Are you a social media influencer?
Do you want to learn more about the values that shape American society and share your findings with your followers online?
Do you love American TV?
Then our 2019 Exploring American Values Program is for you!
We’re offering an exciting opportunity for young social media influencers from across the UK to apply to take part in an exchange to learn more about important issues shaping American culture as portrayed in popular U.S. television shows.
Delegates selected for this program will travel to four cities – Washington, D.C., Indianapolis (Indiana), Albuquerque (New Mexico), and Los Angeles to learn about topics important to
Americans. Throughout the exchange, you will have time to document your experience and share content with your followers in the United Kingdom.
This year’s program runs from May 25 to June 8th, 2019.
Details
| City | Theme |
| WASHINGTON, DC “THE WEST WING ” |
Does Washington, D.C. really function as seen on ‘The West Wing?’ How do different forces interact to influence public opinion on the national level, and how do the checks and balances built into the American system really play out? How do social media influencers contribute to this mix? The group will also have the chance to witness the diverse expression of American appreciation for its armed forces during Memorial Day celebrations by witnessing the Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom (which will take place for its last time), laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, and seeing the nation’s largest Memorial Day Parade. |
| INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA “PARKS AND RECREATION” |
The group will then travel to Indianapolis, the capital of a state in which 2/3 of the land is farmland, and which is known for its preference for limited government and conservative perspective on social issues. But, it is also the home state of “Parks and Recreation,” and delegates will meet with the head of the city’s Parks and Recreation to learn about public-private partnerships which have helped to create a culturally-vibrant downtown. They will also look at the role of women’s leadership in the state and meet the real Leslie Knope’s shaping local and national politics in 2019. Finally, the group will have the chance to learn more about the impact of sports in American society in the city which is the hub of youth and collegiate sports – and home of the Indianapolis 500. |
| ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO “BREAKING BAD” |
Drugs. Immigration. Two issues on the minds of Americans across the country. Television has captured the narrative in “Breaking Bad,” and delegates will look at the real impact drugs and violence have had on the community (especially minority communities that have been dealing with the struggle for generations). Delegates will also learn about the positive financial impact the show has had on the city (including increased tourism), while having the chance to participate in a city project of cleaning up used needles. And, a visit to this border state will also include a discussion about the state’s position to the President’s plan to build a wall on the border with Mexico. Finally, delegates will experience the stunning Southwestern desert beauty and Native American Pueblo culture. |
| LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA |
The program will conclude in Los Angeles where delegates will be able to learn about American motion pictures & TV production through a visit to Universal Studios. Time in LA will also be spent learning about how American cities try to manage growth – in terms of affordable housing, sustainable growth, and transportation. |
How To Apply & Deadline
You can apply by completing our application form (PDF, 3 pages) and sending this back to us via email: CultureLondon@state.gov
Please title your email with “Exploring American Values exchange application”.
Make sure this reaches us no later than close-of-business (17:30 BST) on Friday, April 12, 2019.
