Diplomacy and Exchange: A Pathway to Global Impact
Authored By:
Just over two years ago, Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) Scholarship recipient Felikss Bikaunieks embarked on a transformative journey from his home country of Latvia to Palo Alto, California.
As a participant in the U.S. Department of State’s BridgeUSA program, Felikss secured an internship at SAP Labs, a global leader in enterprise software solutions. His experience not only enriched his professional development but also contributed to cross-cultural collaboration and innovation in the United States.
The BAFF program, established in 2010, aims to deepen ties between Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the United States through educational and exchange programs. Each year, the Foundation provides scholarships to academic professionals for up to 12 months, fostering cross-border knowledge-sharing and professional development.
CIEE administers, manages, and supports these BAFF Scholarships, ensuring a seamless exchange experience for participants like Felikss.
At 26 years old, Felikss discovered the BAFF program shortly after completing his master’s degree in management of international economic relations at Riga Technical University. Recognizing the opportunity for both personal and professional growth, he applied and was thrilled to be accepted.
Prior to this, he had completed a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of Latvia and had international experiences in Hungary and Germany, though he had never traveled to the United States.
A Bridge Between Europe and Silicon Valley
During his internship in the Managing Director’s office at SAP Labs, Felikss played a pivotal role in advancing sustainability initiatives.
Working with the Engagement Team, he conducted original research on making SAP’s office more environmentally friendly, coordinated sustainability-focused events, and helped integrate European sustainability perspectives into SAP’s U.S. operations.
His contributions not only enhanced SAP’s corporate sustainability efforts but also strengthened transatlantic knowledge exchange on environmental best practices.
Reflecting on his time in Silicon Valley, Felikss shared, “It was a great experience because, for the first time, I was able to see how Silicon Valley actually works.”
He was particularly struck by the flexibility and welcoming nature of the private sector, which contrasted with his current work in Latvia’s government. Felikss also benefited from a strong mentor, an SAP colleague, who remains a personal and professional connection.
Beyond the workplace, Felikss immersed himself in American culture. Living in Palo Alto with other young professionals and scholars, he developed a global network of peers, all drawn to California for similar professional aspirations.
He explored the West Coast, visited Yosemite National Park, traveled through Arizona and Nevada, and experienced quintessential American traditions such as the Fourth of July, Halloween, and sporting events in San Francisco. His appreciation for American cultural openness and friendliness was a defining aspect of his experience.
Bringing Lessons Home—and Strengthening U.S.-Latvia Ties
Today, Felikss applies the knowledge and skills he gained in the U.S. to his work in the Latvian Ministry of Economics, where he focuses on innovation policy. His role supports research and development initiatives in the areas of smart energy and mobility.
The insights he gained from his time in Silicon Valley—particularly in sustainability, innovation, and corporate engagement—have helped shape his approach to policymaking.
Moreover, Felikss remains an active member of the BAFF alumni community, which hosts annual gatherings to celebrate their shared American experiences. The network strengthens long-term connections between the U.S. and the Baltic region, creating a ripple effect of collaboration that extends far beyond the duration of the program.
Through BridgeUSA and BAFF, he not only advanced his own career but also contributed to strengthening economic and environmental collaboration between the United States and Europe. And though he currently calls Latvia home, he hopes to return to the U.S. one day to revisit the country that left such a lasting impact on him.
Felikss’ journey through the BridgeUSA program exemplifies the power of international exchange in fostering innovation, cultural understanding, and professional growth. His experience not only enriched his own career but also contributed to sustainability efforts in the U.S. and strengthened transatlantic collaboration.
If you're inspired by his story and would like to join us in shaping a more connected world, visit BridgeUSA to learn more.