Additional Resources
Cultural and Educational Exchange Programs
The Cultural Section promotes mutual understanding, respect for cultural diversity and broadens dialogue between Americans and their Cameroonian counterparts through thematic, educational and cultural exchange programs organized in the United States and Cameroon. The programs listed below are tools which the Public Diplomacy (PD) Section utilizes to foster mutual exchange of knowledge on issues of common concern in the United States and Cameroon.
The Fulbright Program was established in 1946. Each year 7-10 Cameroonians receive grants averaging from $25,000 – $ 35,000 to earn graduate degrees and conduct research or teach in U.S. institutions. American scholars and students are also awarded grants to conduct research or teach in Cameroon. Concurrently, about 5-8 American scholars and students receive grants to study, research, or lecture in Cameroon. For more information about how to apply, click here
The Fulbright Specialist Program is a program of the Department of State that provides a unique opportunity for institutions across the globe to host leading U.S. academic professionals. Specialists and host institutions work together to implement a project ranging from two to six weeks. Host institutions design project goals and activities that will exchange knowledge and promote long-lasting collaboration between individuals and institutions around the world. For additional information about the Fulbright Specialist Program and how to apply, click here.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides 10 months of non-degree academic study in the U.S. for mid-level professionals. About 1-3 Cameroonians travel to the U.S. under the Humphrey Program with grants averaging $35,000. For more information about how to apply, click here
The Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (TEA) provides secondary school teachers with unique opportunities to develop expertise in their subject areas, enhance their teaching skills, and increase their knowledge about the United States. TEA consists of a six‐week non‐degree, non‐credit customized academic program including seminars on new teaching methodologies, curriculum development, lesson planning, and instructional technology. Participants also participate in a practicum in a U.S. secondary school near the host university to work closely with U.S. teachers and teach and present to U.S. students. Cultural enrichment, mentoring, and support is provided throughout the program. Current secondary‐level, full‐time teachers with five or more years of classroom experience in disciplines including: English or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Social Sciences, Mathematics and Sciences. They must be proficient in written and spoken English and willing to continue teaching after completion of the program. For more information about how to apply, click here
SUSI for Scholars: The Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) are five- to six-week academic programs focusing on U.S. studies for small groups of foreign scholars. SUSIs aim to promote a better understanding of American people and institutions; explore the diversity and culture of the United States; and develop or expand curricula on U.S. studies in colleges and universities overseas. Hosted by universities and colleges throughout the United States, Institutes offer a balance between academic and experiential learning though an intensive academic program, educational and cultural site visits, educational travel to a different region of the United States, and opportunities to build relationships with American peers and community members through research, homestays, and community service. SUSI Institutes will be held in the following themes: American Politics and Political Thought Contemporary American Literature, Journalism and Media, Religious Pluralism in the United States, U.S. Culture and Society, and U.S. Foreign Policy. For more information about how to apply, click here
SUSI for Secondary School Educators: The Study of the U.S. Institutes for Secondary Educators are intensive post-graduate level academic programs with integrated study tours whose purpose is to provide foreign secondary educators and administrators the opportunity to deepen their understanding of U.S. society, culture, values, and institutions. The ultimate goal of the Institutes is to strengthen curricula and to enhance the quality of teaching about the United States in secondary schools and other academic institutions abroad. For more information about how to apply, click here
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program was established in October, 2002 to provide scholarships for high school students (15-17 years) from participating countries to spend up to one academic year in the U.S. Students live with host families, attend high school engage in activities to learn about American society and values, and receive leadership training. In 2007, Yes Abroad was established to provide a similar experience for U.S. students (15-19) in selected YES countries. For more information about how to apply, click here.
TechWomen Program
The TechWomen program is a leadership program that seeks to empower the next generation of women leaders in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Participants convene in Silicon Valley in northern California for a professional mentorship at leading technology companies. Average number of participants per year: 4. Selection: Open competition – written application and interview. Program duration: 5 weeks. Application period: December-March. Program dates: September-October. For more information about how to apply, click here.
YALI – Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF)
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) program. The MWF empowers young leaders (ages 25-35 years) through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking at leading American universities. Average number of participants per year: 17. Selection: Open competition – written application and interview. Program duration: 5 weeks. Application period: September-February. Program dates: May-July. For more information about how to apply, click here.
International Writing Program Fall Residency
Writers gather at the University of Iowa for an academic residency on personal creative writing projects to give readings and lectures and to interact with American audiences and literary communities across the United States. Average number of participants per year: 1. Selection: Open competition – written application and interview. Program duration: 10 weeks. Application period: March-April. Program dates: September-November. For more information about how to apply, click here.
Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program (PAYLP)
PAYLP brings students (ages 15-17) from across Africa, often accompanied by adult mentors, to the United States. The program strengthens the students’ understanding of civic rights and responsibilities, respect for diversity, and the importance of community engagement. It includes a series of workshops on social entrepreneurship and two weeks living with American host families. Average number of participants per year: 4 students and 1 mentor/teacher. Selection: recruitment targets one region per year on a rotating basis, but anyone can apply through the open competition process – written application and interview. Program duration: 3 weeks. Application period: October-December. Program dates: July-August. For more information about how to apply, click here.
Community Solutions Program (CSP)
The Community Solutions Program is a professional leadership development program for community leaders seeking to prepare community leaders to address the complex economic, environmental, political, and social challenges in their communities and become ambassadors for mutual understanding. During the four-month fellowship with a U.S. NGO or local institution, fellows receive customized training and develop innovative community action projects. Average number of participants per year: 2. Selection: open competition – written application. Program duration: 4 months. Application period: January-March. Program dates: September-December. For more information about how to apply, click here.
Community Engagement and Exchange (CEE) Program
The Community Engagement Exchange Program is a year-long program designed to enable civil society leaders, ages 21-28, to harness the power of networks, relationships, and information for the public good, specifically on issues related to civic dialogue and peacebuilding, open and participatory government, women and gender, resilience and sustainable development, and youth engagement. Program activities include a three-month U.S. based practicum, leadership and civic engagement academy, community engagement project in the fellow’s home country, and continuing global and local networking opportunities.
Average number of participants per year: 2. Selection: open competition – written application. Program duration: 12 months. Application period: November-January. Program dates: January-April. For more information about how to apply, click here.
TechGirls
TechGirls is an international summer exchange program designed to empower and inspire young women from around the world to pursue careers in science and technology. The program connects the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics by providing them access and opportunities to advance their skills and pursue their dreams. The program supports young women ages 15 – 17 in a dynamic 27-day experience in the United States in partnership with Virginia Tech University. TechGirls fellows participate in an interactive technology and computer camp, then travel within the U.S. for job shadowing at a tech company, and homestay and community service experiences. Upon completion of the fellowship, participants return to their home countries to conduct community-based projects with 5 months of mentorship.
Average number of participants per year: 3. Selection: open competition – written application. Program duration: 8 months. Application period: November-January. Program dates: July-August. For more information about how to apply, click here.
Contact Information
For more information on exchange programs, contact us through the email: ExchangesYaounde@state.gov.
More Information
Other programs of interest are available at: http://exchanges.state.gov/prog-non-us.html