Eligibility

Fellow Requirements

• U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident
• 18-28 years old at project start date
• Participating on-site in an internship or volunteer abroad project for at least 6 months
• Demonstrate interest in project topic and outline specific project goals and impact measurables
• Possess specific skill(s) to contribute to community abroad
• Excited to learn about another culture and share one’s own
• Willing to submit blog posts and a written report upon project completion

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.

Application Checklist

• Project/program details:

Outline your tasks, project goals, and how these goals will be measured. In light of COVID-19, describe any restrictions related to travel to and from the project location and the safety measures and protocols that are in place at your project location.

• Detailed budget (including proof of all fees—estimated costs are acceptable)

• Essay (one to two pages) that answers each part of the following question:

Detail the specific skills and experience you will contribute to your host organization and what you hope to learn during your project/program. Explain how you will apply this experience to your future plans.

• Two signed letters of recommendation: one may be from an academic instructor and the other must be from a supervisor, employer, or coach (submitted to grants@interexchange.org by recommender). Prompt for recommenders:

Please speak to the applicant’s maturity, adaptability, communication style, leadership potential, and other characteristics that you have first-hand knowledge of that would help us assess the overall suitability for success on the service project abroad.

• Resume (no longer than one page)

• Photocopy of valid U.S. passport or permanent resident card

• $50 non-refundable application fee