The Cultural Vistas Organization is pleased to announce the Alfa Fellowship Program for the outstanding aspirants in Russia.

The Alfa Fellowship Program is a distinguished international initiative that each year offers up to 18 accomplished young Americans, Britons, and Germans the opportunity to complete a high-level professional development program in Russia.

The Alfa Fellowship Program was founded in 2004 with the aim of fostering a community of emerging leaders who have the first-hand experience in the business, public policy, and cultural environments of Russia and the region. Since then, over 180 Americans, Britons, and Germans have been able to work, live, and travel in Russia through this unique professional opportunity.

Eligibility

• U.S., U.K., or German citizen between the ages of 25 and 35 (Russian citizens are ineligible to apply, including individuals who are also citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, or Germany)
  Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, or a related field.
• Outstanding professional achievement and academic qualifications
• Active involvement in community or public service
• Russian language experience is preferred, however not required, at the time of application. If an applicant does not speak Russian, he or she will need to demonstrate proficiency in another foreign language to qualify for the program
• Graduate degree in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, international relations, or a related field
• Evidence of leadership potential

How to Apply

• The Alfa Fellowship Program application must be submitted online and any supporting documents not submitted online or via email must arrive in hard copy by the same date.
• The following documents are required as part of your Alfa Fellowship Program application:
• To be uploaded by the applicant in the “Documents” section:
• Current resume/CV in English (U.S. or European style).
• Personal statement
• Two pages maximum, in English; please make sure to include your name on this document. The personal statement should contain very specific information on the applicant’s background, experience, career aspirations, and interest in Russia. It should also include anticipated benefits of participation in the Alfa Fellowship Program for both the applicant and the host institution. It must also include realistic proposals for specific institutions that the applicant believes to be appropriate for his/her professional assignment. For a list of past Alfa fellows’ work placements, please visit the Inside the Fellowship Experience section.
• Russian writing sample
• One page maximum on a topic of your choice. Please make sure to include your name on this document.
• Official university transcripts from the most recent/in-progress degree
• Two letters of recommendation
• At least one from someone who knows you in a professional capacity, ideally a current or former supervisor, either submitted by the recommender via the online system or mailed in a sealed envelope to the Alfa Fellowship Program.

Benefits

The fellowship provides a monthly stipend, accommodation, insurance, all program-related travel costs, language training in Russia, and private tutoring in the U.S., U.K., or Germany.

Application Deadline: November 15, 2019

Scholarship Link