The U.S. Embassy in Helsinki is pleased to invite applications for the 2010 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute for upper secondary school students. There will be one institute in the summer of 2010 with approximately 45 students: up to 35 European students plus 10 Americans. Activities will include discussions of global issues of common interest, leadership and media training, collaborative project development, community service, educational travel, and plans for follow-on activities. The Institute will be 3-4 weeks in duration between late June and late August. Specific information on dates and location will be provided later.

Funding/Travel

The program is funded by the US Government and provides full scholarship for participants, which covers visa, travel, lodging, food, educational materials, ground transportation expenses and travel insurance.

Candidate Qualifications

- 16-18 years of age as of July 1, 2010
- Highly proficient in English
- Committed to enrolling in high school or university in Finland in fall 2010, following completion of the Institute
- Demonstrate strong leadership potential and interest in transatlantic relations and diplomacy
- Indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States
- Sustained 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; (nominees with significant U.S. experience may be considered on a case by case basis)
- Mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful and inquisitive
- Willing and able to fully participate in an intensive summer program, community service, and active educational travel program
- Comfortable with campus life, shared living accommodations, travel and interaction with a multinational, coed group of participants from across Europe and the U.S., and comfortable with engaging various Americans in the broader community.
- Able to adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home countries.

Application Requirements and Procedure Selection process will be conducted by US Embassy officials and is merit based. After completing the application, the best qualified candidates will be interviewed by U.S. Embassy staff. To apply for the program, you will need:

- Completed application form. Application can be downloaded at: http://finland.usembassy.gov/benjaminfranklin_2010.html
- A letter of recommendation in English (optional)
- Copy of school records for current academic year at the time of interview

Deadline for applications: March 15, 2010. Please send the application form and the supporting documents electronically to the Embassy of the United States, Cultural and Exchanges Assistant Mirka McIntire, e-mail: McIntireMH@state.gov