Ben Franklin Fellowship Program

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Biroul de Diplomatie al Ambasadei SUA va transmite debutul editiei 2022 a Ben Franklin Fellowship Program - cursuri de vara pentru elevii de liceu. Ca in fiecare an, toate cheltuielile legate de acest program sunt acoperite.

Aveti intr-un document anexat, toate detaliile legate de acest program.


Elevii de liceu care doresc sa participe, trebuie sa ceara un formular la adresa de e-mail alexandrescui@state.gov.

Termenul limita pana la care elevii de liceu pot sa trimita formularele completate este LUNI, 28 februarie, ora 23:59.

Cu deosebita consideratie,

Isabella Alexandrescu

Outreach Programs Coordinator

Public Diplomacy Office

U.S. Embassy Bucharest


U.S. EMBASSY – CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TRANSATLANTIC FELLOWSHIP 2022


The U.S. Embassy to Romania and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)are pleased to invite nomination submissions for the 2022 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship. The program is scheduled to take place in-person from June 25-July 23, 2022, contingent upon the feasibility and safety of in-person programming, which ECA will continue to monitor. The four-week program addresses U.S. foreign policy priorities such as youth engagement, democracy and civil society development, and economic prosperity. The program will be hosted by Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The deadline for candidate nominations to be received is midnight on Monday, February 28, 2022.



Interested candidates must ask for the nomination form at the following e-mail address: alexandrescui@state.gov. If candidates do not receive the requested form in a term of 24 hrs. during working days (Mon-Fri), they should call 0040-721 288 797 from Monday to Friday, 10:00 – 16:00 hrs.

The nomination forms must be sent at the following e-mail address: alexandrescui@state.gov in a Word format only no later than Monday, February 28, 2022, 23:59 hrs.



1. Program Description:



The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship is an intensive short-term exchange program, created to foster relationships among young Europeans and Americans to build strong linkages and awareness of shared values. The four- week program will enable students, ages 16-18, to explore U.S. foreign policy priorities such as youth engagement, support for democracy and civil society, and economic prosperity. 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.



During the program, participants also will have the 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, disinformation, and the media. The program will explore how freedom of expression provides rights to and imposes responsibilities on citizens. Upon their return home, participants will 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. Mission Youth Councils, American Spaces, and exchange alumni associations.



2. Essential Program Information:



A. Participant Numbers: One nominalization for one principal and one alternate candidate for the program.



B. Program Funding: Through the award given to Purdue University, all costs will be covered, for all U.S.-based activities of the exchange, for in-country and international travel expenses, including a visit for a visa interview; round-trip international travel to the United States; a travel allowance. Embassies will make all travel arrangements and provide international airline tickets for their participants to fly round-trip to Indianapolis airport in Indiana and return from Washington, D.C. Since most participants will be minors and will be traveling from their home country alone, Purdue University will provide adult chaperones to accompany participants on flights between one or two selected European airports to the United States and back.



C. Health Benefits: Participants will be covered in the U.S. by ECA’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefits program. Purdue University is responsible for enrolling participants. ASPE is a limited, health benefit program (not insurance) that covers medical expenses associated with each illness or accident up to $100,000 per occurrence. ASPE does not cover routine examinations or pre-existing conditions. ASPE information is available at https://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos. Participants are encouraged to read the ASPE benefit guide in its entirety, to obtain a full understanding of health benefits, coverage, and limitations.



E. Program Requirements and Restrictions: Candidates must exhibit demonstrable 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 made aware that the program is very intensive and that there will be no time for personal pursuits unrelated to the program. Participants will travel to the United States on J-1 visas, under the International Visitor government designation held by ECA. No fees are incurred for the J-1 visa application. Participants are not allowed to arrive in the U.S. prior to the start date of the program or to remain in the U.S. after its end date. Violations of program rules, host institution rules, or local, state, or federal laws can be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. It is important that these requirements and restrictions are made clear to all candidates when their nominations are final.



F. English Language Ability: All candidates must be proficient in English so that they can actively participate in the program. Purdue University will take into account that the level of comprehension and speaking ability of participants may vary and will prepare lectures and discussions that meet the highest academic standards while using language appropriate for those whose first language may not be English.



G. Candidate Description and Qualifications: All candidates are expected to have a strong interest in learning about diplomacy, the transatlantic relationship, the role of a free press in a democratic society, and public or community service. They should have a strong, demonstrated interest in communications, advocacy, debate, and/or civic participation.



Candidates nominated for this Fellowship will:

- be born between June 26, 2004, and June 26, 2006 (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 a standardized test;
- be committed to enrolling in high school or university in their home countries in fall 2022, following completion of the program;
- demonstrate strong leadership potential and interest in transatlantic relations and diplomacy;
- indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
- demonstrate a high level of academic achievement, as indicated by academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
- demonstrate a commitment to community and extracurricular activities;
- have had little or no prior U.S. study or travel experience in the United States;
- be mature, 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.



3. Frequently Asked Questions Part 1: This FAQ section includes commonly asked questions related to COVID19.



a. What are the plans for BFTF if health and travel disruptions continue through the summer due to the global health pandemic? Should ECA determine that conditions do not allow for an in-person U.S.-based exchange, ECA would work with the implementing partner, Purdue University, to transition the 2022 program to a virtual platform.

b. Will COVID19 vaccinations be required to participate in the program? Yes, COVID vaccinations will be required due to vaccination requirements in multiple cities that will host BFTF programming, including Washington DC, Chicago, and Philadelphia. More information will follow regarding this requirement.



c. What degree of English proficiency should a nominee have? All participants must be highly proficient in English; throughout the program they will need to fully understand lectures, actively participate in discussions, and read and write assignments in English.

d. How much free time will a participant have during the program? There will be some limited free time during the program. However, nominees MUST understand that this is an intensive academic program and they are expected to fully participate in all lectures, activities, site visits, and scheduled events.

e. If a nominee has relatives in the U.S., would they have time to see them? Participants will NOT be allowed to leave the program to visit relatives or friends. Occasionally it is possible for a pre-approved visit on a specific day designated by the host institution, if the schedule permits. These situations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the ECA program officer and the host institution.

f. Can a participant arrive early/late or stay after the program? No. Participants who choose to travel to the United States on a Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship are required to abide by the J-1 visa rules. Participants may NOT arrive in the United States before the program start date or remain in the country after the close of the program.

h. Can a participant miss one part or component of the program? No. All participants are expected to participate in all scheduled lectures, events, site visits, trips, and activities.

i. How much money will participants need to bring for the program? ECA will cover all basic costs of an individual’s participation in the U.S.-based exchange. Generally, the host institution will provide meals through a combination of a cafeteria meal plan and a pre-loaded debit card for use at local restaurants. Information on housing and meal arrangements will be provided by the host institution prior to the start of the program. Participants should not expect to receive any spending money from the program. Participants should bring their own spending money if they wish to purchase souvenirs or other items during their time in the United States.

k. Will applicants with disabilities be considered? Yes, the Youth Programs Division welcomes nominations for individuals with disabilities. We are committed to working with Purdue University to arrange reasonable accommodations for all participants. Notification of a disability will not negatively impact selection. We ask that you identify disabilities during the nomination process so that we can begin working with Purdue University to ensure appropriate accommodations.