The U.S. Embassy in The Hague is pleased to accept applications for the 2023 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship. The program is scheduled to take place in-person from June 24 – July 22, 2023, and will be hosted by Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. Are you between the ages 16-18, and interested in learning more about the United States, developing leadership skills, and strengthening the ties between the United States and the Netherlands? Are you ready for the experience of a lifetime? Then continue reading 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 discuss topics such as democratic practices, conflict resolution, problem solving, communication skills, critical thinking, tolerance and respect for diversity, youth leadership, team building, disinformation, and the media. Upon your return to the Netherlands, you will present a project plan and implement your own service project in your community.
The program will consist of a series of lectures, seminar discussions, presentations, and 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 learn more about U.S. society during your exchange.
Who can apply?
Dutch citizens or legal residents between the ages of 16-18 with an interest in public or community service and proficiency in English are eligible to apply. We encourage you to apply if you have a strong interest in learning more about diplomacy, the transatlantic relationship, or the role of free press in a democracy. In addition, personal qualities necessary to be a successful participant include maturity, strong social skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness.
Do you meet the following requirements?
- You are a Dutch citizen or legal permanent resident;
- You were born between June 25, 2004, and June 24, 2007 (e. be 16, 17, or 18 years of age at the time of the program start;
- You are committed to continuing your education in the Netherlands in the fall 2023, following completing of the program;
- You can demonstrate strong leadership potential and interest in transatlantic relations and diplomacy and have a serious interest in learning more about the United States;
- You are committed to community service and participating in extracurricular activities;
- You have had little or no prior U.S. study or travel experience;
- You are comfortable with campus life, shared living accommodations, travel, and interaction with a multinational group of participants from across Europe and the United States;
- You look forward to engaging with the Americans you meet in the host communities;
- You can adjust to cultural and social practices different from those in your home country.
Then we believe you are the right candidate for the program!
Please note that you will have to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prior to travel to the United States.
How to apply?
To apply please complete the: Application Form
The U.S. Embassy will select applicants based on the information provided in the application form. In the form, you will be asked to upload a CV and a motivation essay. In your motivation essay, you should convey why you are the right candidate for the Benjamin Franklin Fellowship and why you think a strong U.S.-Dutch relationship is important. The essay should be written in English.
Application Deadline: Monday, February 20, 2023.
A small number of applicants will be invited to an in-person interview in English at the U.S. Embassy in The Hague on Monday, February 27 in the afternoon. The selected candidate will be announced in April 2023.
