Submit Applications for Benjamin Franklin Fellowship Program 2025 (Albania)

Goals

• 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 groups;
  • to promote mutual understanding between the United States and Europe;
  • to develop a cadre of youth leaders who will share their knowledge and skills with their peers through positive action.

Eligibility Criteria

• The successful candidate should have a strong interest in learning more about the transatlantic relationship, the role of a free press in a democracy, and an interest in public or community service. He/She should have a strong demonstrated interest in communications, advocacy, debate, or civic participation.
• He/She should have the academic aptitude for a program of this nature and the 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.
• One principal and one alternate candidate will be chosen from Albania.
• General Candidate Qualifications:
  • must be born between June 24, 2007, and June 24, 2009 (i.e., be 16, 17, or 18 years of age at the time of the program start);
  • be highly proficient in English, as demonstrated in a personal interview or the results of a standardized test;
  • be committed to enrolling in high school or university in their home countries in fall 2025, following completion of the program;
  • demonstrate strong leadership potential and interest in transatlantic relations and diplomacy;
  • indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
  • demonstrate high level of academic achievement, as indicated by academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
  • demonstrate a commitment to community and extracurricular activities;
  • have had little or no prior U.S. study or travel experience in the United States;
  • be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful and inquisitive;
  • be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive summer program, with community service and educational travel;
  • be comfortable with campus life, shared living accommodations, travel and interaction with a multinational, co-ed group of participants from across Europe and the United States;
  • be comfortable engaging with the Americans they meet in the host communities; and
  • be able to adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home countries.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Albania.