One of the most awaited exchange programs in the United States of America is open for application. You heard it right! Applications are open for the IREX Community Exchange Program 2026. This fully funded Exchange program in the United States of America is offered to foreign nationals from eligible countries. The IREX Community exchange program serves as a global dynamic network of changemakers working with communities to address critical 21st-century issues. The program’s objective is to equip young people with skills, expertise, and resources so they can serve the communities in the United States and around the world. A year-long transformative leadership development program that will take place in the United States of America. To all the civil society leaders who want to experience the power of networks and relationships, are encourage you to apply.
The IREX community exchange program offers comprehensive support that includes J-1 Visa support, round-trip air travel tickets, a Monthly Allowance, and health insurance for the duration of the program. The selection is merit-based, and the exchange program highly encourages emerging civil society and community leaders to apply. The application window is currently open, and the last date for the submission of applications is May 22, 2025. In this post, we will cover the 2026 Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) Program eligible countries, eligibility criteria, coverage, and application process. Read the complete details and apply for an exciting transforming opportunity.
Details About the IREX Community Exchange Program (CEE) 2026
| Host Country | United States of America |
|---|---|
| Program | Community Engagement Exchange (CEE) |
| Sponsored by | IREX & U.S. Government |
| Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Application Deadline | May 22, 2025 |
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Location & Duration
- This is a year-long community exchange program in which selected participants will spend 3 months in the United States
Program Components
Three Months of Practice in the USA
- The host organization matches CEE fellows to civil society organizations throughout the United States, where designated supervisors will support fellows for 3 months and provide them with hands-on experience.
Leadership and Engagement Academy
- The participants will explore the program themes through interactive training, mentorship, and coaching sessions.
Community Project
- Under the supervision of the supervisors/mentors, the fellows will design and plan a community project that they will carry out in their home country after the completion of the program.
Community Project Exchange
- The host and CEE experts will travel to the alumnus’ home country to support their projects.
Program Coverage
IREX community exchange program offers the following support:
- J-1 Visa Assistance
- Round Trip Air Travel to and from the USA
- Monthly stipend to cover the expenses of housing, meals, etc, in the USA
- Health benefits
Who can Apply?
Applicants meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- Young leaders aged 21-27 years are eligible to apply
- Applicants must be currently living and working in their home countries
- Flexibility is given to applicants living in other countries with refugee status
- Having at least 2 years of experience working on civil society issues
- Must be available to travel to the USA in 2026
- Able to receive a J-1 Visa
- Committed to returning to their home country after the completion of the program
- Language Requirement
- Semi-finalists have to take a Duliongo language test.
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Eligible Countries
Citizens of the following countries can participate in this program:
Africa
- Cameroon
- Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Mali
- Sierra Leone
- Uganda
- Zimbabwe
East Asia and the Pacific
- Brunei
- Burma (Myanmar)
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Vietnam
Europe and Eurasia
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Poland
- Slovakia
Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Lebanon
- Palestinian Territories
- Tunisia
South and Central Asia
- Bangladesh
- India
- Nepal
- Sri Lanka
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
Western Hemisphere
- Bolivia
- Cuba
- Guatemala
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Peru
- Venezuela
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Ineligibility Criteria
- US Nationals are not eligible to apply
- Applicants not belonging to above mentioned countries
- Individuals who are in the USA for research work, education, or training cannot apply.
- Previously participated in a US Government-sponsored program
- Have applied for the US permanent residency
- Applicants working outside their home country unless holding a refugee status.
How to Apply?
Follow the following steps to apply for the Community Engagement Exchange:
- Step 1: Visit the official portal mentioned below for the application
- Step 2: Sign up, create an account on the official portal
- Step 3: Complete the application, fill in all the required fields
- Step 4: Submit the application before the deadline
Visit the official link below to start with your application.
APPLY FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EXCHANGE (CEE)
Deadline: The Last date for the submission of the application is May 22, 2025 (11:59 PM EDT)
