The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship is a prestigious U.S. Department of State exchange program hosted at Purdue University, bringing together intellectually curious students ages 16 to 18 from the United States and Europe for an intensive four-week residential experience. Participants explore themes of international relations, diplomacy, media, and civic responsibility through a curriculum designed to foster mutual understanding between American and European youth. The program, which launched in 2006 to honor Benjamin Franklin's legacy, offers a rare opportunity to engage with global perspectives alongside peers from across the Atlantic. It is one of the most distinctive and meaningful international exchange programs available to high school students.
Delivering ideas clearly and confidently in front of an audience.
Building persuasive arguments and responding to opposing viewpoints on the spot.
Evaluating information carefully before drawing a conclusion or making a decision.
Understanding and respectfully engaging with people from different backgrounds.
Bringing people together around a shared cause to create real change.
Helping people work through disagreements and find a fair way forward.
Program directly explores international relations, diplomacy, and cross-cultural understanding between Americans and Europeans.
Fellows engage in civic education, debates on democratic citizenship, and analysis of governance through site visits and simulations.
Program includes media and communication module exploring how young people produce and consume information.
Service and volunteerism module teaches community project development and implementation skills.
Community Experiences
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