Overview
The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by American Councils for International Education.
The PFP for Europe and Eurasia is a two-way, global exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, as well as build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States. PFP participants are placed in intensive 5-6 week fellowships in non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the United States for an individually tailored professional development experience.
The Professional Fellows Program for Eurasia was launched in 2012, and American Councils has implemented the program since it’s introduction. PFP aims to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, as well as build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States.
Program Elements
Professional Fellowship
Fellows will participate in a virtual Pre-Departure Orientation as well as an arrival orientation in Washington, DC
Fellows will spend four weeks in an individually tailored fellowship experience working in a U.S. placement host organization
Fellows will participate in a community service opportunity to engage with a U.S. community and participate in civic engagement
Fellows will develop a follow-on Reciprocal Project proposal to complete a project that meets a specific objective and builds on their participation in the Professional Fellows Program
Fellows will have a home hospitality experience with an American host family
The U.S.-based exchange component will conclude with a capstone three-day Professional Fellows Congress in Washington, D.C.
Alumni Engagement
Fellows will design follow-on Reciprocal Project proposals to address challenges encountered in their home community
Fellows will be eligible to invite a U.S. placement host from the fellowship placement to implement a Reciprocal Exchange Project in the Fellow’s home community
Fellows will be eligible to participate in Regional Alumni Accelerator Workshops when available
Program Dates
The next Professional Fellows Program will be administered in Spring 2025. Applications will be open soon!
*In response to the ongoing global pandemic, PFP may be offered as a hybrid program with virtual activities leading up to a U.S.-based exchange. Please note: the in-person, U.S.-based exchange is contingent upon favorable travel conditions. In the event there are travel restrictions, or others factors which could adversely impact the health, safety and welfare of program participants, host organizations, and local communities, PFP may postpone or pivot the planned in-person U.S.-based exchange to virtual programming. PFP will follow available national and local public health guidance when making decisions related to PFP activities.
American Councils for International Education is a premier, international nonprofit creating educational opportunities that prepare individuals and institutions to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
Through academic exchanges, overseas language immersion, and educational development programs, American Councils designs and administers innovative programs that broaden individual perspectives, increase knowledge, and deepen understanding. For over 40 years, American Councils has responded to the needs of the communities where we work with hundreds of robust, international education programs that span over 80 countries, 40 languages, and are represented by over 94,000 alumni worldwide, including government leaders, top international educators, business innovators, public officials, and K-16 students.