Register Today for the fully sponsored U.S. Career Fellows Initiative 2025

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs supports the Professional Fellows Program (PFP), managed by American Councils for International Education. This initiative targets emerging leaders from Europe and Eurasia, serving as a global exchange platform that promotes mutual understanding, enhances leadership and professional skills, and fosters long-lasting connections between mid-level leaders abroad and their American counterparts.

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The PFP offers participants the opportunity to engage in immersive 5- to 6-week internships with U.S.-based nonprofits, private sector firms, and government agencies, providing a customized experience for professional growth.

Register Today for the fully sponsored U.S. Career Fellows Initiative 2025

Launched in 2012, the PFP Eurasia initiative is implemented by American Councils, an organization with over 40 years of expertise in international education and exchange programs. American Councils operates numerous programs in more than 80 countries, benefiting thousands of global participants, from students to high-level government and industry leaders, enhancing cross-cultural and professional exchange worldwide.

Program Location:

United States

Program Benefits:

Selected fellows receive comprehensive funding from the U.S. Department of State, covering:

Travel, Visa, and Living Costs: All essential expenses during the fellowship in the U.S.
Professional Development and Training:
Pre-departure virtual training and an arrival orientation in Washington, DC.
A four-week fellowship placement with a U.S.-based organization aligned with the fellow’s professional goals.
Involvement in a community service project to promote civic engagement in a U.S. community.
Development of a reciprocal project proposal to drive impact in the fellow’s home community after the program.
Hosting with an American citizen for immersive cultural exchange.
Attendance at a three-day Professional Fellows Congress in Washington, DC.
Alumni Engagement: After the fellowship, participants can:
Implement a reciprocal project to address local community needs.
Invite a U.S. host to collaborate on a local exchange project.
Join Regional Alumni Accelerator Workshops to grow their professional network and skills.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered for the Senior Fellows Initiative, registrants must:

Citizenship and Residency: Be a citizen and current resident of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, Turkey, or Ukraine.
Professional Experience: Be a mid-career professional with at least two years of relevant experience in government, civil society, or the private sector.
Field of Focus:
For applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine, focus on “government and society” is required.
For applicants from Belarus, focus on “innovation & entrepreneurship” is encouraged.
Age: Applicants must be between 25 and 35 years old at the start of the program (those turning 25 or 36 during the program period are also eligible).
Personal Attributes: Applicants should be proactive, adaptable, culturally open, and comfortable collaborating in cross-cultural settings.
Project Proposal: Applicants should present a project or initiative they aim to pursue in their home community or workplace.
English Proficiency: Strong command of both spoken and written English.
Leadership and Teamwork: demonstrated leadership abilities and effective teamwork skills.

Eligible Regions:

Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Moldova, and Ukraine.

How to Apply:

The selection process for the Professional Fellows Program is highly competitive and involves a merit-based review. This includes submitting a detailed written application followed by a personal interview, facilitated in partnership with the U.S. Department of State.

Application Process:

Starting Your Application:
Applicants must access the application via the Application Information System (AIS) Forms site, which allows them to complete, save, and submit their forms. Tutorials will guide applicants through each step, including document uploads and requesting recommendation letters.
Program Cycles:
During the application process, candidates must indicate their preferred program cycle, with dates provided in the application form.
Finalizing Your Application:
Once the application is complete, applicants must select the “Submit” button on the final page. Failing to do so will result in the application being considered incomplete and not eligible for review. Upon submission, no further changes can be made, and an email confirmation will be sent.

Required Documents:

To apply, applicants must submit the following documents as part of the online application:

Proof of eligibility
Educational background details
Comprehensive work experience
English-language resume or CV
Three essays addressing the applicant’s motivations for applying, expected community impact, and how they plan to use their fellowship experience for follow-up projects at home. Specific essay prompts will be provided in the application.
Two professional recommendation letters
A certified copy of the participant’s Terms and Conditions Agreement
A handwritten copy of American Councils’ Privacy Policy Statement