Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Initiative

I spent today reviewing applications and interviewing finalists (as a part of a panel) for the 2017 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Summer Institute at the US Embassy in Skopje today.

The finalists were a diverse group from all over Macedonia. These teenagers (the program targets youth ages 16-18) have already demonstrated civic leadership in a variety of areas, from the environment, inter-ethnic cooperation, anti-bullying, women's empowerment, education, and more.

It was truly inspiring meeting with these finalists.  Each has so much to contribute to Macedonia.  While in the midst of a political crisis here in Skopje, these young, civic-minded leaders are taking action to create positive change in their communities. And this gives me hope for the future.

The only disappointing aspect of this whole process was that we can't send them all to participate in this program. Still, I am confident that the US Embassy and its programs/initiatives (e.g., American Corners, Peace Corps, GLOW, Youth Council, educational exchange, etc.) will continue to engage with these remarkable individuals.

It was an honor to be asked to participate in this process (in my capacity as a Fulbright Scholar).



Here is more about the program from the US Embassy in Macedonia's website:

https://macedonia.usembassy.gov/archives/archive2016/bftsi2017.html

The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Summer Institute 2017

The U.S. Department of State is offering scholarships for students from Macedonia to attend the 2017 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute. 
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute is an intensive short-term exchange program whose purpose is to foster relationships among young Europeans and Americans to build strong linkages and an awareness of shared values.  The four-week program will enable teenagers, 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 academic residency, participants will also 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, and the media.  The Institute will also 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.
The institute will be hosted by Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, June-July, 2017.
Candidate Description and Qualifications: 
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.  You should have a strong demonstrated interest in communications, advocacy, debate, and or civic participation.  You should have the academic aptitude for a program of this nature and the personal qualities needed to be successful, including maturity, strong social skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness.
Candidates nominated for this Fellowship will:

• be born between June 24, 1998, and June 24, 2001 (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 2017, following completion of the Institute;
• 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, community service, and active educational travel program;
• 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 with engaging various Americans in the broader community; and
• be able to adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home countries.

The deadline for receipt of applications is January 29, 2017.
Application Form [pdf 76.7kb]

Questions and completed applications should be submitted to: Gazmend Ilazi, Educational Affairs Assistant, e-mail: IlaziG@state.gov

More information about the program can be found at the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Initiative website

For more about other educational exchange opportunities see 

 https://macedonia.usembassy.gov/educational-exchange2.html