Benjamin Franklin Fellowship
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: 2012 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TRANSATLANTIC FELLOWS SUMMER INSTITUTE
Deadline: March 2, 2012.
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute
A. The goals of the Institute are (1) to develop a commitment to transatlantic operation; (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.
B. The Summer Institute will enable teenagers ages 16-18 to participate in an intensive, four-week exchange program in the United States in July 2012 that focuses on the global issues that European and American youth face on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Students will participate in a variety of activities such as training sessions, workshops, community-based programs, study tours, and cultural events. Participants will work together to prepare a joint project that presents and promotes the stated goals and objectives of the Institute.
C. Before and during the Institute, students will gather information on young adults, views about one or two areas of common or global interest, such as sustainable development, inter-ethnic cooperation, or human rights. The program will also provide the participants with a new perspective on mass media and how they learn about each other and the communities in which they live, and the broader media culture. This will include training on the critical reading of printed, broadcast, and electronic media and the ability to judge the content and accuracy for themselves. Training will focus on communication and presentation skills, problem solving, and team building.
D. Community service activities, social and cultural activities, and homestays with American families will deepen the participants, experience of U.S. society during their exchange.
Recruitment/Candidate profile
A. Nominees should have a strong interest in learning more about diplomacy, the transatlantic relationship, the role of a free press in a democracy, and 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 diverse group atmosphere of the Institute. English fluency is required.
B. 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 four weeks, as well as in follow-up activities afterward in their home countries. 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.
Candidate Qualifications:
A. Between 16 and 18 years of age as of July 1, 2012;
B. Highly proficient in English, as demonstrated in a personal interview or the results of a standardized test, such as SLEP or the TOEFL;
C. Committed to enrolling in high school or university in their home countries in fall 2012, following completion of the Institute;
D. Demonstrate strong leadership potential and interest in transatlantic relations and diplomacy;
E. Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
F. Sustained high level of academic achievement, as indicated by academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
G. Demonstrate a commitment to community and extracurricular activities;
H. Have had little or no prior U.S. study or travel experience in the United States;
I. Mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful and inquisitive;
J. Willing and able to fully participate in an intensive summer program, community service, and active educational travel program;
K. 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.
Nomination Format:
Nominations must include complete biographical data and a teacher's justification. Please send all nominations by e-mail to BaukuvieneR@state.gov by March 2, 2012.
A. Last (family) name as on passport;
B. First name as on passport;
C. Middle name(s) as on passport;
D. Date of birth (month in words/day/year);
E. City of birth;
F. Country of birth;
G. Country of residence;
H. Country of citizenship;
I. Gender;
J. Position (e.g. "Secondary School Student", "Gymnasium student", grade)
K. Nominee's full address;
L. Home telephone number;
M. E-mail address(es);
N. Medical, physical, dietary, or other personal considerations;
O. Name of nominee's high school;
P. Nominee's field of study (if applicable);
Q. Any other relevant educational, academic and professional
experience or training.
R. Active memberships, special interests, or extracurricular activities;
S. Previous travel or study experience in the United States. Please include dates and purpose;
T. Evidence of competence in written and oral English (e.g.,
personal interview, test score);
U. Future study or career plans;
V. IMPORTANT: Statement from the teacher justifying the nomination of the student for the Benjamin Franklin program;
W. Name, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address of the teacher;
Please send all nominations by e-mail to BaukuvieneR@state.gov by March 2, 2012.