Submit your Application for a Prestigious Youth Program in the United States during the Summer of 2022

Benjamin Franklin Fellowship Program

The U.S. Embassy The Hague is accepting applications for the 2022 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship.  Are you a Dutch citizen or legal permanent resident who is interested in learning more about the United States, developing leadership skills, and strengthening the ties between the U.S. and the Netherlands? Were you born between June 26, 2003, and June 26, 2006 (i.e., be 16, 17, or 18 years of age at the time of the program start)? Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? Then apply for a four-week Summer Institute in the United States! Continue reading to learn more about the program and how you can apply for this fellowship.  

The 2022 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship Summer Institute for Youth will last four weeks, from June 25 to July 23, 2022, at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. The goals of the Institute are: 

  • To develop a commitment to transatlantic cooperation; 
  • To foster relationships between American and European youth from different ethnic, religious, and national backgrounds; 
  • To promote mutual understanding between the United States and Europe; 
  • To develop a group of youth leaders who will share their knowledge and skills with their peers through positive action.  

The four-week Institute will accommodate up to 45 fellows from across Europe. One participant will be selected from the Netherlands. Institute activities include discussion of global issues of common interest, leadership and media training, collaborative project development, community service, educational travel, and plans for follow-on activities. 

The program is scheduled to take place in-person. If global health conditions and travel disruptions do not allow for an in-person program, the program will take place virtually.  

Are you the right candidate for the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship? 
The successful candidate should meet the age requirement and must be born between June 26, 2003, and June 26, 2006. They should 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. The candidate should also demonstrate a strong interest in communications, advocacy, debate, and/or civic participation. 

Applicants 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. 

Application Process: 

Note: This program is open to Dutch citizens and legal permanent residents of the Netherlands. 

We will select the nominees based on an application essay and a follow-up interview.  In your essay, you should convey why you are the right candidate for the Benjamin Franklin Fellowship and why you think that a strong U.S.-Dutch relationship is important. The essay should be written in English. 

Applications must be sent by Monday, February 21, 2022 to the following e-mail address:ircthehague@state.gov with the subject line: “Application for BFTF 2022″.

Please also attach your CV, including the following information: 

  • First and Last Name 
  • Age and Date of Birth 
  • City of Birth 
  • Home Address 
  • Nationality 
  • Telephone/Cell Number 
  • Name and Address of your School 
  • Your Extracurricular Activities  

The best applicants will be invited for a virtual follow-up interview in English. The selected candidate will be announced in April 2022.