Are you interested in studying as an exchange student in the USA on a fully funded basis? This is a great opportunity for you to avail. In an era of increasing globalization, fostering community involvement and cultural understanding is more crucial than ever. The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, exemplifies this mission by bringing together young leaders from across the globe to share ideas, build networks, and effect positive change in their communities.
Community Engagement Exchange Program in the USA:
The 2024-25 CEE Program is set to be a transformative experience, offering exceptional opportunities for personal growth, professional development, and international collaboration. The CEE Program is a comprehensive, year-long initiative that empowers emerging community leaders. Fully funded by the U.S. government, it provides participants, known as CEE Fellows, with the tools and experiences needed to enhance their leadership skills and amplify their impact at home. Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to community service and their potential to drive significant change in their home countries.
About Exchange Program
The CEE Program seeks young community leaders aged 21 to 28 from over 100 eligible countries. Ideal candidates are those with a proven track record of community involvement and leadership, along with a clear vision for leveraging their CEE experience to benefit their communities. Proficiency in English is required, as it is the primary language of the program. Fellows gain practical skills and knowledge that enhance their ability to lead and innovate within their communities.
The hands-on experience and training modules are designed to build capacity in critical areas such as advocacy, organizational management, and community mobilization. These skills are not only beneficial for their immediate projects but also for their long-term career growth. The international program facilitates connections between young leaders from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. These networks often lead to long-term collaborations and partnerships that extend beyond the duration of the program.
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Fellows have the opportunity to learn from their peers, share best practices, and develop a global perspective on community engagement. Living and working in the United States provides Fellows with a unique perspective on American culture and society. Fellows return home with a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and a stronger ability to navigate cross-cultural interactions. The Community Engagement Project ensures that the knowledge and skills acquired during the program are put to practical use. By addressing local challenges and leveraging global insights, Fellows can create sustainable change in their communities. The program’s emphasis on mentorship and ongoing support helps ensure that these projects have a lasting impact.
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Community Engagement Exchange Program 2024-2025 in the USA
Host country: United States of America
Host Organization: The International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX)
Program Duration: A year-long cultural exchange program
Eligible Countries for CEE Program by Region
Africa: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe
East Asia and the Pacific: Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam
Europe and Eurasia: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, and Ukraine
The Middle East and North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, and West Bank/Palestinian Territories
South and Central Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
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Scholarship Value/ Inclusions for the Community Engagement Exchange Program in the USA
- Participants in the Community Engagement Exchange Program enjoy extensive support and coverage for their stay in the USA. Here are the key benefits provided:
- The program offers full assistance with obtaining the J-1 visa necessary for entry into the United States.
- It covers the cost of round-trip travel from the participant’s home city to the U.S.
- Participants receive a monthly allowance that covers housing, meals, and other living expenses during their time in the U.S.
- The program includes accident and sickness health coverage for the duration of the participant’s stay.
Eligibility Criteria for the Community Engagement Exchange Program 2024
To be eligible for the Community Engagement Exchange Program 2024, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Candidates must be citizens of one of the eligible countries listed for the program.
- Candidates must be currently living and working in their home countries.
- Candidates must be between 21 and 27 years old.
- Candidates must have at least two years of professional or volunteer experience by the time of application.
- If holding refugee status, candidates must be working on behalf of their home community.
- Candidates must be proficient in English.
- Candidates must be able to stay in the U.S. for three months.
- Candidates must be committed to returning to their home countries and serving their communities for at least two years after the program.
- Candidates who have previously participated in a U.S.-funded exchange program must have fulfilled their two-year home residency requirement.
- Candidates must not have been permanent residents of the U.S. in the last three years.
- Candidates must not be employees of IREX or immediate family members of an IREX employee.
How to Apply for the Community Engagement Exchange Program?
To apply for the Community Engagement Exchange Program, follow these steps:
- Submit your application through the Community Engagement Exchange online application portal.
- Provide all required documents and details accurately.
- Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date.
- Semi-finalists must submit English proficiency reports (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.).
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the Community Engagement Exchange Program in the USA for 2024 is July 2, 2024.