Benjamin Franklin Fellows Summer Institute

The Benjamin Franklin Fellows Summer Institute is an intensive four-week transatlantic exchange program focused on U.S. foreign policy priorities such as youth engagement, democratic and civic development, and economic and social wellbeing. The program combines lectures, seminars, practical workshops, community initiatives, site visits, cultural activities and homestays to deepen participants' understanding of U.S. society and democratic practice. Participants complete community projects and present graduate project plans to youth organizations in their home countries. The 2025 edition takes place at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.

Four-week tuition and program activities, lectures and seminars, practical workshops, community initiatives and site visits, cultural activities, homestay with American families; travel and living expenses covered by the U.S. Department of State.

Applicants must be 16, 17 or 18 years old at the start of the program and enrolled in secondary school; candidates must demonstrate strong leadership potential, academic achievement, community involvement, interest in diplomacy and transatlantic relations, and proficiency in English (verified by interview or test or teacher recommendation).

Submit the application form and an English teacher recommendation by email to the contact address; an application form is provided on the embassy website.