Deadline: 8-Dec-22
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana Albania is pleased to announce the call for applications for the Ambassadors Fund for Summer Work and Travel (SWT) scholarship program.
The Ambassadors Fund for Summer Work and Travel (AFSWT) is a three-month program for undergraduate and graduate students from Albanian universities interested in working in the United States during the summer and traveling to learn more about American culture and values. Scholarships are awarded competitively to students who demonstrate commitment to bring the American experience back to their home institutions and promote American culture and values. Pending availability of funds, 15 students Eqerem Cabej University, Fan S. Noli University, and Aleksander Moisiu University, will be selected through a merit-based process to participate in the AFSWT program during the Summer 2023.
The U.S. Embassy will work closely with two implementing U.S.-based partner organizations, CIEE and InterExchange, and their official local representative Narom Travel Albania to recruit, screen, select, and support the student applicants and to secure front-facing job placements for them with top U.S. host employers in several seasonal communities across the U.S. These placements will ensure that all participants work alongside and interact regularly with U.S. citizens and have opportunities to engage in cultural activities or events outside of work. These placements will allow for participants to interact frequently and substantially with U.S. citizens, practice speaking English, and gain exposure to American business practices and customer service and relations.
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizen and resident of Albania
- 18–24 years old
- Currently enrolled in full-time degree program in Tourism and Hospitality at Eqerem Cabej University, Fan S. Noli University, or Aleksander Moisiu University
- Demonstrate strong academic records
- Have a good command of written and spoken English
- Be a tolerant, flexible, responsible individual highly interested in working in the United States
- Eligible to receive and maintain an exchange visa (J-1) required for the program.
- Have a confirmed, vetted job placement in the United States at the time of the visa interview.
- Be committed to return to Albania immediately upon the completion of the program.
- Applicants must be proficient in oral and written English. A TOEFL score is not required at the time of application.
- Priority will be given to students from low-income families.
Ineligible
- Part-time university students, as well as those attending vocational, distance learning, and secondary schools for adults
- Citizens and permanent residents of the United States
- Individuals currently studying, residing, or working outside of their home country
- Individuals who have participated in the Summer Work & Travel program before
For more information, visit https://al.usembassy.gov/education-culture/educational-exchange-programs/ambassadors-fund-for-summer-work-travel-program-summer-2022/