Can you think of a better way of spending your summer vacation than spending it in the United States of America? Well, now is your chance – you can apply for these scholarships and have your best summer ever in the US for free!
Call for Applications for the 2012 Benjamin Franklin Summer Institute
SUMMARY
The American Embassy is soliciting applications for the 2012 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute. The four-week Institute, which will take place during the month of July, will accommodate about 60 students from Europe and the U.S, aged 16 to 18. You must be between 16 and 18 years of age as of July 1, 2012 to be eligible for participation in the program.
Specific information about dates and location will be confirmed later. It is likely that the dates will be approximately July 1-30.
All costs, including domestic and international travel, will be covered by the American Embassy.
The goals of the Institute are (1) to develop a commitment to transatlantic cooperation; (2) to foster relationships between American and European youth from different ethnic, religious, and national groups; (3) to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Europe, and (4) to develop a cadre of youth leaders who will share their knowledge and skills with their peers through positive action.
The Summer Institute will enable teenagers ages 16-18 to participate in an intensive, four-week exchange program in the United States that focuses on the global issues that European and American youth face on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Students will participate in a variety of activities such as training sessions, workshops, community-based programs, study tours, and cultural events. Participants will work together to prepare joint projects that present and promote the stated goals and objectives of the Institute.
Before and during the Institute, students will gather information on young adults' views about one or two areas of common or global interest, such as sustainable development, inter-ethnic cooperation, or human rights. The program will also provide the participants with a new perspective on mass media and how they learn about each other and the communities they live in, and the broader media culture. This will include training on the critical reading of printed, broadcast, and electronic media and the ability to judge the content and accuracy for themselves. Training will cover communication and presentation skills, problem solving, and team building.
Community service activities, social and cultural activities, and homestays with American families will deepen the participants' experience of U.S. society during their exchange.
Applicant profile
Applicants should have a strong interest in learning more about diplomacy, the transatlantic relationship, the role of a free press in a democracy, and public or community service.
It is also very important that applicants understand that, if selected, they will be expected to fully and seriously participate in all program components during the four weeks, as well as in follow-up activities afterward in their home countries. In addition, participants should be ready to inform and educate Americans about the cultures and societies of their home countries in non-structured gatherings and in public presentations.
Applicants should be comfortable with campus life, shared living accommodations, travel and interaction with a multinational, coed group of participants from across Europe and the United States, and comfortable with engaging various Americans in the broader community. They should be able to adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home countries. English fluency is required.
To apply please send answers for the questions below to vizsyl@state.gov by Thursday, March 1, 2012
1. Name
2. Date of birth (year/month/day)
3. Name and address of school
4. Your phone number
5. Your email address
6. How many English classes do you have a week?
7. Why are you interested in transatlantic relations and diplomacy?
8. Have you ever been in a leadership position in your class or community? If yes, please describe.
9. Please describe your study and career plans for the future.
10. Why are you interested in learning about the United States?
11. Have you ever done community work or extracurricular activities? If yes, please describe.
12. Have you had any prior study or travel experience in the United States? If yes, when and how long?
13. Are you willing and able to fully participate in an intensive summer program, community service, and active educational travel program?
Please attach a copy of your grades from the past two years.
Please attach a recommendation from your teacher.
Youth Leadership Program with Central Europe
YLPCE
2011
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A Program Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; Implemented by Meridian International Center
Thank you for your interest in the 2011 Youth Leadership Program with Central Europe (YLPCE)!
For more than half a century, the people of the United States have supported international educational and cultural exchange programs as an investment in global understanding and peace. Such exchange programs have a long track record of bringing future leaders from around the world to the United Statesto experience the U.S. educational system, enhance their knowledge in major fields of study, and explore U.S. culture and values. These programs also give Americans invaluable experiences and insights from abroad.
The Youth Leadership Program with Central Europe is pleased to extend this opportunity to visit the United States to talented young leaders from Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Hungary. This 4-week leadership program will provide training and instruction in leadership and project development, diversity, American culture, history and society.
Meridian International Center, a Washington, DC based NGO, will implement the Youth Leadership Program for Central Europe in cooperation with the Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Serbia, Ekvilib in Slovenia, HAHA Association in Hungary and Partners for Democratic Change in Slovakia. The goal of this project is to foster mutual understanding and respect among high school students and adult leaders from Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary and the U.S., empowering them with the skills to become civic leaders in a globalized world. Ten - eleven youth participants (aged 16-18) and one or two adult leaders will represent each of the target countries (Serbia, Slovenia, Hungary and Slovakia) and four youth participants will participate from each of the U.S. communities of Raleigh, NC, Burlington, VT and Kansas City, MO for a total of 60 participants. A key component of this project will be working with youth leaders to develop community based projects in your home city to affect change upon your return from the trip.
The program will include a two-way exchange between Central Europe and the United States. The Central European trip to the U.S. will occur in July 2011, with the return trip of U.S. participants to Serbia and Hungary occurring in August 2011.
Who is eligible to apply?
Adult participant applicants must:
Between the ages of 25 and 40;
Currently working as a teacher or community leader (interacting with some of selected youth participants)
Demonstrated interest in assisting youth to become productive and responsible members of the society
Demonstrates ability to relate to people of other cultures and backgrounds
Expressed interest in developing their own community project or expanding a current project
Has established long-term goals to remain in teaching position or other positions of influence to young people
Experience supervising youth between the ages of 16 - 18
Have citizenship and current residency in the country which you are applying for (Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Hungary. Applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered);
Be proficient in English; and
Submit a complete application, including photograph and letters of recommendation.
Student applicants must:
Be at least 16 years old and not more than 18 years old at the time of the exchange 18 (birth years between July 1, 1993- July 1, 1995);
Have a high school graduation year of 2012 or later or one year following the completion of the program;
Have permission from either a parent or legal guardian to participate in the four-week program, to begin in July of 2011;
Have citizenship and current residency in the country which you are applying for (Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Hungary. Applicants with dual U.S. citizenship will not be considered);
Be proficient in English; and
Submit a complete application, including photograph and letters of recommendation.
What are the criteria for selection?
Both applicant (adult participant and youngsters) will be evaluated on the following characteristics:
Proven track record of participating in community activities
Demonstrated leadership skills and an interest in international affairs and community service
Demonstrated ability to relate to people of other cultures and backgrounds
Expressed interest and commitment in developing and sustaining their own community project
Proven leadership skills;
English proficiency;
Good social and communication skills;
Outstanding academic performance;
Regional and ethnic diversity that meets the requirements of developing community based initiatives;
An energetic, positive attitude
For further information please download the following documents:
The Camp Rising Sun program offers a unique experience to those interested in spending their holiday in a multinational environment in New York State. Applicants must be between the age of 14 and 16.
CISV is a global community of dedicated volunteers, creating opportunities for all ages to experience the excitement and enrichment of cultural diversity through our educational programmes. It was founded on the belief that peace is possible through friendship - and that the real difference can be made by starting with children.
CISV provides a range of unique, education group activities, which develop cross-cultural understanding in children, youth and adults from around the world. By encouraging respect for cultural difference and the development of self-awareness, CISV empowers each participant to incorporate these values into their lives as they become global citizens and strive for a more peaceful world.
CISV Summer Camp encourages participants to take responsibility for leadership and program planning. Each camp focuses on a specific educational theme. Participants work together to plan activities and discussions which build on the chosen theme. We are expecting participants between the age of 11-15. For more information, please visit to http://www.hu.cisv.org/ or http://www.cisv.org/programmes/summercamp.html
