Young civic leaders from 10 eligible European countries can apply for the 2027 Community Engagement Exchange Program. The programme includes a six-week U.S. exchange with a four-week professional placement and a follow-on community project.
Overview
CEE is funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by IREX. The 2027 cycle focuses on emerging community leaders working in areas such as free expression, open inquiry, public participation, dialogue, and community problem solving.
The current eligible countries are Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
Benefits
- International Travel: Round-trip travel between the participant’s home city and the United States is covered.
- Visa Support: The programme provides support for the required J-1 visa.
- Living Support: Participants receive an allowance for housing, meals, and living expenses during the exchange.
- Health Coverage: Accident and sickness benefits are provided during the programme.
- Professional Placement: The six-week exchange includes a four-week placement with a U.S. host organisation.
- Follow-On Project: Participants return home to implement a community-based project using the learning and networks from the exchange.
Eligibility
- Age: Applicants must be between 22 and 27 years old on the application deadline.
- Country: Applicants must be citizens and residents of one of the 10 countries listed in the current call.
- Experience: Applicants need at least two years of relevant community or civic-engagement experience.
- Current Work: Applicants should be living and working in their home country at the time of application.
- English: Sufficient English proficiency is required.
- Commitment: Applicants must be prepared to return home and implement a community-based project.
How to Apply
- Deadline: Applications close on November 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
- Confirm Country Eligibility: Check the official 2027 list before beginning the application.
- Document Experience: Explain your civic-engagement work, leadership, and the community challenge you want to address.
- Submit: Complete the official IREX Community Engagement Exchange application before the deadline.
