Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Summer Institute

Hundreds of photos and Many Documentary Films now available!

Allan Louden — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 20:20:10 +0000

Click Photo and you will find scores of albums, many have new pictures added, e.g. misc. and Civic Engagement.
New albums added August 1

Click Video - Student and Professional Documentary short BFTF films

In stories below, click pictures for larger versions

Kenneth Sydhagen Honored in State Dept Alumni Newsletter

Allan Louden — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:25:47 +0000

STATE ALUMNI MEMBER OF THE MONTH

State Alumni Member of the Month, Kenneth Sydhagen.

Kenneth Sydhagen from Norway
The September 2010 State Alumni Member of the Month is Kenneth Sydhagen from Norway. Since participating in the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Summer Institute (BFTF) in 2008, Sydhagen has initiated a number of programs to advance transatlantic relations, foster people-to-people exchanges, and develop youth leadership skills among his peers in Norway. Together with fellow youth from the BFTF and the Fulbright Summer Institute for Outstanding European Students, he organized and administered the “Young Ambassadors” program for motivated high school students who are seeking leadership education beyond what their schools offer. Sydhagen credits the BFTF program with providing him “lifelong friendships, invaluable knowledge and great memories.”

YUP Program featured on State Dept Web site

Allan Louden — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:36:36 +0000

BRUSSELS, Belgium — The 2nd Youth Understanding Politics (YUP) was hosted by 2008 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Summer Institute (BFTF) alumni in Belgium August 2-12, 2010. The alumni are hosting 36 youngsters from six European countries to inspire these participants through intercultural dialogue, debate, and conflict-resolution to initiate positive change in their communities.YUP is a summer exchange program initiated by BFTF alumni to facilitate mutual understanding in Europe and to ensure a concrete continuation of the ideals of the BFTF program. YUP unites 36 participants from six different countries, including Germany, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, Belgium and Slovenia. Designed after the BFTF program, YUP is geared towards 15 to 18 year old European students who are interested in debating and politics. This year, there was a BFTF alumni mentor from each participating country involved, as well as one from Macedonia. (more…)

REVIEWS COMING IN

Linda Petrou — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:19:07 +0000

As the BFTF 2010 Fellows return home and meet with the people at the U.S. Embassy, articles are being written about their trip. This is the first one from Estonia. We ask all BFTF 2010 Fellows to please send us any links to any articles about their experiences while in the U.S. Once we receive the link we will publish them.

BFTF Greetings - Fellows Release New Film

Allan Louden — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:31:36 +0000

Daniel (Moldova) and Hillary (Malta) released a surprise post-BFTF video, full of the spirit of the summer institute. Impressive work guys, thinking ahead and making it happen. Congratulations.

Bound By Haiti website now available

tay — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:59:26 +0000

The official website of the documentary, Bound By Haiti, is now available online here.

Bound By Haiti is a production of BFTF instructor Jon Bougher and highlights the problems facing Haiti before, during and after the earthquake.For more information on Bound By Haiti make sure to visit the previous post on BFTF.org, located here.

Environment Group Videos Featured

Allan Louden — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:30:59 +0000

The civic engagement environment and sustainability group’s videos are featured on Moldova environmental web site, Green Media Moldova. the biggest Moldavian portal the covers ecological issues. Way to go Daniel Vod?.

Information for Follow-on Projects Grants Available

Allan Louden — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 14:39:15 +0000

For those considering to submit proposals for Follow-on Grants to develop new projects or bring to life some of the incredible programs developed by the Civic Engagements groups at Wake. You will find information on making application by following this Link.

The group pictured is the 2010 YUP Group meeting now in Belgium. The YUP program is a great illustration of how Follow-on project can grow to make a real difference.

BFTF Featured on WFDD Radio

Allan Louden — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 17:55:19 +0000

BFTF Alumni Host 2nd YUP Debate Workshop in Belgium

Allan Louden — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 19:53:19 +0000

The 2nd Youth Understanding Politics (YUP) is being hosted in by 2008 BFTF alumni in Belgium August 2-12. They are hosting 36 youngsters from 6 different countries (Belgium, Germany, Moldova, Slovenia, Romania and Ukraine) are meeting in to inspire these participants through intercultural dialogue, debate, and conflict-resolution to initiate positive change in their communities. Check out their dynamic web site. (more…)