Applications for the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship 2024.
The US Embassy in The Hague is pleased to accept applications for the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship 2024. The program is scheduled to take place in person from June 22 to July 20, 2024 and is hosted by Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Are you between the ages of 16 and 18 and interested in learning more about the United States, developing leadership skills, and strengthening the relationship between the United States and the Netherlands? Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? Then read on and apply for the program!
What is the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship?
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship is an intensive, short-term exchange program. During the program, you will have the opportunity to learn about U.S. foreign policy priorities such as youth engagement, support for democracy and civil society, and economic prosperity. After returning to the Netherlands, you will present a project plan and implement your own service project in your community.
The program consists of a series of lectures, seminar discussions, presentations and workshops. Coursework and classroom activities are complemented by community service activities, site visits, social and cultural activities, and homestays with American families to learn more about U.S. society during your exchange.
Who can apply?
Applications are open to Dutch citizens or legal residents between the ages of 16 and 18 who are interested in public or non-profit service and have English language skills. We encourage you to apply if you have a strong interest in diplomacy, transatlantic relations, and the United States and its people, society, and institutions. Personal characteristics required to be a successful participant also include maturity, strong social skills, flexibility and open-mindedness.
Do you meet the following requirements?
- You are a Dutch citizen or have your permanent residence in the Netherlands;
- You were born between June 22, 2006 and June 22, 2008 (i.e. you must be 16, 17 or 18 years old at the start of the program);
- You agree to continue your education in the Netherlands after completing the program in autumn 2024;
- You can demonstrate strong leadership potential and interest in transatlantic relations and diplomacy and have a genuine interest in learning more about the United States;
- They engage in community service and participate in extracurricular activities.
- You have little or no study or travel experience in the United States;
- You are familiar with campus life, shared accommodation, travel and interaction with a multinational group of participants from across Europe and the United States;
- You look forward to connecting with the Americans you meet in the host communities.
- You can adapt to different cultural and social customs than in your home country.
Then we are convinced that you are the right candidate for the program!
How do I apply?
To apply, please complete the following: registration form
The US Embassy selects applicants based on the information provided in the application. The form asks you to upload a resume and a motivational essay. In your motivational essay, you should explain why you are the right candidate for the Benjamin Franklin Fellowship and why you believe a strong relationship between the United States and the Netherlands is important. The essay should be written in English.
Application deadline: WednesdayFebruary 14, 2024.
A small number of applicants will be invited to an in-person interview in English at the U.S. Embassy in The HagueFridayFebruary 23rd, afternoon.The selected candidate will be announced in April 2024.
