Baza natječaja

2013 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow Summer Institute
 

The Institute will take place in the United States during the month of July 2013.

Deadline: February 15, 2013

The U.S. State Department, Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs, and the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb are pleased to announce a summer institute for young Europeans. The initiative is named after the legendary American statesman and diplomat, Benjamin Franklin, in honor of the inspiration that his own life and career provides to those who are working to strengthen transatlantic cooperation. In today's terms, Franklin could be called a transatlantic man, someone whose career, interests, studies, and life took him back and forth across the Atlantic Ocean, bringing Americans and Europeans closer in understanding. Even 300 years after his birth, Franklin's life offers inspiration to today’s young citizens to bridge the Atlantic. As a diplomat and a printer, he leveraged the powers of diplomacy and the media to explore how Americans and Europeans see each other and the world.

The goals of the Institute are (1) to develop a commitment to transatlantic cooperation; (2) to foster relationships between American and European youth from different ethnic, religious, and national groups; (3) to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Europe, and (4) to develop a cadre of youth leaders who will share their knowledge and skills with their peers through positive action.

The Summer Institute offers teenagers ages 16-18 the opportunity to participate in an intensive, three to four week exchange program in the United States that focuses on global issues that European and American youth face. The Institute will focus primarily on the exploration of global issues through interactive activities, practical experiences, and other hands-on opportunities. Participants will learn more about democratic practices, volunteer service, conflict resolution, problem solving, communication skills, critical thinking, tolerance and respect for diversity, youth leadership, team building, and the media. Participants will engage in a variety of activities such as training sessions, workshops, community-based programs, study tours, and cultural events. Home stays with American families will deepen the Fellows' experience of U.S. society during their exchange.

After the Institute, in addition to implementing service projects in their home communities, the Fellows will present what they have learned, as well as an alumni project plan, to a youth-serving or youth-centered organization in their home country.

Successful Nominees will have a strong interest in learning more about diplomacy, the transatlantic relationship, the role of a free press in democracy, and an interest in public or community service. They should have a strong demonstrated interest in communications, advocacy, debate, or civic participation. They should have the academic aptitude for a program of this nature and personal qualities needed to be successful participants, including maturity, strong social skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness. These factors are particularly important given the Institute’s diverse group atmosphere. English fluency is required.

It is important that nominees have exhibited serious interest in pursuing leadership opportunities in their home countries, and demonstrate a genuine desire to learn first-hand about the United States, its people, society, and institutions. It is also very important that nominees understand that, if selected, they will be expected to fully and seriously participate in all program components during the month, as well as in follow-up activities afterward in their home country. In addition, participants should be ready to inform and educate Americans about the cultures and societies of their home countries in non-structured gatherings and in public presentations.

The Institute will take place in the United States during the month of July 2013. Participant’s costs will be supported by the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs, and the U.S. Embassy in Zagreb.

Since many participants will be minors and will be traveling from their home country alone, the U.S. host institution will provide adult chaperones who will accompany participants on flights between one or two European airports to the location of the Summer Institute and back.

Candidate Qualifications:

• Croatian citizenship;
• Between 16 and 18 years of age as of July 1, 2013;
• Highly proficient in English, as demonstrated in a personal interview;
• Committed to enrolling in high school or university in their home country in fall 2013, following completion of the Institute program and interest in transatlantic relations and diplomacy;
• Demonstrate strong leadership potential and interest in transatlantic relations and diplomacy;
• Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
• Sustained high level 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;
• Willing and able to fully participate in an intensive summer program, community service, and active educational travel program;
• Comfortable with campus life, shared living accommodations, travel and interaction with a multinational, coed group of participants from across Europe and the United States, and comfortable with engaging various Americans in the broader community. Able to adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home countries.
   

Application: (MS Word format: 32kb)

Completed application, together with a motivational essay (1000 words maximum), 2 recommendations, academic records from the last year and any other supplemental documents should be sent to the U.S. Embassy by February 15, 2013.

Incomplete applications or those submitted by e-mail will not be accepted.

Only hard copy applications will be accepted, please send complete documentation to the following address:

Ms. Vanja Ratkovic
Public Affairs Office
U.S. Embassy
Thomasa Jeffersona 2
10010 Zagreb

For questions only: ratkovicv@state.gov

Pro?logodi?nji natječaji

Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Initiative (2010)
Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Initiative (2008)
Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Initiative (2007)