The 2012 Fellows are being selected by US Embassies around the world. New class to announce in June 2012. The folks below are now officially alums.
Abulfaz – Azerbaijan
Abulfaz is actively engaged in community issues through the American Corner in his hometown, where he attends Lankaran Private Turkish High School, located in the south regions of Azerbaijan. His interests include engagement in activities of leadership development, communication skills, and other development opportunities in a summer institute. In the future Abulfaz is considering the tourism sector and translation work.
Alena – Slovakia
Alena is an active member of the European Youth Parliament (EYP). In 2010 she was chosen one of the 20 delegates of EYP Slovakia. As a volunteer she helps younger students from her school with French and English and also works as a volunteer at the French Institute in Bratislava. She attends a dance school Tane?ný Ateliér Mudro?ova, and plays the guitar, piano and recorder. Alena is talented in foreign languages, winning first place in the national round of the French language Olympics in 2009 and 2007.
Alex – Luxembourg
- Alex, an 11th grader, is in BBC Etzella Ettelbruck basketball team and in 2011 won Country Team Cup for Basketball. He organized fundraiser for Tsunami victims in 2004. He speaks Luxembourgish English , German, and French.Alex is considering studying medicine (neurology or psychiatry) or natural sciences in order to become a teacher. He is also interested in law, history and philosophy, and plays drums.
Alexander – Malta
Alex is in secondary school studying many areas of science. He is participating in Mini-European Assembly organized by European Parliament in Malta and NSTF. He has awards in Drama, certificate of participation in Spirit Combat – orange belt, and participated in EneMalta competition on renewable energy sources in Malta
Aliaksandr – Belarus
Aliaksandr is a student at Belarusian State University in the Department of International Relations. He tutors in Social Sciences and helps undergrads prepare for entering exams. The nominee together with his friends starts a new project –a development of educational website. Aliaksandr is active in sports swimming, running, as well as martial arts.
Alija – Bosnia and Herzegovina
Alija is praised by his teachers for “his intelligence, enthusiasm, and easy-going nature.” Has participated in Krav Maga fighting club this past year, participated in informatics, literature, math, and physics clubs in primary school, participates in physics club in secondary school, and has many awards in English language competitions.
Ashley – Montana, USA
Ashley is from Northwest Montana, near Canada, where she does a number of volunteer activities. In High school she is a Council Member for the National Honors Society, was a delegate to Girls State (American Legion), is involved in the Science Club, Theatre, Track and Field, Speech and Debate, Upward Bound and Model United Nations.
Balsa – Montenegro
Balsa is active in Martial Arts club “Peking” Podgorica, a guitar player, active in volunteering activities, his school debate club with experience in local and international competitions, and volunteer with three NGO organizations: “Food Bank, “ “Political Education of Young” and “Fides” (healthy lifestyles).
Baptiste – Switzerland
Baptiste was active in sport, including judo and soccer, and now plays tennis and badminton. He also plays the guitar and practices at the Bern Conservatory. Baptiste is also engaged in his local Bern neighborhood where he sits on the organizing committee which initiates activities in the neighborhood. On a larger scale, he is an active member of the organization Teens for Unity, a Christian movement, whose goal is to help people in need.
Bartosz – Poland
Bartosz won a nationwide competition “Know America 2011” and won local competition on banking knowledge “Wiem – na bank! 2011.” He managed a group of volunteers responsible for international dancing groups during International Dance Sport Federation’s World Championships, has placed in regional oratorical contest, participated in Municipal scientific conference “The Role of a Family in 21st Century” – gave a speech: “A pupil and a teacher – friends or enemies?” (2010), participated in the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity (“Wielka Orkiestra Swiatecznej Pomocy”) – famous annual charity event in Poland, and also placed in competition on economics “Olimpiada wiedzy ekonomicznej.” Bartosz plays the guitar and keyboard with his band “Sense.” He is also a winner in volleyball competitions.
Belqis – Denmark
Belqis attends the Interskolen in Aarhus (International Primary School). She is active as a tutor for new students at her school and as mentor for students who need extra academic guidance. She is a keen sportswoman, specializing in martial arts and parkour, and she is a nature lover. She os actively involved in her local community with volunteer efforts.
Bersant – Kosovo
Bersant attends“Mehmet Akif” College (High School) in Pristina. His extracurricular activities include creating a website to educate youth about the use of medicine, his work with NGOs, and his participation in the science and engineering club
Brooke – Texas, USA
Brooke was the 2010 Okinawa Peace Scholar winner, studying in Japan. She also writes as Editor-in-Chief of an online publication, a 2011 Columbia Scholastic Press Crown winner, print edition honored at Texas Association of Journalism, and writes for the metro paper San Antonio Express-News Teen Team. She is also an athlete of note in shot put and discus.
Bruno – Portugal
Bruno attends Escola Secundaria da Baixa da Banheira studying Science and Technology. He volunteers at a computer repair shop, participates in volunteer jobs come around his local community, and a volunteer in “Alhos Vedros” Soup Kitchen. Has received honorable mentions as the schools’ best student, and also state-wide winner of the game of 24 (mathematics).
Catalina – Spain
Catalina is entering her senior year of high school specializing in Sciences. She tutors middle school students with difficulties. a former athlete she now volunteers in archaeological excavations during the summer holidays as well as in athletic competitions as part of the organizing staff. Catalina She was chosen this year as one of the three Spanish students to participate in the Model United Nations General Assembly (MUNGA) held in Oxford (UK).
Chris Chen -New Jersey, USA
Chris is a busy fellow with a major emphasis in music. He was all-State Orchestra (violin), received Resolution of Merit from his HS, invited to play with the Region II Orchestra, New Jersey Youth Symphony, played with New Jersey Symphony Orchestra members in a concert, SHS Chamber Orchestra, SHS Chamber Quartet (violin) and Piano concerts for Darfur. He also participated with the Debate Team, Cross Country, Swimming, Volleyball and a Science Research Program. Talent Displayed!
Dalila – Bosnia-Herzegovina
Dalila aspires to become a politician. She has top grades at a top HS, living away from home to attend in Sarajevo. She has won competitions in Computer Science, Math, Physics and English competitions. Is is a debater, works in drama, plays football and volleyball, plays piano, with a budding interest in guitar.
David – Spain
David attends IES Santa Catalina de Alejandria Secondary School in Jaen, Spain, specializing in Sciences & Technology. He studied 9 years ata Music Conservatory majoring in Bassoon (also plays piano and clarinet) and regularly plays with a youth orchestra. David volunteers at a local Down Syndrome Association and also helps with homeless and needy immigrants.
Emily – England
Emily studies at the Burntwood School emphasizing physics, biology, English and photography, where she was awarded the Jack Petchy award for contributions to her years group. She works at Hayes FM radio station and at Cranford Community College Sociology Department and has worked at the government department of Business, Innovation and Skills. Emily leads the Science and Debate Clubs at her school. She also plays guitar. enjoy going to the theatre, museums, art galleries and attending science and literature lectures. She is planning on studying politics and philosophy this September at Manchester University. And really cool, Emily was invited to Westminster hall to watch Barack Obama address parliament!
Evgenia – Greece
Evgenia participated in scouting since age six. Has organized bazaars to financially support the homeless and other needy members of the community, also volunteering. She volunteers in charity programs organized by UNICEF, WWF and Doctors Without Borders for environmental projects organized by Xanthi municipality, loves painting and has participated in many exhibitions. Evgenia sings in the choir, is a member of school theater troupe (performing in Grease, Antigone and Mamma Mia), and plays volleyball and basketball. Interests include journalism and mass communication.
Faika – Cyprus
Faika attends Girne American University (GAU) College studying arts. Captain of her HS Basketball team, and plays on the school’s football team. She also takes part in many extracurricular activities as will be revealed during her stay in the US.
Flavia – Moldova
Flavia has extensive experience in radio and TV. Since she was 5, Flavia hosted a children’s programs on national radio, Radio Moldova, and national public broadcaster Moldova 1 TV. At the same time Flavia has been actively involved in journalism trainings at the Youth Media Center and photography at the Fotomax Professional Photography School. Since 2007 Flavia has been writing for various national magazines and newspapers. She also volunteers for organizations that work on preventing human trafficking and has a special interest in public debates and tennis.
Gentina – Kosovo
Gentina is a trainer for children’s rights’’- Professional Center for Human Rights and Judicial Initiatives. She participated in Public Achievement Conference in Macedonia, participated twice in Albania in debates for children’s rights, and organized the first-ever debate on sexually transmitted diseases. She also participated in the International Delphic Festival in Ankara in branch of photography.Gentina was resident of Student Government in ‘’Ismail Qemali Primary School’’ and works with ARANEA NGO/Diplomacy Sector, YMCA NGO which works on organizing activities for youth.
Goncalo – Portugal
Goncalo attends Escola Secundaria D. Pedro V where he studies Science and Technology. He participated and won awards at: Portuguese Math Olympiads, “Computer Prototype”, Creativity and Innovation, Science Doc Contest: “Natural selection and evolution of antibiotic resistance in E. coli bacteria.” Currently he is involved Ciencia Viva Contest: “Astrobiology: Other Worlds, Other Beings”, admitted to the “Pre-Olympics National Team”, for the qualification to the International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), after theoretical and practical exam; approved for the “Quark Project – School of Physics for Teenagers” in the Physics Department of the University of Coimbra; and started developing the team project “Biocompatible Particles” with the support of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Lisbon. To round things out Goncalo plays water polo; piano (beginner) and is an occasional volunteer at Food Bank. And has interest in the impacts of bioengineering in the fields of health and bioethics.
Hassan – California, USA
Hassan, from Orange County, California, has won the Boy Scout Life Award, is currently working to achieve the highest rank of Eagle, and has participated in the Model United Nations Program for three years. Additionally, he was involved in theater at his school, served as an expert witness and Pretrial attorney with Mock Trial, writer and business manager for the Baron Banner, president of Debate club, member of the California Scholarship Federation, president of Amnesty International, and attended the 100th Anniversary National Boy Scout Jamboree at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.
Hedda – Sweden
Hedda participates with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, representing her school at high school education fairs and helping prospective students of the IB Diploma Program. She attended International Intensive English Course in Oxford, UK. Hedda’s interests include being a founding member of the Lund branch of the EducationUSA Student Corps. She has also facilitated contact between American universities and Swedish students by initiating and organizing meetings, information roundtables. She also serves in student government.
Ingrid- Norway
Ingrid attends Lillestrøm high school where she studies general studies; science and mathematics. She participated with Young Ambassadors Leadership Program (YALP), U.S. Embassy in Oslo, won the Creativity Award at the 2010 Akershus county Entrepreneurship Camp focusing on environmentally friendly solutions for the future. Ingrid was awarded “Lancer of the Month”, “Most Conscientious Science Student” and ESOL student of the year (English for speakers of other languages) at Longfellow Middle School, McLean, VA. (2005/2006). She also initiated and managed extracurricular communications group. Environment and global health issues are of particular interest. To rounds things out Ingrid compete in cross-country skiing on a national level and plays soccer.
Jani – Finland
Jani attends Sampo Upper Secondary School where he studies languages, media studies and social sciences. Member and Trainer, Mediascope Network (a network for young people interested in the use of media as a tool for discussing, influencing and participating in different aspects of society). Jani participates with the Youth Council, Member, European Youth Parliamentary Program, the Asian European Classroom Initiative (AEC –group), has training in French and German. Interest include video editing and soaring, radio controlled planes.
Jonas – Germany
Jonas is studies include particular interest in languages and speaks English, Spanish, and French. His career goal is to become a foreign correspondent. He holds a DELF Diploma B1 in French. Jonas has interned Taunus Zeitung (Editor) and Deutsche Bahn (Railroad network administration). He serves as a referee for soccer matches, is founder and editor of school newspaper InsideOut, is a stringer for Frankfurter Neue Presse . At the request of the Bad Homburg city municipality, Jonas drafts brochures on local politics and the policy process with the goal of promoting the city to secondary school youths, and is assistant Manager Youth Press Hessen, a state-wide organization for student newspapers/media
Jonathan – New York, USA
Jonathan is the Term Council President at his New York City HS, Hunter College. He volunteers a peer tutor in several subjects. He active with his swim and tennis teams and likes ultimate Frisbee. Jonathan participates with the Jewish Cultural Awareness Club (JCAC-President) and Hebrew Learning Club (HLC-Founder/President). He also is an active writer and has volunteered with “Write On” Journalism Program at Columbia University 2010-2011, served as Counselor in the JCC Summer Camps. Jonathan’s hobbies include Classical Piano, hiking, mountain biking, and bouldering.
Justas – Lithuania
Justas attends Azuolyno gymnasium in Klaipeda. He is a member of the English debating club; member of students’ self-expression center and Physics club He also has special interest in IT, which could be very helpful this summer. He has attended debating camp in Lithuania.
Justin – Tennessee, USA
Justin served as president of the Student government at Mitchell High School in Memphis, TN. He is captain of the Debate Team, winning a number of speaker and team awards. He also participates in Football (American style) and Track. Justin was awarded two Humanitarian of the Year Awards by CPMSAC and his HS, as well as inductee to the honor society.
Karlo – Croatia
Karlo is active in a number of civic engagement groups including: Youth Group of Centre for Peace Studies, Croatian Youth Network, Society “Our Children”, Zabok Association “MRAZ”, Zabok, Network of Associations of Krapina and Zagorje County and Youth Council of Krapina and Zagorje. He has also participated in a number of workshop opportunities including: 21st National School of Human Rights – Croatia, 2nd Advanced National School of Human Rights – Croatia, “Connecting Peace – Connecting Non-violence” – international training course, Austria, Training for peer-to-peer trainers on non-violent communication and non-violent conflict transformation – internal training of Youth Group of Centre for Peace Studies, Croatia, Regional School of Human Rights – Serbia, “Youth Participation and Active Citizenship” – international conference.
Katy – North Carolina, USA
Katy is from Winston-Salem and can serve as welcoming personality and informed local guide. She attends R J Reynolds HS and is active with the English academic team, Literature Society, National Honor Society, Debate team, and youth and government, and worked as peer mediator. She works with Big Brothers Big Sisters where she serves as big sister to a 5th grader.
Kjamile – Macedonia
Kjamile is interested in pursuing medical studies. After finishing her Medical High School she will apply to study at the Faculty of Medicine at the University St. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje with the goal of being the first Roma physician. She has served as an intern at hospitals in Skopje and has also participated in a Soros summer camp for medical students. Additionally, Kjamile is an active volunteer at Sumnal where she volunteers as an English language tutor for young children. Kjamile’s other interests include classical music, literature, and aerobics.
Kornelia – Hungary
Kornelia is a former host student and participant in EU exchange program; an active member of the Student Union at her school and city; a participant at “Public Life Camps” (including election of Student Mayor and General Assembly Model of the City of Szolnok); an active participant as a Delegation Leader in Model European Parliament programs (MEP. She was the 1st prize winner of ‘Do you want to be Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs?’, organized by Hungary’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok Scientific Society and the 1st prize winner of AER’s 2009 and 2010 international speaking contest “Do you speak European?”. And to top it off Kornelia at the UNESCO Competition in 2009-2010 received a Pro Patria Medal in 2008 in honor of her social work.
Kristian – Norway
Kristian is active in leadership roles including serving as Chairman, Nadderud High School Student Council, participation in the U.S. Embassy Young Ambassadors Leadership Program, a student trainee at Norwegian investment bank Carnegie Securities and as a board member of the Stabekk Tennis Club. His passions are International finance and business, Literature and sports: tennis, golf, skiing, and indoor bandy.
Kristiana – Latvia
Kristiana is a regular and successful participation in regional, national, and international academic Olympiads (in Mathematics, English, History, Geography, French, Latvian, Physics, and Chemistry). She is involved in Dance, does voluntary work with NGOs, theatre coterie, and studies foreign languages.
Lani – California, USA
Lani is the chapter founder and subsequent president of State of America -National government and political debate organization for the youth, and is currently Regional Elect Mayor. She also co-founded Remedy – a graphic tee shirt charity foundation and found time to play HS Soccer (Team Captain), participate in Upward Bound-TRIO Program, sing in the Madrigals Choir and play piano, drums and flute in a Jazz Band, as well as representative for Riverside Community College District at National Science Foundation Conference in Washington D.C. Lani also won the DeWitt Wallace Scholarship for summer foreign exchange in Argentina. Youth Ambassador to Paraguay (sponsored by the U.S. State Department and Partners of America) the California Endowment for Civic Youth Advocacy Scholarship to California Youth Summit at Stanford University, and the 2011 Quest bridge Scholar for Williams College.
Lauren – California, USA
Lauren’s was the Bank of America Student Leader Program (Student Leadership Summit in Washington, DC), took part in the Yale University Ivy Scholars program (program on intl. security and global affairs), worked on the Boxer for Senate campaign, involved in Los Angeles City Government (including Los Angeles City Youth Council and Youth Advocate Speaker at Mayor Villaraigosa’s budget meeting). Her work includes organizing (and running) 5K to Stop Childhood Obesity, sponsorship by the American Diabetes Association, does SAT tutoring for underprivileged teens and piano tutoring for underprivileged children, worked extensively with Junior Blind of America and found time to win many competitive awards with the Los Angeles Metropolitan Debate League, piano competitions, and French contests. And Lauren is on the swim and varsity water polo teams.
Linda Liis – Estonia
Linda Liis lives and studied removed from her home in the University town of Tartu. While still at Türi, her hometown she had dreamed about studying language, which has become a reality. She is active in sports and sings in the school’s mixed choir. Linda Liis participates in the activities of Tartu University Academic Sports Club Fitness-club. In her free time, reads extensively and enjoys the company of friends. She has a particular interest in new technology-related news and foreign policy topics.
Magda – Bulgaria
Magda attends the National High School for Ancient Languages and Cultures “Saint Cyril the Philosopher” where she studies ancient languages, philosophy and culture. She won twice scholarships from the Komunitas foundation for her excellent in the field of Literature. She participated in educational trips to Turkey and Greece. She won the 1st Place Award in the Literature Olympiad at her school. She founded a school charity organization www.charityngdek.wordpress.com. In addition she received the “Good Heart” award received from the National conference for mental health “The teacher and the roughness at school.” Magda took part in a youth exchange, “(YOU)th act for Peace” in Slovenia as well as numerous public service roles and conferences including representing her organization on the world-wide organized conference “Pecha Kucha”, held in Sofia.
Manuel – Italy
Manuel attends I.S.I.S. Mario Pagano in Naples. He is foremost a song writer and plays the guitar. The embassy shared, Emmanuel has “an unconventional, yet extraordinarily intelligent.” He is an avid English student in part to purse his university education and to become a “rock star.” He learned English in part from musical lyrics.
Megi – Albania
Magi has participated in “Leadership Skills and Team Building,” Training workshops series organized by Save the Children, Tirana, Albania, and in extracurricular activities including campaigns and debates for environment protection, anti-smoking, HIV-AIDS. She was elected a board member of the 11 member Youth Board responsible to the “Youth Center Rreshen”, a Can Go Project for youth, offering peer to peer education. She offers English and computer classes for children at the “Youth Center Rreshen.” Magi is an award winning poet, active in student government, and active in Local Government decision making process on issues concerning the city.
Mina – Turkey
Mina attends Trabaxon Lisesi in Trabzon. She speaks 3 languages. She is aspiring to become an international lawyer. Mnia is active with the Turkish Environment Foundation and Green Peace. She is a basketball fan and perhaps a player, we’ll as Mina when she is stateside.
Miriam – Croatia
Miriam attends Gimnazija in Split, studying Math and Scientific studies. She is active with AIESEC, the school’s debate program (participated twice at the regional and national competition), is editor-in-chief of the school’s magazine Trema, a representative in the Youth Parliament, Split, a member of school’s working group that prepared an exhibition “Scientists vs. students.” Bringing together pictures and short articles and to bring together science (physics) and art. Miriam has a strong interest in developing the applications for mobile phones, and is interested in politics, hoping to work for the UN.
Monét – Connecticut, USA
Monét is active in her HS, The Ethel Walker School, as Class Representative (Vice President), Head of Upper School Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra; concert mistress, member of Voce Felice (choral ensemble), co-head of Gospel Choir, Christian Club, peer tutor, Theater (Illyria, Rope, Noises Off). A major activity is her role as Secretary and Treasurer of Black and Latina Student Union which is active in programing. She also has many awards including: Gold Summa Cum Laude, 2010 National Latin Exam medal, Dartmouth Book Award, The Chinese Prize, the Amy C. Rehfuss Award for Integrity, Scholarship, Gentleness, Kindness, and Spirituality, and Student of Merit this fall.
Nino – Georgia
Nino attends the Tbilisi Public School #85 where she won the top award for participation in the Arts. She is learning three foreign languages: English, French and Russian, and attends piano classes in a music school. Nino has won the Certificate, Youth Palace Young Translators’ Competition and the Certificate, Youth Palace Competition in Foreign Languages. She plans to pursue a career in International Relations at Tbilisi State University.
Olha – Ukraine
Ohla attends Chortkiv Pedagogical College with a specialization in English. She has been involved in a number of extracurricular activities, including organizing “Little Swans” a two-day workshop for children with disabilities. She has participated in the Regional Development Committee in European Youth Parliament (EYP), the workshop in English Language and Leadership (WELL) Seminars, Community Action Ukrainian Style (CACTUS), HIV/AIDS Educational Training of Trainers, and won 2nd place at the English Olympiad at Chortkiv Pedagogical College
Onur – Austria
Onur (Hüseyin) works with his school newspaper, is class spokesman, and reading tutor in Vienna. He is part of OeJRK (Austrian Youth Red Cross) as a peer-educator, who gives information about e.g. migration, asylum at schools) and receiving a stipend for engaged kids with migration background which is called START. Onur also a member of the SJ (Socialistic Youth) Donaufeld. He describes his mission as opposing all types of discrimination and fighting for a liberal Austria without any fascism.
Ozana – Romania
Ozana attends Elena Cuza” National College in Craiova studying Philological Studies and English. She was the winner, for two years, 1st Prize in the County English Competitions (English Olympics), national translation contest “Marin Sorescu”, National English Contest “Evaluation in Education”, National English Contest “The Linguistic Kangaroo”, Whew, congrats. She is also an active member of the European Youth Parliament representing Romania at the Regional EYP Session. Also Ozana participated with the European project in Ohrid, Macedonia, called “Youth in Action”. She also is a mass media writer serving as an assistant editor-in-chief at the English college magazine, DisTEENct, and published in the county English magazine, The Sentinel.
Poplina – Russia
Polina is student President of her school, Kurovskaya Gymnasium in the Orekhovo-Zuyevo region where she studies journalism and science. She participates in International on-line Olympiad, and All-Russia Olympiads on History, Social Studies, English, Literature, Russian, serves with peer-to-peer learning, leads the student organizations ; Commonwealth, scientific society, students’ juries, regional contest, “Step into the Future,.” Polina is also social projects: “To the Kids of Beslan,” “We Build Our World Ourselves,” “We are the Kids of Earth,” “The World through the Eyes of Kids, ”human rights” project, social advertising campaigns, essays (“Two Views of One Belief,” “The Memory and the Confession of the Poet”), research (“The Dialogue of Cultures”), and poetry (“I am a citizen of Russia. I am a citizen of the world”).
Primoz – Slovenia
Primoz attends Gimnazija Novo mesto High school where he participates in theatre group Goga and the film club Klapa. His interests, not surprisingly include film, theatre (improv), languages, writing, and comedy. He aspires to succeed as an actor/film producer and author, helping people through charity. One of his film projects appears to be a film about breast cancer awareness film as a comedy; we’ll have to ask when Primoz arrives.
Rasa – Lithuania
Rasa is a member of the school’s debate club both in English and Lithuanian languages; interested in music (she’s plays the piano and has written several songs). Rasa is interested in sports, including volleyball and tennis. Rasa wants to either become an English teacher or a politician. Currently is involved in an international project “Discuss, Understand….Change“, held by Lithuanian and Slovenian debate centers. The project promotes tolerance to different nationalities and raises cultural awareness.
Richard – Belgium
Richard attends the Catholic University Brussels (KUB) studying law. He is active in a number of several NGOs including the “Plan Youth Board” (the youth board of “Plan Belgium” part of “Plan International” – rights and living conditions of children worldwide), “Globelink” (youth exchange focusing on intercultural communication and conflict , and “Broederlijk Delen” (promotes north-south solidarity). Richard has launched projects such as “Give Us A Minute” and the online game called “Trekjeplan” and the “Learn Without Fear Project, which he presented in the European Parliament. He has taken part in the BFTF follow-up program “Youth Understanding Politics (YUP).” He is currently also working with YUP-participants (with BFTF alumni) on a Slovenia program called “Debate & Act” He also reviews films and is a freelance video editor.
Ruby – California, USA
Ruby is very involved in her HS, Norte Vista, and community in Riverside with the International Club, California Scholarship Federation, International Baccalaureate, Octagon Club, College Club, Link Crew, Poetry Club, and creating a scholarship for a member that passed away. She volunteers with her church and teaches children how to safely use the internet. She hope to attend Syracuse Univ. in upstate New York.
Ruter – Netherlands
Rutger studies focus on the sciences (physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology). He is chairman of the Segbroek College Student Council, a member of the Segbroek College Participation Council and the Youth Wing of the Dutch Liberal Party (JOVD). He also is on the Youth City Council of the Miniature City Madurodam in The Hague and active in the Foundation Madurodam Aid (they financially support community projects). Rutger’s interest are politics, the visual arts, and painting.
Segal – Austria
Segal attends BRG 5 Haydn-Realgymnasium school in Vienna (Wein) where she is her class representative in student government, head of the students council. She also was a UNESCO Student-exchange in Pécs/Hungary and works with the Austrian Youth Red Cross charity fundraising. Segal was born in Iran in a refugee-camp, works with the Somali community (accompany them to the doctor, to school, write letters, etc.) and speaks the language. She hopes to establish a new Somalian culture association for refugees and attend college next year.
Vanesa – Bulgaria
Vanesa attends High school for foreign languages “Dr Petar Beron” in Kyustendil. She is active in a number of organizations including the international Training for Youth Workers (Hungary) and councilor for the Academy GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) – a female run and oriented NGO which continues its mission to educate and empower Bulgarian girls. She has attended seminars, among many others, on ‘Understanding Customers by Studying Lifestyle’, the International Youth Conference on Biodiversity in Aichi 2010, Japan (biodiversity), the international project “Young Generation” in Tokat, Turkey. Vanesa also volunteers at the American Corner by the Sofia city library where she taught English to kids and is a trainee in the PR department in Active Group, a PR company. She also is an essayist, debater and journalist.
Veronica – Czech Republic
Veronica come from Komárov (Central SW) and attends The English College in Prague Anglické gymnázium, o. p. s. She volunteers at Austrian Cultural Centre in Prague, is a student at the International Conservatory Prague (guitar), has a summer job at the Czech environmental NGO Hnutí DUHA (The Rainbow Coalition). She plans to study international relations and diplomacy at university.
William – France
William attends Lycée Jean Monnet in Strasbourg (NE France). His school, which is located in an underdeveloped district, has forged a positive relationship with the U.S. Consulate Scholar Program. William is the first in his family to pursue further education. His passions include music, culture, and language (and basketball). He works minorities in his community.
