The sixth edition of the Kennedy Academy for Students was launched with an opening ceremony where Eliza Chirilă-Pop (Country Director, American Councils for International Education Romania), Iuniana Mîndru-Petre (Program Coordinator), and Amalia Pintilie (Program Assistant) introduced the program's agenda and expectations for participants.

The first day featured interactive teambuilding and communication sessions facilitated by Cătălin Bîrsan, which helped participants build strong relationships and enhance their collaboration skills. The day concluded with the workshop "Your Brand on Board: Leadership Board and Personal Branding," led by Oana Iacob, followed by a memorable evening at Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest.

Throughout the program, participants engaged in various activities and workshops that challenged them to think critically and develop their leadership skills. The session "How Does the Romanian State Work? Rights & Freedoms. Limits & Laws. The Constitution & Civil Rights," facilitated by Cezara Grama and Maria Cezar from Expert Forum, explored the structure of the Romanian state. A visit to the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) offered a unique perspective on Romania’s efforts to combat corruption, while the session "Advocacy from A to Y" at the American Chamber of Commerce in Romania (AmCham) highlighted the importance of advocacy in shaping sustainable policies.

A standout moment of the program was the "Living Library" session, where inspirational guests such as Ana Cojocaru (Community Manager, AmpliFY NGO), Alina Calistru (Community Builder, Tech and Tonic), Luca Ciubotaru (Founder, Rădăuțiul Civic), and Victoria-Miruna Ghițulete (Kennedy Academy alumna) shared stories of courage, innovation, and civic engagement.

The final days included sessions focused on recognizing and supporting victims, facilitated by Adrian Neculiță, as well as a visit to TVR, where participants discussed the role of media in democracy. The program concluded with a closing ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Romania, where participants reflected on the lessons learned and committed to becoming active leaders in their communities.

Logistics

WHERE WILL THE SESSIONS TAKE PLACE?

The Academy sessions will take place in Bucharest. Exact location will be disclosed further on. This will also be the place where all the meals of the program will be served and where the accommodation facilities will be offered.

WHICH ARE THE ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES?

The participants will be hosted in Bucharest. Participants must accommodate at the selected location regardless of the fact that they already live in Bucharest.

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE ACCOMMODATION?

No, the accommodation facilities will be fully covered by the organizers.

WILL ALL THREE MEALS BE INCLUDED?

Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner will all be included in the program..

HOW COMPLEX WILL THE PROGRAM BE?

The Academy activities will usually begin every morning at 9 AM, with several types of workshops, simulations, and seminars. Each day will include a debriefing session to review and assess the day’s main themes, conducted together with the volunteers and partners. The activities will end around 9 PM. During the day there will be several coffee breaks and meals.

CAN I SKIP PART OF THE ACTIVITIES?

No, you are expected to participate in all the activities that the organizers have planned. However, in case of justified emergencies, we will accommodate for your situation.

IS THERE A DRESS CODE?

As for clothing, there will be a series of events such as the opening ceremony or the official visits to institutions that require a formal attire. Besides these activities, the outfit will be generally casual, suitable for both sessions and debates as well as for team building activities.

WHEN DOES THE ACADEMY END?

TBD

Q&A

WHO CAN APPLY FOR THIS PROJECT?

Persons eligible for this project must be Romanian students aged 18-27 enrolled in bachelor, master or PhD studies, who are active members of civil society. There are no restrictions on city of origin, faculty profile, grades etc. All applicants must be enrolled in a Romanian student association (NGO) and are required to have a medium conversational level in English, considering that part of the program will be held in that language. However, most of the activities will be held in Romanian.

DO I HAVE TO BE A HARD-WORKING STUDENT OR DOES MY EXTRACURRICULAR / NGO EXPERIENCE MATTER THE MOST?

Both educational and extracurricular activities are relevant to the selection of participants and they are of equal importance. Participating in student scientific communication sessions, publishing academic papers and having good academic results are worth being mentioned in your application. At the same time, volunteering, having a job, participating in training programs, workshops and other non-formal education activities, as well as being an active member in a student-run NGO can be important and even decisive for the selection of participants.
The application and recruitment interview will be conducted in English. Please complete the full English signup application.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF THIS PROGRAM?

All costs of the Academy are fully covered by the organizers, through sponsorship from the part of the US Embassy in Bucharest.
No participation fee is requested for the selected persons.
Accommodation and meals will be covered and they do not involve any costs on the part of the students.

Transportation will be fully refunded upon request, if applicable and if participants will ask that due to financial reasons.

CAN I COMPLETE MY APPLICATION IN A WORD DOCUMENT AND SEND IT BY E-MAIL OR EVEN MAIL?

Absolutely. If you do not have access to Internet, the form does not work properly, or it is simply easier for you to submit your application in a Word document, complete it on your computer or by hand and send it either in digital or print format.

The way the application is completed and sent will NOT be considered as a criterion for differentiation during its evaluation.

DOES MY ACADEMIC PROFILE COUNT?

Clearly no. You can attend a faculty in the field of social sciences or mathematics, this element does not affect in any way the evaluation of the application or the possibility of being selected. This detail is purely informative.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I FIND OUT THAT I HAVE BEEN SELECTED BUT I CAN NO LONGER PARTICIPATE BECAUSE OF PERSONAL REASONS?

In the unfortunate case in which you have already been selected, but you will not be able to attend the event anymore, we will ask you to notify us by phone or email as soon as possible to ensure that the free seat is offered to another applicant with a very good application. Lack of participation in the program does not entail any financial or any other obligation, except to announce as soon as possible, preferably until the 2nd of December the latest.

CONTACT

Iuniana Mîndru, Program Coordinator

Email address: bucharest@americancouncils.org