Resources
These resources should help answer any questions you have about your program. Send us an email for any more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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?
The Christianson Fellowship is intended to cover your living expenses while abroad and contributing to a service project. This includes housing, meals, and local transport. You may also include associated costs, such as transport to and from your project location, passport and visa costs, and travel medical insurance.
The Fellowship does not cover mid-service trips home.
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 July 15, 2024.
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 is between $2,500 and $10,000.
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!
