Deadline: December 1, 2020
Applications are invited for the Alfa Fellowship Program 2021/2022. The Alfa Fellowship Program is a distinguished international initiative that each year offers up to 18 accomplished young Americans, Britons, and Germans the opportunity to complete a high-level professional development program in Russia.
Over the course of the program, fellows complete work placements at leading institutions, attend professional seminars, and receive intensive language training.
The Alfa Fellowship Program was founded in 2004 with the aim of fostering a community of emerging leaders who have first-hand experience in the business, public policy, and cultural environments of Russia and the region. Since then, over 200 Americans, Britons, and Germans have been able to experience the workplace, while living and traveling in Russia through this unique professional opportunity.
Fellowship
The fellowship includes:
- Round-trip transportation to New York City or London and accommodation (if needed) for selection interviews.
- Orientation seminar in Washington, D.C., including speakers, activities, travel, and accommodation.
- Program-related transportation between U.S./U.K./Germany and Russia.
- Pre-departure and Russia-based language training.
- Moscow Seminar Program, including briefings, assignment planning, and excursions.
- A generous monthly stipend during the program in Russia.
- All program-related travel within Russia.
- Accommodation in Moscow.
- Limited international health, accident, and liability insurance during the program in Russia.
Eligibility
- Fellows have a demonstrated interest in Russian and European and Eurasian affairs, exceptional academic and professional credentials, proven personal initiative, and clear goals and expectations for their professional assignments.
- Fellows are between the ages of 25 and 35 with professional experience in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, arts/cultural management or related fields.
- Fellows possess leadership potential and are active in community or public service.
- While Russian language skills vary, most fellows have studied Russian for at least two years at the postsecondary level.
Requirements
- Open to a U.S., U.K., or German citizen between the ages of 25 and 35 (Russian citizens are ineligible to apply, including individuals who are also citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, or Germany).
- Have Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in arts/culture management, business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, or a related field.
Qualification
- Outstanding professional achievement and academic qualifications.
- Active involvement in community or public service.
- Russian language experience is preferred, however not required, at the time of application. If an applicant does not speak Russian, he or she will need to demonstrate proficiency in another foreign language to qualify for the program.
- Graduate degree in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, international relations, arts/cultural management or a related field.
- Evidence of leadership potential.
The Alfa Fellowship Program is a professional-level initiative focused on the fellows’ assignments in Russia. The Alfa Fellowship Program will not sponsor independent or academic research.
Application
The following documents are required as part of your Alfa Fellowship Program application. To be uploaded by the applicant in the “Application Documents” section:
- Current resume/CV in English (U.S. or European style)
- Personal statement
- Russian writing sample
- Official university transcripts from most recent/in progress degree
- Two letters of recommendation
The following documents are optional and can be uploaded online by the applicant in the “Documents” section:
- Undergraduate transcripts
- Photo
Click here to request an application
For more information, visit Alfa Fellowship Program.
