Howland

Director, Civic Initiative

What have you been up to since the last program left Amherst in 2023?

Since the end of this year’s summer programs, I have been at home in Pennsylvania, spending time with my wonderful husband, Arbab, my mom, and our two dogs. I love spending time gardening and working on different projects around the home. Our work with the Civic Initiative, although most evident in the summer, really takes place year-round. Most recently, we have been working on evaluations and reporting, as well as beginning to gear up for proposal writing for future programs.

What is your favorite Civic memory? 

I could never choose one; I have so many incredible memories through more than ten years with the Civic Initiative programs, between US-based programs and follow-on activities abroad. I honestly don’t think the question is fair. 😊 Something magical happens when you bring a diverse group of people together, away from home, and provide an environment for people to learn about a new place, each other, and themselves. It is uncomfortable, challenging, even painful. In this crucible, our perspectives change, the lens through which we view the world widens, and otherwise unlikely friendships are forged. Countless conversations and shared experiences have had an immeasurable impact on my life, shaping how I view the world, with openness and love.

What do you miss most about Civic during the non-program times? 

The dining hall… just kidding. It’s obviously the people. I genuinely enjoy the community that comes along with residential programs. I really am a people person; I love hosting people, meeting new people, listening, and learning from one another. The programs take a lot of energy to implement, but I find that the people give back far more energy that helps sustain us throughout the year. I really appreciate the friendships I have made through the years, and I wish I were better at maintaining communication. This is why I really love opportunities to partner together on projects, conduct follow-on activities, and hold reunions.

What advice would you give a first-time Civic staff on their first day?

This is unlike any job you have ever or likely will ever have.

1. Be open - This is a really unique immersive experience; you are essentially traveling without leaving home. Embrace the opportunity, listen, and learn from others. 
2. Food first and stay hydrated – Don’t forget to take care of yourself. The programs are short, but they are more akin to a marathon than a sprint; it’s easy to burn out if you aren’t taking care of yourself.
3. Keep your phone charged- Being able to communicate is critical. 
4. Care for each other- We are a team. It’s easy when things aren’t going smoothly to be critical or lay blame, but in the end, we are in this together.
5. Planning - Review the schedule in advance, what needs to happen, what is the weather, and who has the van keys.
6. Pivoting - You have to learn to roll with the punches. Sometimes, the plans need to change. We deal with a lot of moving parts; it is common for things to get derailed. We need to be able to adapt to an ever-changing environment.
7. Stay positive - When we need to deviate from the plan or conditions are not ideal, group morale can shift quickly, particularly if it seems like the mentors are upset. Try not to stress out or complain in front of the group; instead, stay calm and look for ways to shed a positive light on the situation and have fun.
8. Don’t fall prey to the tragedy of the commons – We all clean. We encourage the groups to take an active role in cleaning up after activities; however, in the end, it is our responsibility to ensure we are never leaving a mess for others on campus or in the community to clean up after us.
9. Have fun. – It’s important to balance work responsibilities and stress with fun and friendship. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we want you to take advantage of the experience.
10. If it hurts on the last day, you did it right.

What is next on your To-Do list?

Reflecting on the previous activities, reporting, and looking to new program opportunities.

Although I am most looking forward to onboarding our new international program manager next month.