Civic Summer 2024

We had another one of those summers with which many of you are all familiar!

(Click on the social media icons above to see images from the summer.)

American Political Development

The first group to arrive from all over the world was our cohort of the Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Global Scholars on American Politics and Political Thought. We call it "APD" based on the traditional name of this program's previous iteration.

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 eighteen scholars from as many countries came to us from Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Venezuela and Vietnam. Their program capstone were 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 cohort shared a special connection, with many strong bonds forming and lifelong friendships beginning. It’s been an incredible journey together, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.

SUSI Economic Empowerment

(Middle East/North Africa)

We had our fifth program cohort from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia and they were a great crew!

Arguably the busiest of our three groups, they combined academic sessions, networking with local entrepreneurs, and a selling competition at the Saturday farmer's market in downtown Amherst.

None of them will forget the "trial by fire" of the scavenger hunt on Day 1 when we sent them off in all directions to "collect" landmarks while learning how to use the transit system! What great spirits, leadership and teamwork!

The group also fulfilled their community service requirement with energy and enthusiasm. during which they got to dig in real American dirt at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts farm, support local families at Amherst Survival Center and serve food to the most needy of Amherst residents at the Not Bread Alone kitchen. Their experience with us also got them into Boston and to Detroit where they ended their five weeks in the U.S.

Since they've returned to their home countries, several have presented to hundreds of interested students about UMass and the US and provided tips on how to apply in the future.

Pakistan - Comparative Public Policymaking

The 20 undergraduate scholars from across Pakistan represented multiple parts of the country. We had a large number of minority groups represented which enriched several of our academic sessions focused on human rights. The group’s academic sessions covered public policy issues including LGBTQ+ rights, leadership (maybe the most popular!), artificial intelligence, mass incarceration, elections, the media landscape, race and bias, the environment, alternative policing and many more topics. Our session speakers were a nice balance of campus experts and community practitioners.

The group was invited to a Springfield-area home for dinner, singing and dancing with 60 people from the Pakistani-American community. They also visited Boston and spent multiple nights in New York City, and Richmond, Virginia saying their farewell to us in Washington DC.

Lastly, all of the Economic Empowerment and Pakistan Public Policy group members also had their turns staying overnight with Amherst-area families. The homestay program continues to be one of the most impactful experiences by getting off of campus and into local homes to see what it's really like to live in the U.S.

Alumni Spotlight - Winnie Rugutt (Kenya)

American Political Development - 2024

What have you been up to since the program?

After completing the SUSI program, I went back home to focus on achieving a major life goal: completing my Ph.D. studies. Earlier this year, I submitted my thesis for examination, and my defense was scheduled for early September, just a month after returning from the SUSI program. While I passed the defense, I can honestly say it was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to do. The SUSI Scholar program came at the perfect time, allowing me to recharge and return to my thesis defense feeling more relaxed and confident. It was truly one of the best things that happened to me before taking on such an intense academic milestone.

What was your most influential experience in the U.S. with the Civic Initiative?

Without a doubt, meeting people from all over the world was life-changing. What made it even more special was that everyone was incredibly smart, and I finally felt like I had met my “tribe.” Sharing a classroom with scholars who had such diverse perspectives on life and the world really expanded my view. Initially, I was excited to learn about the fascinating American political scene, but I had no idea how deeply I would fall in love with the people I met—both within the cohort and among the amazing support staff. The sense of community that the APD Initiative has built at UMass is one of the program’s greatest strengths. It felt like being in a bubble of knowledge, friendship, and mutual support.

What do you miss most about your time in Amherst?

I definitely miss the food at Worcester Commons Dining Hall! It was so good that, for a while, my jeans didn’t fit post-SUSI (but I’m glad to report I’m back to fitting into them now!). Beyond the food, I miss the friendships, the intellectual stimulation, and that carefree feeling of being immersed in such a vibrant environment.

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

Build strong networks. This program is a rare opportunity to connect with a global network of scholars and practitioners. Try to establish meaningful relationships with your fellow participants, the faculty, and the wonderful staff at the Civic Initiative. Immerse yourself completely in the experience—it’s definitely going to be unforgettable. Make the most of every conversation, every lecture, and every opportunity to share ideas. You’ll come out of it with not just knowledge, but lifelong connections.

What is next on your To-Do List?

I'm definitely planning to slow things down a bit. The past few years have been intense, juggling work, home, and school. Now, I'm looking forward to focusing on my growth as an academic and scholar. Before heading to the SUSI program, I applied for an activity grant, and I’m thrilled to share that we’ve been awarded the funding! This grant will support the think tank I lead at the University of Nairobi—Africa Center for the Study of the US. Our center is dedicated to fostering reflection and dialogue on U.S.-Africa relations. As part of the grant, I proposed hosting a series of seminars and a symposium to celebrate 60 years of US-Kenya diplomatic partnership. I’m excited about the opportunities this will bring and look forward to making a meaningful impact through these events.

Staff Spotlight - Deepika Singh

Balochistan (Mentor) - Summer 2017

Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (Mentor) - Fall 2017

Argentina (Co-Team Leader) - Summer 2019

What have you been up to since your last program Civic summer?

My last Civic program took place the summer after I graduated from college in 2019. Since then, I taught English in Cambodia for a year and farmed in Hawaii for six months before obtaining a J.D. at Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, I studied public international law broadly, with a special focus on human rights. I finally graduated this past May and am moving to Bangkok to work as an international human rights lawyer. I spend almost all my free time goofing off with my friends or visiting my parents and dog back home. I’ve been very lucky - it’s been a good life!

What is your favorite Civic memory? 

I always get emotional during closing ceremonies. They are a culmination of weeks of chaos and laughter. It’s special to see how close people can get to one another so quickly: once strangers and now fast friends! I feel fulfilled knowing that I got a chance to facilitate precious life-long bonds.

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

It is rare to have a job where you are compensated for activities you already do in your leisure. All the program dinners, barbecues, fireworks, parades, scavenger hunts – Civic hardly felt like work to me because it was just so fun. I feel connected to the other mentors I shared programs with. We’ve all been through so many ridiculous and unexpected Civic emergencies that all you can really do is laugh and laugh and laugh together. I know we’ll remember these experiences forever. I miss the participants the most. There is much to be learned by observing and talking to people who are socialized in different parts of the world from us. Now I can take out a map and look at so many countries with fondness, all because I know I have a Civic friend there. 

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

A level head goes a long way in Civic (and life at large). Participants are in a new country with dozens of strangers and will probably look to you for guidance and reassurance. Do your best to stay calm and present and remember that few things are ever as serious as they seem! And of course – savor every experience.

What is next on your To-Do list?

This year I’m completing a human rights fellowship in Thailand, where I will work to vindicate civil and political rights for Thai people subject to lese majeste laws. I hope to use this year to learn how to be the best lawyer I can be, while also experiencing a new, vibrant country. After that, I’ll probably settle down in the States somewhere. I’ve been so lucky to live in many wonderful countries in my 20s, and have learned so much about myself through solo travel. But, it’s honestly getting harder and harder to leave home! I’d love to establish myself back in the US upon returning from Thailand, continue practicing the craft of lawyering, and maybe start a family of my own. And of course on my to-do list: many good books to read, mountains to climb, and friends to spend time with!