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Funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
In March 2003, the U.S. Department of State awarded Partners of the Americas a grant to implement the American Government Fellows Program. This program sponsors exchanges of outstanding civil servants to carry out a fellowship at a federal, state, or local host agency. Since program inception, close to 60 Fellows representing 20 countries have completed their programs.
Government agencies throughout the hemisphere have capitalized on the opportunities and benefits offered by the program. By exchanging technical expertise and resources through the work of the American Fellows, sending and receiving agencies establish valuable relationships with counterpart organizations instrumental in improving relations between the United States and its neighbors, a key goal of the program.
Nature of Fellowships
Fellows are assigned to actual working positions at a host agency and are expected to engage in practical hands-on activities. They remain at the host agency for the duration of the fellowship. This program DOES NOT involve attending courses, training sessions, or participating in study tours visiting various institutions of interest. The fellowships last between two and four months.
Fellowship Areas
· Good governance, rule of law, transparency, and combating corruption
· Combating crime
· Disaster preparedness
· Environmental conservation and natural resource management
· Health systems
Fellow Qualifications
Fellows are selected based on outstanding performance and the ability to play leadership roles their organizations. Partners uses a competitive approach to select participants who meet the following criteria:
· Federal, state, or municipal employees
· Professional qualifications that meet the technical requirements of the host agency.
· Professional-level language proficiency in the language of the host country. (Candidates will be interviewed over the phone to assess their language ability)
How to Apply
Applications are received on a rolling basis. Candidates and government agencies interested in participating in the program should contact the Program Director.
Funding
The program covers airfare, lodging, living allowance, and health insurance for the Fellow only. The Fellow’s organization in his/her country will cover the salary during the fellowship period.
Visa
Fellows travel to the U.S. under the J-1 visa. Program staff in the Washington office will request the visa directly to the U.S. Embassy in Fellow’s country of origin.
U.S. Fellows traveling to Latin America may need a visa depending on the country. Program staff in the Washington office will contact the appropriate Embassy or consulate to facilitate the process.
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