Deadline: 13-Feb-2026
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship Program is a fully funded four-week summer exchange for Slovak high school students focused on democratic values, leadership, and transatlantic cooperation. Hosted at Purdue University in the United States, the program runs from June 23 to July 21, 2026, and is sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava and the U.S. Department of State. Applications close on February 13, 2026.
Program Overview
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship Program is a prestigious, fully funded summer exchange program designed for high school students from the Slovak Republic.
Implemented by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava, the program brings together students from Europe and the United States to explore shared democratic values, leadership, and international cooperation.
The 2026 fellowship will take place at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, offering participants an immersive academic, cultural, and community-based learning experience.
Core Themes and Learning Focus
The program is built around key transatlantic and civic themes relevant to young leaders in democratic societies.
Primary focus areas include:
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Shared Western democratic values and institutions
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Leadership development and civic responsibility
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Transatlantic relations and diplomacy
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Community engagement and service learning
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Cultural exchange and mutual understanding
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International cooperation and dialogue
Participants engage in critical discussions and collaborative activities that encourage independent thinking, respectful debate, and leadership skills.
Program Structure and Activities
The fellowship combines academic instruction with hands-on experiential learning.
Academic and Leadership Components
Participants take part in:
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Seminar-style discussions
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Interactive presentations
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Faculty- and mentor-led workshops
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Leadership and critical thinking exercises
All sessions are designed to be participatory and discussion-driven.
Experiential and Cultural Activities
Beyond the classroom, the program includes:
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Community service projects
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Educational site visits
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Cultural and social activities
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Homestays with American host families
Students live on campus in shared accommodations and interact daily with a diverse, multinational, co-educational group of peers.
Location and Program Dates
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Host institution: Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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Program dates: June 23 to July 21, 2026
Participants are expected to attend all scheduled activities. The program follows a demanding schedule, with no time allotted for personal travel or unrelated activities.
Funding and What Is Covered
The fellowship is fully funded by the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava and the U.S. Department of State.
Covered expenses include:
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J-1 visa fees
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Round-trip international airfare
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Accommodation and meals
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Educational materials
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Ground transportation
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Travel insurance
Participants must comply with all J-1 visa and travel regulations at the time of departure.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered.
Eligible candidates must:
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Be Slovak citizens or legal permanent residents of the Slovak Republic
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Be born between June 23, 2008, and June 23, 2010
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Be enrolled in a high school in Slovakia in fall 2026
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Demonstrate strong English-language proficiency
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Show leadership potential and active involvement in school or community activities
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Have a clear interest in democracy, civic engagement, and transatlantic relations
Preference is given to students with little or no prior travel or study experience in the United States.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The Benjamin Franklin Fellowship equips young people with the skills and perspectives needed to engage in democratic leadership at the local and international levels.
It helps participants:
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Develop leadership and public speaking skills
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Gain firsthand exposure to U.S. society and institutions
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Build lasting international networks
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Strengthen intercultural competence
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Deepen understanding of democratic values and civic responsibility
The program aims to prepare students to become active contributors to their communities and future transatlantic cooperation.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
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Complete the online application form by February 13, 2026
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Submit all required essay responses in English
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Optionally upload a letter of recommendation from a teacher or community leader in English
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Await application review by the U.S. Embassy in Bratislava
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Participate in a virtual interview if shortlisted in late February 2026
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Receive final selection decision from the U.S. Department of State in spring 2026
Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Missing the February 13, 2026 application deadline
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Submitting incomplete or poorly written essay responses
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Overstating prior U.S. travel experience when preference is given to first-time participants
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Applying without the ability to commit fully to the program schedule
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Failing to demonstrate interest in leadership, democracy, or community engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the program fully funded?
Yes. All major expenses, including travel, accommodation, visa fees, and insurance, are fully covered.
Do I need U.S. citizenship or prior travel experience?
No. Applicants should be Slovak citizens or permanent residents, and preference is given to those with little or no prior U.S. travel.
What visa will participants use?
Participants will travel on a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa arranged through the program.
Is a recommendation letter mandatory?
No. A letter of recommendation is optional but can strengthen the application.
Can participants travel independently during the program?
No. The schedule is intensive, and personal travel or unrelated activities are not permitted.
What level of English is required?
Applicants must demonstrate strong English proficiency sufficient for academic discussions and group activities.
How competitive is the program?
The program is highly competitive, with selection based on merit, leadership potential, and motivation.
Conclusion
The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship Program 2026 offers an exceptional opportunity for Slovak high school students to gain leadership skills, international exposure, and a deeper understanding of democratic values.
With full funding, an intensive academic program, and meaningful cultural exchange, the fellowship is ideal for motivated students ready to engage in transatlantic dialogue and community leadership.
For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Slovakia.