IREX
✨ AI Summary
The CEE Program 2027 is a fully funded six-week exchange for emerging community leaders from eligible European countries to gain leadership skills and practical experience in civic engagement in the United States.
The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program 2027 is a six-week international leadership development initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX. The program brings emerging community leaders to the United States to develop practical skills in civic engagement, freedom of expression, constructive dialogue, and community-based problem-solving. Participants undertake a four-week professional placement with a U.S. community or civil society organization, combined with leadership development workshops and cross-cultural learning. The program culminates in participants designing and implementing an "Actions, Words" project to address a need in their home community. What you get • Round-trip airfare from home city to the United States • J-1 visa support and assistance with exchange visa process • Living allowance for accommodation, meals, and other living expenses • Accident and sickness health coverage during the program • Four-week professional placement with a U.S. community or civil society organization • Leadership development training in civic participation, communication, community engagement, and project design • International networking opportunities with U.S. professionals and fellow community leaders • Support for designing and implementing a community project in home country How to apply 1. Visit the official IREX CEE application information page 2. Confirm that your citizenship and personal circumstances meet the eligibility requirements 3. Review the program guidelines and frequently asked questions 4. Register through the official online application portal 5. Complete the application form explaining your relevant experience, leadership goals, and proposed community impact 6. Submit the application before the deadline
• Be between 22 and 27 years old on the application deadline • Hold citizenship in one of the eligible countries: Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, or Ukraine • Have at least two years of relevant professional, volunteer, academic, or community-based experience • Demonstrate commitment to free expression, open inquiry, civic dialogue, public participation, civic education, or community problem-solving • Be living and working in your home country when applying (subject to program exceptions) • Demonstrate proficiency in spoken and written English • Be available for the complete six-week exchange in the United States during 2027 • Commit to returning home and applying skills gained through a community-based project