Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship (BFTF) is a program of the U.S. Department of State that brings together a group of intellectually curious students ages 16 to 18 from Europe and the United States to participate in an intensive four-week exchange program on the campus of Purdue University.
About
About the Fellowship
The program consists of four modules, each representing a component of Benjamin Franklin’s legacy:
- International Relations & Diplomacy Module
- Media & Communication Module
- Civic Education & Democratic Citizenship Module
- Service & Volunteerism Module
Each module is comprised of a set of thematic presentations, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, site visits, and other interactive activities.
- To introduce Fellows to Benjamin Franklin’s ideas and legacy;
- To promote mutual understanding and civic responsibility among young Americans and Europeans;
- To support the “America 250” initiative which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of America, by highlighting America’s rich history, and focusing on leadership development and civic engagement;
- 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;
- 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 the everyday lives of American families.
“I loved the program greatly. The chance to meet all these people was life-changing. I have made amazing relationships.
Schedule
BFTF Schedule
- Presentations by Purdue University faculty
- Panel discussions with guest speakers
- Simulations and role-playing games (e.g., United Nations simulation; conflict resolution)
- Group discussion and debates (e.g., What it Means to Be a Good Citizen, The Future of Artificial Intelligence)
- Group projects (e.g., Project Citizen)
- Practical workshops and seminars (e.g., How to Develop a Community Project)
The Fellows visit Indianapolis, where they tour the Indiana State House, meet with Indiana State Representatives, and learn about federalism and how state government works. Other civic education-related site visits take place in Washington, DC and Philadelphia (Independence Hall and National Constitution Center). In Chicago, the Fellows visit the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum. Other site visits include:
- Lafayette/Tippecanoe County: Tippecanoe Battlefield, Lafayette mayor’s office; The Exponent, student newspaper; local TV station; local high school
- Indianapolis: city tour; Indiana War Memorial; Indiana State Museum
- Chicago: city tour; Shedd Aquarium; Arts Institute; Willis Tower
- Washington, DC: city tour; Capitol Hill tour; Department of State; Smithsonian Institutions; and the Holocaust Memorial Museum
- Philadelphia: Franklin’s Philadelphia city tour; Franklin Institute
In addition to visiting museums, cultural and social activities include:
- July 4th Independence Day picnic
- International Cultures Night with artistic presentations
- International Bazaar
- Sporting events, concerts and movie nights
- Welcome and farewell receptions
Apply
For Prospective Fellows
BFTF will be held June 23-July 21, 2026 on the campus of Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
10 U.S. Fellows (aged 16 to 18) will join 25 international Fellows from Europe to take classes in International Diplomacy, Media and Journalism, and Civic Education. Over the course of the program, Fellows will meet with U.S. politicians, scholars, and journalists. Fellows will participate in debates, practical workshops, and seminars. They will also learn how to organize and participate in community service activities.
The Fellowship cultural program includes trips to Indianapolis, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. The program also includes an International Culture Night, talent show, 4th of July picnic, shows and concerts, movie nights and sporting events.
Application Information
Call for applications for the 2026 program for U.S. Citizens will open in December 2025.
Applications are due March 8, 2026.
The program covers the following expenses for participants:
- Tuition
- Transportation
- Meals and incidentals
- Books and study materials
- Admission to museums and shows
- All program trips
U.S. Citizens applying to the program must submit the following:
- Application
- Resume or list of activities, projects, or experiences
- Essay (2-3 paragraphs, single-spaced)
- Video response to a prompt (see Application for instructions)
- Letter of recommendation
- Additional evidence that demonstrates your interest and willingness to participate in the Institute. Such evidence may include but is not limited to diplomas, certificates, letters of support, articles in newspapers, letters from peers or superiors, etc.
*Recruitment of international applicants is coordinated through U.S Embassies/Consulates. Please contact the U.S. Embassy in your respective country for information.
- Demonstrated leadership potential
- Interest in diplomacy, international relations, and public policy
- Maturity, open-mindedness, and independent thinking
- Sustained high level of academic achievement
- Demonstrated interest in volunteering and community work
- Commitment to applying new knowledge and skills in the applicant’s community
- Ability to work in a team
- Responsibility
- Tolerance and willingness to collaborate with peers of different cultural backgrounds
U.S. citizens 16-18 years old may apply. Citizens and residents of European countries must apply through the U.S. Embassy in their respective country.
Send the application package electronically by March 8, 2026 to:
Dr. Anatoli Rapoport or Dr. Jeff Spanke
Or mail (postmarked by March 8,2026) to:
Anatoli Rapoport
100 N. University Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Staff
Dr. Anatoli Rapoport
Program Director
Dr. Jeff Spanke
Program Administrator
Jeremy Bloyd
Homestay Coordinator
Dr. Asta Balkute
Administrator/Mentor
Luka Ignac
Mentor
Sarah Ryan
Mentor
BFTF was truly a life-changing experience for me. It helped me grow both personally and intellectually, and it opened my eyes to new perspectives, cultures, and ideas.