The Legislative Fellows Program provides an unmatched opportunity for professionals to gain international experience through working and learning at a partner organization abroad. Fellows will work for a host organization on an assigned project, but more importantly, will share best practices, experiences, and insight with their new colleagues for a mutually beneficial experience. Due to the nature of the program, Fellows have the time to develop lasting and sustainable personal and professional relationships while experiencing a new and exciting culture.

General Requirements

Partners will employ an open, competitive recruitment process in each country to select four classes of qualified Fellows. Partners will recruit Fellows that represent diverse ethnicities and regions, and will also strive to ensure gender balance.

• Mid-level professional employed in government or civil society
• Actively engaged in government transparency and/or legislative processes
• Strong adherence to time and professional commitments
• Ability to adapt to new cultures, challenges, and work environments
• Ability to engage home organizations and communities in follow-on activities

Requirements for Latin American and Caribbean Fellows

• Able to participate in the program in either Spring or Fall 2012 for approximately 6 weeks.
• Professional-level proficiency in English. Candidates will be interviewed over the phone to assess their language ability.
• Have approval from current employer to take a leave of absence.
• Be a citizen of one of the participating countries.

Requirements for US Fellows

• Able to participate in the program in either Summer 2012 or Winter 2013 for approximately 3 weeks.
• Have approval from current employer to take a leave of absence.
• Be a citizen of the United States or a Green Card holder.
• Spanish, Portuguese or French language skills preferred, but not required.

Funding 

The program covers airfare, lodging, living allowance, and health insurance for the Fellow only.

Visa

Fellows travel to the U.S. under the J-1 visa. Partners of the Americas will work with the U.S. Department of State to request the visa directly from the in-country U.S. Embassy. Please note that participants traveling under a J-1 visa must return to their home countries and live for a total of two years before they are eligible to receive the kind of visa that enables them to reside permanently in the United States (as an immigrant or refugee, for example) or to work in the United States. This “two-year rule” does not prevent persons from returning to the U.S. for business, tourism, study, and other purposes that involve a temporary stay.