The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Summer Institute 2023

Call for applications is now: OPEN

Application Deadline: February 16, 2023, at 23:59.

The U.S. Embassy in Kosovo is pleased to announce a call for the applications for the 2023 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship for the high school students from Kosovo. The program will be hosted by Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The four-week program will enable teenagers, ages 16-18, to explore U.S. foreign policy priorities such as youth engagement, support for democracy and civil society, and economic prosperity. It is scheduled to take place in-person from June 24-July 22, 2023, contingent upon the feasibility and safety of in-person programming.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship is an intensive four-week exchange program, created to foster relationships among young Europeans and Americans to build strong linkages and awareness of shared values. Beside exploring U.S. foreign policy priorities such as youth engagement, support for democracy and civil society, and economic prosperity, participants will also have opportunity to discuss other topics such as democratic practices, conflict resolution, problem solving, communication skills, critical thinking, tolerance and respect for diversity, youth leadership, team building, and the media.

The program will consist of a series of lectures, seminar discussions and presentations, and a broad assortment of practical, faculty- and mentor-led workshops.  The coursework and classroom activities will be complemented by community service activities, site visits, social and cultural activities, and homestays with American families to deepen participants’ experience of U.S. society during their exchange.

Participants will also be taught to develop plans for follow-on activities. Upon their return, participants are expected to implement service projects in their communities and present an alumni project plan to a youth-serving or youth-centered organization in their home country. These organizations may include U.S. Youth Councils, American Spaces, and exchange alumni associations.

CANDIDATE DESCRIPTION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates nominated for this Fellowship will:

• be born between June 24, 2005, and June 24, 2007 (i.e., be 16, 17, or 18 years of age at the time of the program start).
• be highly proficient in English, as demonstrated in a personal interview or the results of standardized test;
• demonstrate commitment to, or interest in civic action;
• be committed to enrolling in high school or university in their home countries in fall 2023, following completion of the program;
• demonstrate strong leadership potential and interest in transatlantic relations and diplomacy.
• demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, as indicated by academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
• have had little or no prior U.S. study or travel experience in the United States;
• be responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful and inquisitive;
• be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive summer program, with community service and educational travel;
• be comfortable with campus life, shared living accommodations, travel and interaction with a multinational, co-ed group of participants from across Europe and the United States;
• be comfortable engaging with the Americans they meet in the host communities; and
• be able to adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home countries.

Candidates must demonstrate interest in pursuing leadership opportunities in their home countries and convey a genuine desire to learn about the United States and its people, society, and institutions.  They are expected to fully participate in the academic program and the follow-on activities in their home countries.  They should attend all lectures and organized activities, complete assigned readings, and be ready to share their culture with Americans.  They should be aware that the program is very intensive and that there will be no time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES:

Please fill in the application with all the required information:

Application Form [document in word format]

Questions and completed applications should be submitted to:

Public Diplomacy Section, e-mail: KosovoBenFranklin@state.gov

Please be informed that only short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

THE DEADLINE FOR RECIPIENT OF APPLiCATIONS IS FEBRUARY 16, 2023 at 23:59.