Apply Now for the Fully Funded U.S. Professional Fellows Program 2025

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs sponsors the Professional Fellows Program (PFP), coordinated by American Councils for International Education. This program, designed for emerging leaders from Europe and Eurasia, is a global exchange initiative fostering mutual understanding, strengthening leadership and professional skills, and building enduring relationships between mid-level leaders abroad and their U.S. counterparts.

Through the PFP, participants are placed in intensive 5- to 6-week internships with U.S.-based nonprofits, private companies, and government offices, allowing for personalized professional growth experiences.

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Apply Now for the Fully Funded U.S. Professional Fellows Program 2025

Launched in 2012, the PFP Eurasia program has been implemented by American Councils, which has more than 40 years of experience in international education and exchange programs. American Councils runs a wide range of programs in over 80 countries, serving thousands of participants globally, from students to top industry and government leaders, fostering greater cultural and professional exchange worldwide.

Program Location

Location: United States

Program Benefits

Selected finalists receive full funding from the U.S. Department of State, covering:

International Travel, Visa, and Living Costs: All essential expenses during the fellowship in the U.S.
Professional Fellowship and Training:
Pre-departure virtual training and an arrival orientation in Washington, DC.
A four-week fellowship placement with a U.S.-based host organization tailored to professional goals.
Participation in a community service project, fostering civic engagement in a U.S. community.
Development of a reciprocal project proposal for post-program impact in their home community.
First class hospitality with an American citizen host.
Attendance at a three-day Professional Fellows Congress in Washington, DC.
Alumni Engagement: Post-fellowship, participants can:
- Implement a Reciprocal Project proposal addressing community issues.
- Invite a U.S.-based host to collaborate on a Reciprocal Exchange Project locally.
- Join Regional Alumni Accelerator Workshops to expand their network and skills.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Professional Fellows Program, applicants must:

Nationality and Residency: Be a citizen and current resident of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, Türkiye, or Ukraine.
Leadership and Experience: Be a mid-career professional in government, civil society, or the private sector with at least two years of experience and expertise relevant to the program’s themes.
Theme Relevance:
For participants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine, a professional focus on “government and society” is required.
For applicants from Belarus, emphasis on “innovation & entrepreneurship” is preferred.
Ukrainian nationals residing outside of Ukraine since February 2022 are eligible to apply, as are Belarusian nationals who left Belarus after August 2020.
Age: 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: candidates should be proactive, adaptable, open to cultural exchange, and collaborative in cross-cultural settings.
Project Proposal: Applicants must present a project or objective they aim to pursue in their community or workplace.
English Proficiency: Demonstrate a strong command of English, both spoken and written.
Leadership and Teamwork: Display proven leadership skills and an ability to work well in team environments.

Eligible Regions: Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Serbia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Moldova, and Ukraine.

Application Process for the Professional Fellows Program

Selection for the Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is highly competitive, using a rigorous merit-based approach. This process includes both a comprehensive written application and a personal interview, conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State.

Beginning Your Application

Applications for the PFP are accessible online via the Application Information System (AIS) Forms site. This portal enables candidates to complete and submit their applications, attach supplementary documents, and request recommendation letters. A series of tutorials guides applicants through using the form, making edits, and submitting a finalized application.

Applicants can save their work and log out at any time, resuming their application later before the deadline. There is no requirement to complete the application in one session.

Program Cycles

As part of the application, candidates must indicate their preference for one of two program cycles, with specific dates provided within the application form.

Submitting Your Application

Once ready, applicants must finalize their online application by selecting the “Submit” button on the last page. If this step is not completed, the application will be considered incomplete and will not be eligible for review. Once submitted, applicants cannot make further changes. An email notice will be transmitted upon a successful application and approval.

Required Documentation

To be considered for the program, applicants must complete and submit the following materials as part of their online application:

Proof of Eligibility
Educational Background
Detailed Work Experience
English-Language Resume or CV
Essay Responses: Three essays explaining the applicant’s motivations for joining, the anticipated impact on their community, and how they plan to apply their experiences to a follow-up project in their hometown. The specific prompts are outlined in the application.
Two Professional Recommendations
Certified Copy of the Participant’s Terms and Conditions Agreement
Handwritten Copy of American Councils’ Privacy Policy Statement