Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship

The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship includes presentations by Purdue University faculty, panel discussions with guest speakers, simulations and role-playing games such as a United Nations simulation and conflict resolution, and group discussions and debates on topics like what it means to be a good citizen and the future of artificial intelligence. Participants take classes in International Diplomacy, Media and Journalism, and Civic Education; work on group projects such as Project Citizen; and join practical workshops and seminars like “How to Develop a Community Project.” The program also includes site visits such as tours of the Indiana State House and Capitol Hill, visits to Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, the Tippecanoe Battlefield, the Indiana War Memorial, the Indiana State Museum, the Shedd Aquarium, the Arts Institute, the Willis Tower, the Franklin Institute, Smithsonian Institutions, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, and local organizations including a mayor’s office, student newspaper, local TV station, and a local high school.

• Ages: 16–18 years old
• Schedule: An intensive four-week exchange program held June 23–July 21, 2026
• Price: 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; Accommodation.

The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship consists of four modules that represent components of Benjamin Franklin’s legacy: International Relations & Diplomacy, Media & Communication, Civic Education & Democratic Citizenship, and Service & Volunteerism. It brings together 10 U.S. Fellows and 25 international Fellows from Europe, all ages 16 to 18, and includes trips to Indianapolis, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, with city tours in Indianapolis, Chicago, Washington, DC, and Franklin’s Philadelphia. Fellows meet with U.S. politicians, scholars, and journalists; learn about federalism and how state government works; and learn how to organize and participate in community service activities.

The program includes a July 4th Independence Day picnic, International Culture Night and International Cultures Night with artistic presentations, an International Bazaar, a talent show, welcome and farewell receptions, shows and concerts, sporting events, and movie nights. The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implemented by Purdue University, and it started in 2006 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Benjamin Franklin. The program explores how young people consume and produce information and the importance of freedom of expression and supports the “America 250” initiative, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the founding of America. One participant stated, “I loved the program greatly. The chance to meet all these people was life-changing. I have made amazing relationships.”

Last updated May 12, 2026.