U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg

2023 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship

Call for Applications for 2023 is now: OPEN

The application deadline is midnight on Friday, February 10, 2023

The U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg is pleased to invite high school students in Luxembourg to apply for a four-week summer Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship. We are looking for aspiring young leaders who want to work with American and other European youth to build a network that will lead to a lifetime of change!

The 2023 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship will last four weeks from June 24-July 22, 2023, at Purdue University in West Layfette, Indiana (pending availability of funds).

Program Background

The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) empowers and fosters relationships among the younger generation of Europeans and Americans to build strong linkages and an awareness of shared values. The initiative is named after the legendary American statesman and diplomat, Benjamin Franklin, in honor of the inspiration his own life and career provides to those who are working to strengthen transatlantic cooperation.

The four-week program will enable students, 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. 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.

Funding/Travel

All program costs will be covered by the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs, and the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg, including visa, travel, lodging, educational materials, ground transportation expenses, and travel insurance.

Participants will travel to the United States on J-1 visas and will have to be able to meet all travel requirements applicable at the time of departure.

Recruitment/Candidate profile

• be born between June 24, 2004, and June 24, 2007 (i.e., be 16, 17, or 18 years of age at the time of the program start);
• be a Luxembourgish citizen or legal permanent resident of Luxembourg;
• be highly proficient in English, as demonstrated in a personal interview;
• demonstrate strong leadership potential and interest in transatlantic relations and diplomacy;
• demonstrate a commitment to community and extracurricular activities;
• have had little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States;
• be mature, responsible, independent, confident, openminded, tolerant, thoughtful and inquisitive;
• be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive summer program, with community service and educational travel.

Candidates must also exhibit demonstrable interest in pursuing leadership opportunities in Luxembourg and convey a genuine desire to learn about the United States and its people, society, and institutions. They are expected to fully participate in the academic program and the follow-on activities in Luxembourg.

Application Requirements and Procedure

The selection process will be conducted by U.S. Embassy officials and is merit based. One principal and one alternate candidate will be selected based on their application submission and interview. Phone interviews with selected candidates will be conducted at the end of February 2023.

Please send the completed Application Form (Word .docx) as well as a letter of recommendation in English (optional) via e-mail to USEmbassyLuxContest@state.gov

Deadline for applications: February 10, 2023.

More information on the program: https://www.education.purdue.edu/ben-franklin-institute/

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at USEmbassyLuxContest@state.gov