U.S.A.-Z.
Internet Resources
Belgian students and teachers will find this web page an easy guide to internet resources that can help with school assignments and other projects on the United States.
Some documents are available in English only. Others are also available in French and Dutch language versions.
Here you'll find information about the American Education System and How to Study in the U.S., together with resources on the Constitution and the Electoral and Legal System of the United States, its History, Geography and Literature and much more.
If you still do not find what you are looking for, please send an email to ircbrussels@state.gov. Your feedback and suggestions are also most welcome.
GENERAL TOPICS
See You in the USA (May 2010)
Every year tens of millions of people do visit the United States. Some come to see the big cities or to explore the nation’s vast natural beauty. Others come to get an education, or to clinch a business deal. The U.S. government and the American people are
glad to receive these guests. The Department of State is working hard to speed and simplify the visa process, and citizens of the 36 countries in the Visa Waiver Program need not apply for a visa at all for business or pleasure visits of 90 days or fewer. Of all the reasons for visiting the United States, the best one is to meet people. They might lead you up a little-known hiking trail for an exceptional view of Austin, Texas. They might take you to the restaurant serving the best lobster roll in Maine. Or they might give you a memory of some small kindness that you can share at home. View PDF
USA Map with Facts in Brief (October 2007)
This brochure features a full-color map of the United States. It includes plenty of facts and statistics about the United States -- its government, geography, environment, sports and entertainment, the economy and employment, education, transportation, and population. View PDF
Snapshot USA (June 2006)
Type the phrase "United States" into the Google search engine and 3,370,000,000 listings come up on the computer screen. Clearly, there is no shortage of published content about this country. As we researched this issue of eJournal USA, however, we realized that a new publication, tailored to the current generation of young people from outside the United States, could fill a niche. Our title for this issue, "Snapshot USA," conveys this approach. We offer some fundamental facts and build on these to describe a little of how Americans think about their country and the world, to provide a picture of who we are now. View PDF
CIVIL RIGHTS
Abraham Lincoln: A Legacy of Freedom (February 2009)
The year 2009 marks the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s 16th president, and the man often considered its greatest leader. As the United States endured its greatest crisis, this self-educated common man supplied the leadership and the moral force that bound Americans together and carried them to victory. His vision spanned diplomacy and military strategy, political thought and elemental justice for all Americans --- including the African-American slaves he emancipated. The essays gathered here introduce readers to this “best and most widely acclaimed of all Americans.” View PDF
Free At Last - The U.S. Civil Rights Movement (January 2009)
This book recounts how African-American slaves and their descendants struggled to win — both in law and in practice — the civil rights enjoyed by other Americans. It is a story of dignified persistence and struggle, a story that produced great heroes and heroines, and one that ultimately succeeded by forcing Americans to confront squarely the shameful gap between their universal principles of equality and justice and the inequality, injustice, and oppression faced by millions of their fellow citizens. View PDF
CONSTITUTION
The Constitution of the United States (July 2004)
This illustrated publication includes the complete text of the U.S. Constitution (preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments), as well an updated introduction and explanatory notes by J.W. Peltason, author of Understanding the Constitution and Government by the People. The introduction includes sections explaining how the Constitution set up the U.S. federal system, the background to the Constitutional Convention and how the participants arrived at a final version of the document, its ratification, and sections on the call for a Bill of Rights and the need for additional amendments over the years. View PDF
Rights of the People (December 2003)
"Rights of the People" is a history of American law and justice, written by Constitutional historian Melvin Urofsky. By focusing on the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution, and the legal interpretations, many of them written by America's finest jurists, that refined and expanded the Bill of Rights, Urofsky presents a history of the United States from the standpoint of individual liberty. View PDF
ECONOMY
Outline of the U.S. Economy (September 2009)
The U.S. economy of the 21st century little resembles that of the 18th century, but acceptance of change and embrace of competition remain unchanged. View PDF
EDUCATION SYSTEM & STUDYING IN THE U.S.
Campus Connections (August 2009)
A globalized economy makes business and employment spill across national boundaries, so an education abroad is likely to make a young person better prepared for the world’s future. Almost double the numbers of students travel abroad for an education today as compared with 20 years ago. Campus Connections examines the international study experience and its influence on individual growth. View PDF
USA Education In Brief (September 2008)
USA Education in Brief covers the development of the public school movement, beginning with "common school," (the iconic little red schoolhouse) in the 18th century, through the Land-Grant university movement to the G.I. Bill of Rights and the civil rights movement which expanded educational opportunity to all U.S. citizens. Additional topics include 21st century challenges; civic, bilingual, and special education; foreign exchanges; and teaching democracy to a new generation. View PDF
College and University Education in the United States (November 2005)
From the many types of institutions to the virtually unlimited array of programs and majors, the universities and colleges in the United States reflect the diversity, tolerance, and pursuit of excellence that characterize the best of the country as a whole. Through this journal, prospective international students and their parents and advisors will learn about the American system of higher education and academic and student life at U.S. colleges and universities. View PDF
If You Want to Study in the United States Series
Booklet One: Undergraduate Study
how to choose and apply to U.S. bachelor’s and associate degree programs, plus information on technical and vocational educational opportunities in the United States. View PDF
Booklet Two: Graduate and Professional Study and Research
how to research and apply to U.S. master’s, doctoral degree, and postdoctoral programs, plus information on certification and licensing procedures for professionals who wish to further their education or practice in the United States. View PDF
Booklet Three: Short-Term Study, English Language Programs, Distance Education and Accreditation
information on opportunities to study in the United States for up to one year, plus an overview of studying towards a degree, diploma, or certificate from outside the United States through distance education programs. The booklet also includes detailed information on accreditation of U.S. higher education institutions. View PDF
Booklet Four: Getting Ready to Go: Practical Information for Living and Studying in the United States
help with planning your move to the United States after you have been accepted to a U.S. university or college. This booklet provides invaluable advice on applying for a visa, moving to the United States, and what to expect when you arrive on campus. It is available only on the U.S. Departmentof State’s Web site at: http://exchanges.state.gov/education/educationusa/. View PDF
Check also The Fulbright commission information pages:
Belgium and Luxembourg and the Fulbright Schuman awards
ELECTORAL SYSTEM
ENGLISH
Dynamic English (August 2007)
This edition of eJournal USA discusses forces that shape and change everyday English. From cultural and international influences, such as words that come directly, or in a changed form from another language, to popular media, including movies, music and sports, to changes arising from technological developments, the authors present examples of ways English changes daily. Other articles describe the process of language change, and tips for deciphering slang. View PDF
GEOGRAPHY
Outline of U.S. Geography (November 1998)
Regional Landscapes of the United States. This publication considers the physical environment of the United States — landforms, climate, soils, and vegetation — in terms of its impact on the country's cultural, regional, and political development. View PDF
GOVERNMENT
About America: How the U.S. is Governed (October 2005)
This joint publication of the State Department's Bureau of International Information Programs and Braddock Communications presents a comprehensive yet easy-to-read overview of the various levels of and institutions related to government in the U.S. "How the United States Is Governed" describes how federal, state, and local governments are elected, how they operate, and how the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government relate under the U.S. constitutional system. It also highlights how nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other institutions allow Americans to influence and shape government policy. This publication contains a glossary and a list of useful Web sites. View PDF
Outline of the U.S. Government (September 2000)
What makes U.S. government uniquely American...its Constitution, the separation of powers, the concept of “checks and balances,” the decentralized roles of state and local governments, and a citizenry with wide opportunity to be part of it all. View PDF
HISTORY
Historians on America (September 2007)
Historians on America is a series of individual essays that selects specific moments, decisions, and intellectual or legislative or legal developments and explains how they altered the course of U.S. history. The book consists of 11 separate essays by major historians, ranging from The Trial of John Peter Zenger in 1735 to The Immigration Act of 1965. View PDF
USA History in Brief: (March 2007)
The first title in the new "In Brief" series, this publication summarizes in a few thousand words the history of how the United States was founded and the forces and events that shaped the dynamic and varied country that it has become today. View PDF
Outline of U.S. History (November 2005)
A chronological look at how the United States took shape -- from its origins as an obscure set of colonies on the Atlantic coast a little more than 200 years ago into what one political analyst today calls "the first universal nation." This fully illustrated edition has been completely revised and updated by Alonzo L. Hamby, Distinguished Professor of History at Ohio University. View PDF
LEGAL SYSTEM
Outline of U.S. Legal System (December 2004)
This Outline covers the history and organization of the federal and state judicial systems; the criminal and civil court processes; the background, qualifications, and selection of federal judges; the role of other participants (lawyers, defendants, interest groups) in the judicial process; and the implementation and impact of judicial policies. View PDF
The U.S. Supreme Court: Equal Justice Under Law (October 2009)
The U.S. Supreme Court is respected both in the United States and abroad. The October 2009 edition of eJournal USA describes many aspects of the U.S. Supreme Court. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Solicitor General Elena Kagan present their introductions and contributions by legal scholars and journalists focus on the elements of judicial decision making and independence of the justices. Four Court officials and a former Supreme Court law clerk also describe their jobs. View PDF
LITERATURE
USA Literature in Brief (May 2007)
USA Literature in Brief pinpoints and describes the contributions to American literature of some of the best-recognized American poets, novelists, philosophers and dramatists from pre-Colonial days through the present. Major literary figures are discussed in detail, as are their major works. Brief discussions of cultural periods and movements such as romanticism, modernism, and transcendentalism put individuals in context and lend perspective. This condensed version of Outline of American Literature highlights major achievers and important works in the canon. View PDF
Outline of American Literature (December 2006)
The Outline of American literature, newly revised, traces the paths of American narrative, fiction, poetry and drama as they move from pre-colonial times into the present, through such literary movements as romanticism, realism and experimentation. View PDF
MUSIC
American Popular Music (August 2008)
American popular music is a kaleidoscopic mélange of styles and dreams. Its vibrancy reflects the mating of cultural diversity to artistic and creative freedom. The stories in this book illustrate how Americans, borrowing from diverse musical traditions, have contributed to humanity’s universal language. View PDF
MUSLIM
Being Muslim in America (March 2009)
The young women pictured on our cover are both Muslim. They live near Detroit, Michigan, in a community with many Arab-American residents. Each expresses her faith in her own way, with a combination of traditional and modern dress. Here, they compete fiercely on the basketball court in a sport that blends individual skills and team effort. They - along with the other men, women, and children in this publication - demonstrate every day what it is like to be Muslim in America. View PDF
NATIONAL PARKS
National Parks, National Legacy (July 2008)
The people of the United States own and protect a sprawling system of national parks, including seashores, trails, monuments, and battlefields. All American citizens are, in a sense, stewards of sites where history unfolded, where mountains soar, and where rivers run. They keep these parks for the future, and they treasure them today. As former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, “There is nothing so American as our national parks. The scenery and wildlife are native. The fundamental idea behind the parks is native. It is, in brief, that the country belongs to the people.” This edition of eJournalUSA presents glorious views of the national parks, the history of this vast system, and its mission of conservation and public access. View PDF
PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.
Barack Obama: 44th President of the United States (November 2008)
Barack Obama, elected the 44th President of the United States, has lived a truly American life, and has opened a new chapter in American politics. This publication tells the story of Obama’s life, describes how he captured the presidency, and portrays his vision for the future. It also introduces readers to the Obama family and to the new Vice President, Joseph Biden. View PDF
Obama in His Own Words (January 2009)
These pages share President Obama’s words with our global readership. This book includes the complete text of the 44th President’s Inaugural Address. Also featured are extended excerpts from eight other significant campaign and pre-presidential speeches. It is our hope that while the book itself is small, readers will discover that the vision captured in its pages is large. NEW! Receive daily highlights from this title. Point your web browser or mobile device to twitter.com/americagovprint. View PDF
RELIGION
Freedom of Faith (August 2008)
The principle of religious freedom is a cherished right in the United States, one that has historical roots older than the formation of the nation itself. In the 21st century, the United States pulses with a unique cultural chemistry brought on by a wave of immigration which has brought followers of more diverse faiths to many communities. This edition of eJournal USA examines how the nation adjusts to these demographic changes to remain true to the principles of freedom of faith. View PDF
Being Muslim in America (March 2009)
The young women pictured on our cover are both Muslim. They live near Detroit, Michigan, in a community with many Arab-American residents. Each expresses her faith in her own way, with a combination of traditional and modern dress. Here, they compete fiercely on the basketball court in a sport that blends individual skills and team effort. They - along with the other men, women, and children in this publication - demonstrate every day what it is like to be Muslim in America. View PDF
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