Several Essays 
Resume 
Activities List 
2 Recommendations 
Additional Requirements 
Online Application From 
Parent/Guardian Consent 
Application is closed
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) is bringing together a group of diverse and intellectually curious students from Europe and the United States to participate in an intensive four-week exchange program on the campus of Purdue University. The Program offers presentations, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, site visits conducted by highly qualified faculty, graduate students, and area specialists.
Non-credit
Residential
Accepts International Students
Financial Aid
Final project
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Institute offers a combination of interactive classes, seminars, workshops, webinars, and teleconferences presented by prominent scholars and specialists in international relations, diplomacy, communication, media, and civic education.
The program will consist of four modules, each representing a component of Benjamin Franklin’s legacy:
1 - International Relations & Diplomacy Module
2 - Media & Communication Module
3 - Civic Education & Democratic Citizenship Module
4 - Service & Volunteerism Module
Each module is comprised of a set of thematic presentations, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, site visits, and other interactive activities, conducted by highly qualified faculty, graduate students, and area specialists.
Goals for the Institute are:
- To introduce Fellows to Benjamin Franklin’s ideas and legacy;
- To promote mutual understanding and civic responsibility among young Americans and Europeans;
- To encourage Fellows to establish strong linkages between nations and cultures;
- To develop commitment to cooperation and mutual respect;
- To cultivate relationships among individuals from different cultural backgrounds and to promote diversity;
- To develop a sense of democratic local, national, and global citizenship among Fellows;
- To encourage Fellows to implement in their communities the new knowledge and skills acquired during the Institute; and
- To introduce European Fellows to American culture, education, and everyday lives of American families.
BFTF participants will be staying on the Purdue University campus, with host families, in a hotel in Philadelphia, and on the GWU campus in Washington, D.C.
On campus lodging
Upon arrival on the Purdue University campus, Fellows will be staying in student housing located within walking distance from institute classrooms. Residence assistants, who have had previous experience working as counselors in summer youth camps, will be staying with Fellows and will be available to them.
Homestay
Mid-July, Fellows will transfer to their host families. All host families live in the vicinity of Purdue University. Host families will provide meals, supervision and a program of family activities during the length of the home stay. All families will be screened for suitability for hosting the BFTF Fellows.
Attention: The in-person on-campus exchange is contingent upon the safety and feasibility of in-person programing and travel. A virtual program option may be available if in-person programing is not possible due to the global health pandemic.
Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) to be held on the campus of Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
10 U.S. Fellows (aged 16 to 18) will join 45 international Fellows from Europe to take classes in International Diplomacy, Media and Journalism, Global Problems, Democracy, and Civic Education. Over the course of the institute, fellows will meet with US politicians, scholars, and journalists. Fellows will participate in debates, practical workshops, and seminars. They will also learn how to organize and participate in community service activities.
The Institute cultural program includes trips to Indianapolis, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington. The program also includes an International Culture Night, talent show, 4th of July picnic, shows and concerts, movie nights and sporting events.
Academic activities:
• Presentations by Purdue University faculty
• Panel discussions with guest speakers
• Simulations and role games (e.g., United Nations simulation; conflict resolution)
• Group discussion and debates (e.g., What it Means to Be a Good Citizen, Should We Trust Media, Evolution or Intelligent Design)
• Group projects (e.g., Project Citizen)
• Practical workshops and seminars (e.g., How to Develop a Community Project, Starting Your Own Medium)
Site visits:
The Fellows will visit Indianapolis, where they will tour the Indiana State House, meet with Indiana State Representative Sheila Klinker, and learn about federalism and how state government works. Other civic education-related site visits will take place in Washington and Philadelphia (Independence Hall and National Constitution Center). In Chicago, the Fellows will visit the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum. Other site visits will include:
• Lafayette/Tippecanoe County: Tippecanoe Battlefield, Lafayette mayor’s office; The Exponent, student newspaper; local TV station; local high school
• Indianapolis: city tour; Indiana War Memorial; Indiana State Museum
• Chicago: city tour; Shedd Aquarium; Arts Institute; Willis Tower
• Washington: city tour; Capitol Hill tour; Department of State; Smithsonian Institutions; Newseum interactive museum; and the Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Philadelphia: Franklin’s Philadelphia city tour; Franklin Institute
Cultural and social activities:
In addition to visiting museums, institute cultural and social activities will include:
• July 4th Independence Day picnic
• International Cultures Night with artistic presentations
• International Bazaar including charity fund-raising by fellows
• Visits to the Black Cultural Center; Latino Cultural Center; Native American Cultural Center
• Sporting events, concerts and movie nights
• Welcome and farewell receptions.
• All 16-18 years old U.S. citizens may apply.
• Interested European fellows should contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their country to apply.
Several Essays
Resume
Activities List
2 Recommendations
Additional Requirements
Online Application From
Parent/Guardian Consent
BFTF Application Packet (US Citizens):
• Application
• Resume or list of activities, projects, or experiences
• Two essays (2-3 paragraphs each, single-spaced)
• Two letters of recommendation
• ANY additional evidence that demonstrates your interest and willingness to participate in the Institute. Such evidence may include but not limited to diplomas, certificates, letters of support, articles in newspapers, letters from peers or superiors, etc.
Interested European fellows should contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their country to apply.
Selection Criteria:
• Demonstrated leadership potential
• Interest in diplomacy, international relations, and public policy
• Maturity, open-mindedness, and independent thinking
• Sustained high level of academic achievement
• Demonstrated interest in volunteering and community work
• Commitment to apply new knowledge and skills in his/her community
• Ability to work in a team
• Responsibility
• Tolerance and willingness to collaborate with peers with different cultural backgrounds
Additional Documentation
UPON RECEIVING THE LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE, PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING FORMS:
- Pre-Departure Guide
- Medical Information Form (has to be filled out by a Fellow and parent/guardian)
- Statement of Responsibility (signed by a Fellow and parent/guardian)
- Participant Consent and Release Form (signed by a Fellow and parent/guardian)
- Visitor Request Form (if awaiting any visitors while at Purdue University)
- Participant Information Sheet (filled out by a Fellow)
All BFTF Fellows (European and U.S.) will have to submit these forms by June 1st, 2023.
Jun 24 - Jul 22
4 weeks
Residential
Scholarships Cover BFTF Expenses:
• Institute tuition
• Transportation
• Meals and incidentals
• Books and study materials
• Admission to museums and shows
• All trips that are included in the Institute program
Several Essays
Resume
Activities List
2 Recommendations
Additional Requirements
Online Application From
Parent/Guardian Consent
Application is closed
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