Baltic-American Security Exchange
The objective of the Baltic-American Security Exchange (BASE) is to support national security enhancement efforts by the three Baltic states, consistent with the mission of the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) and based on an unwavering commitment by the United States to Baltic security.
What BASE Supports
Funded projects facilitate the exchange of critical knowledge, establish useful contacts between Baltic and U.S. security experts, and make other tangible contributions in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Proposals may be initiated by Baltic or U.S. entities—private or public—either separately or in collaboration.
Project Priorities
Baltic-Based Civil Preparedness
BASE supports Baltic and U.S. governmental, public-sector, and private-sector organizations implementing projects specifically aligned with the respective Baltic states’ national security policies, including:
Civil defense and crisis preparedness
Strategies for cyber resilience
Energy and telecommunications
Economic resilience in practice
Independent press
Preparedness efforts and support for civil society may benefit a range of situations, including natural disasters, energy supply interruptions, and defense-related scenarios.
Junior Diplomat & Security Professional Training
BASE invites applications for relevant engagement with U.S. counterparts across a variety of security sectors, including diplomacy, defense, border security, transnational crime, and intelligence.
BASE support decisions would normally require sponsoring ministries, individual participants, and other partners to each fund some portion of the cost of program attendance.
High-Visibility Baltic Conferences
BASE provides continued support to major Baltic security conferences.
Why Participate?
The BAFF Fellowship Program is a competitive and prestigious scholarship designed to support the next generation of Baltic civic and business leaders with a strong interest in security, defense, resilience, and related strategic fields, and in U.S.-Baltic ties.
The program provides driven young professionals from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania with the opportunity to participate in a specialized nine-month fellowship in the United States, combining professional experience, learning, and intercultural exchange. Depending on the participant’s professional background and goals, the fellowship may focus on a professional internship, research, or a combination of both.
BAFF provides a comprehensive scholarship covering the costs of participation, enabling Fellows to fully immerse themselves in the U.S. professional environment and American culture while gaining the experience, knowledge, and skills needed to advance their careers and contribute to their fields upon returning to the Baltics.
Fellows are placed with U.S. organizations, institutions, companies, or other relevant hosts where they can develop practical expertise, learn from U.S. professionals, contribute their own knowledge, and establish lasting professional connections between the Baltic States and the United States.
Through this experience, BAFF Fellows strengthen not only their individual professional and leadership capacity but also the knowledge, networks, and transatlantic relationships that contribute to a stronger, more secure, and resilient Baltic region.
What is the two-year home country residency requirement?
The Two-Year Home Country Residency Requirement is a fundamental condition of the BAFF Fellowship program. It reflects our core mission to promote Baltic economic development by bringing valuable skills back to the region.
Upon completion of the BAFF Fellowship, you are required to return immediately to, and reside in, your country of permanent residency for a minimum of two years and are not permitted to stay or attempt to stay in the U.S. or any other foreign country, including to work, pursue work, or study.
Short-term visits, up to a maximum of 14 days, to foreign countries for the primary purpose of tourism or short-term business are allowed. Visits longer than 14 days must be reported to your BAFF local representative prior to the start of the visit. In any calendar year, the total length of visits to foreign countries for either purpose may not exceed 90 days.
This residency requirement is at the heart of the BAFF Fellowship's success. It serves as a moral obligation that supports our foundational aim of promoting Baltic economic development by investing in the next generation of professionals. Ultimately, it is a commitment to the region, ensuring that our investment in your career directly contributes to the success of your home country.
How the Fellowship Works
Application
Submit your application and supporting documents.
Selection
BAFF evaluates candidates based on background, motivation, and potential impact
Placement
BAFF and Cenet identify a suitable U.S. host organization.
Fellowship in the U.S.
Complete your professional and/or research experience.
Return & Apply Your Experience
Bring your knowledge, networks, and experience back to the Baltics.
Fellowship placements are sourced by BAFF and our U.S. implementer, Cenet. If you already have a U.S. placement and want to be part of the other aspects of the BAFF Fellowship program (including U.S. visa support), please contact us.
Application Documents
Applicants are required to submit:
1. BAFF Fellowships Application Form
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
3. One Letter of Recommendation
Additional information or documentation may be requested from candidates during the selection and placement process.
Dates & Deadlines
Application Deadline
November 10, 2026
Notification Date
December 30, 2026
Program start date may vary from May 1 to August 31, 2027