Community Engagement Exchange Program 2027

The Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program 2027 is an international leadership and professional development initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. Government and implemented by IREX.

The programme is designed for emerging civil society and community leaders who want to strengthen freedom of expression, constructive public dialogue, civic participation and community-based problem-solving.

Selected participants take part in a six-week exchange in the United States, including a four-week professional placement with an American host organisation. The experience enables participants to work alongside U.S. professionals, explore different approaches to community engagement and develop practical leadership skills.

Participants also engage in the First Amendment and Civic Leadership Academy, which combines virtual and in-person learning focused on free speech, open inquiry, constructive dialogue and responsible leadership.

Through professional exchange, applied learning and networking, fellows develop international relationships and gain experience working across communities and cultures.

Following their U.S. exchange, participants are expected to return to their home countries and implement an Actions > Words community project, applying the knowledge, skills and professional connections developed during the programme.

For the 2027 intake, applications are limited to citizens of the ten European countries officially identified by IREX.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Nationality: Be a citizen of one of the following eligible countries:
  • Czechia
  • France
  • Germany
  • Hungary
  • Ireland
  • Poland
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • United Kingdom
  • Ukraine
• Age: Be between 22 and 27 years old on 18 November 2026.
• Experience: Have at least two years of relevant professional, volunteer, academic or community-based experience relating to free speech, open inquiry, civic discourse, public participation, respectful disagreement or community-level problem-solving.
• Residence: Be living and working in their home country at the time of application, subject to the programme's stated exceptions.
• Community commitment: Demonstrate a clear commitment to developing a locally grounded initiative involving free expression or related civic issues.
• English proficiency: Be proficient in spoken and written English.
• Cross-cultural capability: Be able to work effectively in cross-cultural environments and contribute meaningfully to a U.S. host organisation.
• Availability: Be available to participate in the full six-week U.S. exchange in 2027, including the four-week professional placement.
• Return commitment: Be willing to return to their home country, apply the experience gained and implement a community-based project.

Applicants are not eligible if they:

• Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Are participating in academic, training or research programmes abroad at the time of application, subject to the programme's stated exceptions.
• Are living or working outside their home country without qualifying for an exception.
• Have applied for U.S. permanent residency within the previous three years.
• Have participated in a U.S. government-sponsored exchange but have not fulfilled the applicable two-year home-residency requirement within the programme's specified timeframe.

The CEE Program provides funding and professional development opportunities for selected participants.

Financial support includes:

• Round-trip travel: Travel from the participant's home city to the United States and back.
• Living allowance: Financial support towards accommodation, meals and other living expenses during the U.S. exchange.
• Visa support: Assistance associated with the J-1 exchange visitor visa.
• Health benefits: Accident and sickness health benefits during the programme.

Professional benefits include:

• A six-week international exchange experience in the United States.
• A customised four-week placement with an American host organisation.
• Participation in the First Amendment and Civic Leadership Academy.
• Practical leadership, communication and project-development experience.
• Opportunities to engage with U.S. institutions, community organisations and civic leaders.
• International professional networking and cross-cultural collaboration.
• Experience designing and implementing a community-based project.
• Connections with the wider CEE professional and alumni network.

The published 2027 application guidance identifies the following application materials:

• Online application form: Complete the required sections through the official CEE application portal.
• Application essays: Complete the required essays within the specified word limits, providing accurate examples of relevant experience, community involvement and motivation.
• Optional supplemental attachment: Applicants may submit additional material for Essay Question 9, such as a photograph, creative project, video, article, essay or recommendation letter.

English-language evidence at a later stage:

• English test results are not required when initially submitting the application.
• IREX arranges Duolingo English testing for finalists and alternates.
• Qualifying TOEFL or IELTS results obtained within the previous two years may be submitted instead.

The published minimum English-test scores for programme participation are:

• Duolingo English Test: 100
• IELTS: 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 68
• TOEFL computer-based: 190
• TOEFL paper-based: 520

• Demonstrated experience in free speech, civic discourse, public participation or related community issues.
• Clear commitment to community-level initiatives and meaningful local impact.
• Ability to contribute effectively to an American host organisation.
• Capacity to engage productively across cultural differences.
• Quality and completeness of the required application essays.
• Authenticity, specificity and personal voice in application responses.
• Relevant qualifications and motivation demonstrated through the application.
• Overall assessment of application materials by the CEE Participant Selection Committee.

• International professional experience: Work alongside an American host organisation and learn about civic leadership in practice.
• Leadership development: Build useful communication, collaboration and project-design skills.
• Practical community impact: Apply lessons from the exchange through a local Actions > Words project.
• Global exposure: Engage with professionals and community leaders from different backgrounds.
• Professional networking: Develop international relationships that may support long-term collaboration.
• Structured learning: Participate in leadership development activities focused on free expression, open inquiry and constructive dialogue.