Vice versa

Students at the BFTF Institute

-- Deadline is March 1, 2012 --

Belgian students aged 16-18 are invited to enter a competition, the winner of which is entitled to a four-week stay in the U.S.  The competition consists of writing an essay about "Freedom of Speech: A Universal Value." The winner of the competition will travel to the United States for four weeks to take part in a summer institute for young Americans and Europeans in July 2012.  Specific information on dates and location will be provided later.

Winners of the 2010 contest, Sarah Declercq and Olivier Danenberg, explain in a video clip what the program is about and how their stay at the Benjamin Franklin Summer Institute had an impact on their lives: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykRFoMGDG0E. You can view photos of the BFTF Institute on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/65159457@N02/

The winner of the contest will participate in an intensive, four-week exchange program in the United States that focuses on the global issues that European and American youth face on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.  Students will participate in a variety of activities such as training sessions, workshops, community-based programs, study tours, and cultural events.  Participants will work together to prepare joint projects that present and promote the stated goals and objectives of the Institute.

Eligibility:

• The contest is open to all Belgian citizens between 16 and 18 years of age on July 1, 2012.
• Fluent in English.
• Relatives of employees of the U.S. Embassy in Brussels are not eligible to participate.

Essay Requirements:

• Original work of the students
• Demonstrating an understanding of the topic
• Written in English
• Between 500 and 750 words

Selection Criteria:

Essays will be judged based on:

• Originality
• Clear communication
• Good organization of ideas
• Convincing arguments supported with specific examples

Essays can be sent by e-mail to: ircbrussels@state.gov. The deadline is March 1, 2012.

A follow-up interview will take place at the U.S. Embassy in Brussels and will discuss academic and community involvement, interest in the U.S. and participation in this summer program.