The 2027 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program is open. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and run by IREX, it brings emerging community leaders aged 22 to 27 to the United States for a fully funded six-week exchange, including a four-week placement with a U.S. host organisation.
Eligible countries (2027): Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and Ukraine. Only citizens of these 10 European countries can apply this year. No African country is on the 2027 list, and IREX says countries from earlier years are not eligible unless they appear on the current list.
Deadline: 18 November 2026, 11:59 pm US Eastern Time (05:59 WAT on 19 November).
About the CEE Program
CEE is a leadership exchange for young people working on free expression, open inquiry, constructive dialogue and civic participation in their communities. Fellows learn from American institutions, community organisations and civic leaders, then return home to run an “Actions, Words” project that applies what they learned to a need in their own community.
Benefits
The programme covers most costs, including:
- J-1 visa support
- Round-trip travel from your home city to the United States
- An allowance for housing, meals and other living expenses in the U.S.
- Accident and sickness health benefits
- A four-week professional placement with a U.S. host organisation
- Leadership, communication and project-design training, and a U.S. and international network
Programme Dates
The exchange lasts six weeks, with the U.S. placement taking place between September and October 2027.
Who Can Apply?
- Citizens of Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom or Ukraine
- Aged 22 to 27 on 18 November 2026
- At least two years of experience on free speech, open inquiry, public discourse, civic participation, civic education, community problem-solving or bridge-building. It can be professional, volunteer, academic or community work, and a university-led initiative or internship counts.
- Living and working (or studying) in your home country when you apply
- Proficient in spoken and written English. No test score is needed to apply; finalists take the Duolingo English Test (minimum 100), or submit a recent TOEFL or IELTS (6.0) score.
- Available for the full six weeks in 2027 and committed to returning home to run a community project
No degree or current job is required, and university students can apply.
Not eligible: U.S. citizens or permanent residents; people studying, training or researching abroad when they apply; people living or working outside their home country (except refugees working for their home community); past U.S. government exchange participants who haven’t completed their two-year home residency requirement; and anyone who applied for U.S. permanent residency in the past three years.
Note: as a J-1 exchange, CEE comes with a two-year home residency requirement after the programme.
How to Apply
- Read the official CEE application page and the 2027 FAQ.
- Complete the online application, including all the essay questions. An optional supplemental attachment lets you add a photo, video, article or recommendation letter.
- Submit by 18 November 2026, 11:59 pm ET. You may use AI tools to help, but you must disclose it.
Questions go to the CEE team at [email protected].
More Funded Exchanges and Fellowships
- YSEALI Professional Exchange 2027–2028: Fully Funded Six-Week US Placements for Young Leaders
- ifa CrossCulture Programme (CCP) Fellowship 2027: Funded Stay in Germany for Civil Society Professionals
- PCNS Raisina Young Fellows Programme 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nigerians or other Africans apply for CEE 2027?
No. The 2027 round is open only to citizens of Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and Ukraine. The U.S. Department of State updates the list each year.
Is the CEE Program fully funded?
Yes. It covers J-1 visa support, round-trip travel, a living allowance for housing and meals, and accident and sickness health benefits.
What is the age limit?
You must be 22 to 27 years old on 18 November 2026.
When is the deadline?
18 November 2026 at 11:59 pm US Eastern Time.
