How it works
The Christianson Fellowship could unlock funding of up to $15,000 for motivated young Americans to perform meaningful service projects abroad.
Process
- Personal & educational information
- Travel history (year, duration, country, reason for traveling, source of funding)
- Project details: Outline the project goals, tasks and how the goals will be measured. Describe any safety concerns, including measures and protocols that are in place at the project location.
- Detailed project budget: Include proof of all fees (e.g. screenshot of flight prices, local living costs). Estimated costs based on current sources are acceptable.
- Two signed letters of recommendation: One letter may be from an academic instructor and the second must be from a supervisor, employer, coach or someone who knows you from a non-academic setting.
- Essay (one to two pages using 12 pt font) answering four questions (provided in the essay prompt).
- Project Outline: Please ask your host organization to complete this form and upload it as part of your supporting documents.
- Resume (single page only)
- Photocopy of valid U.S. passport or permanent resident card
Eligibility & Requirements
Fellow Eligibility
- U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
- 18-28 years old at project start date
- Participates on-site in an internship or volunteer abroad project for at least 6 months
- Demonstrates interest in project topic and outline specific project goals and impact measurables
- Possesses specific skill(s) to contribute to a community abroad
- Is excited to learn about another culture and share one’s own
- Fellows have to answer Pre- and Post-Project Reflection questions and provide short videos and/or blog posts as well as photos detailing their experience abroad
Project Requirements
- Benefits local community
- Sustainable (project can continue after fellow leaves and/or effects are long-term)
- Involves collaboration and interaction with local residents and community leaders
- The Fellowship does not support independent research projects or academic study abroad programs.
- Projects must not be part of a degree requirement or for class credit.
- Projects must be non-activist, non-partisan, non-political, and non-religious in nature.
- Projects must be fellows’ primary activity while abroad (~ 30 hours per week on average).
- Project budgets must be designed to support the fellow while abroad (e.g. housing, meals, transportation, insurance etc.). Incidentals including equipment, hardcopy materials, printing, or room rentals that are essential for the project’s success can be submitted for consideration as long as they do not exceed $500 in total supplies costs for a project of six months duration and $1000 for a project of twelve months duration. Personal equipment is excluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re available along the way for any questions but here is a general overview of how it all works!
What type of projects does the Christianson Fellowship support?
The Christianson Fellowship supports self-arranged and created service project experiences abroad. Past fellows’ projects have focused on multiple international issues, including public health, environmental conservation, legal advocacy, women’s and girls’ rights, microfinance, education, and poverty alleviation, among other topics. Your project should focus on an issue and a region of the world that you feel passionately about.
What do you mean by “self-arranged” projects?
What does the Fellowship cover?
How many Fellowships are awarded each cycle?
Can my project be part of my academic program?
If my project or length of stay changes, do I need to inform InterExchange?
What are the content requirements?
Application
What are you looking for in applicants?
When should I apply?
The next application deadline is March 15, 2026.
You’re welcome to apply up to one year prior to your project start date.
Can I already be abroad when I apply?
The Fellowship Selection Committee prefers that applicants are not abroad yet at time of application. However, you may apply if you’ve only been on your project for a few months or less.
How do I show proof of expenses if my project hasn’t started yet?
You may provide estimated costs if you don’t have receipts or other proof of costs at the time of application. Please show us what estimates are based upon. For example, a screenshot of a flight search showing ticket prices.
How should I submit my application?
Please submit your complete application via our online form. We do not accept applications by mail, email, or fax.
Will I be interviewed as part of the application process?
Finalists will be interviewed by the InterExchange Foundation Manager. Finalists are notified approximately two weeks after the application deadline to arrange an interview via video call. The interview typically lasts 30 minutes.
When will I be notified if I received the Fellowship or not?
All applicants are notified approximately 6-8 weeks after each Fellowship deadline.
If I apply early, will I find out earlier if I received the Fellowship?
You’re welcome to apply early (no more than one year prior to your project start date); however, applications are not reviewed until after the application deadline.
If I’m not selected, may I apply again?
Yes, Fellowship applicants are welcome to apply again.
Fellowship Award
How much is the award?
The Christianson Fellowship ranges between $2,500 and $15,000 according to the project duration and the nature of the project.
How is the award amount determined?
The Christianson Fellowship Selection Committee determines award amounts based on multiple factors, including cost-of-living in project location and duration of project.
When is the Fellowship disbursed?
The Fellowship is disbursed in two installments. The first is mailed after we’ve confirmed your arrival with your supervisor. The second installment is mailed after we’ve received your completion report, which is due within 30 days of your project end date.
Is the Fellowship taxable?
Yes, Fellowship funding is subject to the IRS tax code. All Fellowship recipients are issued a 1099.
Does the Christianson Fellowship support projects that fellows conduct in countries they have been to before?
Yes. Previous experience in the host country can be advantageous for the fellow personally as they will already have an understanding of, for example, the culture, the customs, and/or the language. However, previous experience in the host country does not increase an applicant’s chances to be awarded a Christianson Fellowship.
Does InterExchange help set up service projects?
No, we do not organize any volunteer projects. We provide funding to individuals to help support their self-arranged service projects abroad and we do stay in touch with our fellows throughout their Fellowship and beyond. The set up of the project, logistics and the day-to-day operations, however, are the sole responsibility of the host organization.
Become a Christianson Fellow and make a real impact
We can help you create change in the world. Apply here to become a Christianson Fellow!