There are several major differences. First of all, LFP as administered by American Councils in Georgia, Russia and Ukraine, has more slots (50) whereas LEAP was comparatively small. Unfortunately however, LFP is not open to Turkish citizens at this time.
Another major difference is that applicants for the LFP are not required to have previous experience in the United States. This was strict requirement for LEAP.
The length of the LFP is much shorter than the LEAP program. Participants on LFP will travel to the United States for about five weeks whereas LEAPers were required to commit to approximately four months overseas. We hope that this change will make it easier to young professionals to participate in the LFP without it adversely affecting their careers.
There is also a new age requirement for LFP. LFP applicants are required to be between 25 and 35 years of age when they apply.
The final major difference is that the LFP will be operating simultaneously in six regions around the world. American Councils is responsible for the implementation of the program for participants from Georgia, Russia and Ukraine only. There may be slight differences between the LFPs around the world but the goals are the same.
