About the Fellowship

The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The Institute offers a combination of interactive classes, seminars, workshops, webinars, and teleconferences presented by prominent scholars and specialists in international relations, diplomacy, communication, media, and civic education.

The program will consist of four modules, each representing a component of Benjamin Franklin’s legacy:

1. International Relations & Diplomacy Module
2. Media & Communication Module
3. Civic Education & Democratic Citizenship Module
4. Service & Volunteerism Module

Each module is comprised of a set of thematic presentations, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, site visits, and other interactive activities, conducted by highly qualified faculty, graduate students, and area specialists.

“I loved the program greatly. The chance to meet all these people was life-changing. I have made amazing relationships.”

Goals for the Institute are:

• To introduce Fellows to Benjamin Franklin’s ideas and legacy;
• To promote mutual understanding and civic responsibility among young Americans and Europeans;
• To encourage Fellows to establish strong linkages between nations and cultures;
• To develop commitment to cooperation and mutual respect;
• To cultivate relationships among individuals from different cultural backgrounds and to promote diversity;
• To develop a sense of democratic local, national, and global citizenship among Fellows;
• To encourage Fellows to implement in their communities the new knowledge and skills acquired during the Institute; and
• To introduce European Fellows to American culture, education, and everyday lives of American families.

Participating organizations:

• The Brian Lamb School of Communication
• The Purdue University Department  of Political Science
• The James F. Ackerman Center for Democratic Citizenship
• Tippecanoe School Corporation
• Lafayette Urban Ministry

Interested European fellows should contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their country for application.