Fifteen Fabulous Foreign Fellowships - work in distant lands

Black Enterprise, May, 1999 by Keisha Anderson

Get work experience in a distant land while keeping you day job

You've paid your dues as a fledgling in your field. Now you want to do some of the things you've always wanted to, but you can't seem to find the time. What you may not know is that holding a full-time position does not preclude you from experiencing life in an exotic locale you've always dreamed of visiting. With a fellowship from one of various American and international foundations, you can land the work experience of a lifetime.

A self-described "workaholic," Sandra Stiner Lowe, executive director of the Fairfax County OFfice of Partnerships in Fairfax, Virginia, took advantage of just such an opportunity. In 1995, her extensive work on healthcare issues for economically disadvantaged children in Virginia paid off in the Form of an Atlantic Fellowship in Great Britain.

"The beauty of it was that you could travel," says Lowe, who brought her daughter along for her six-month stint. She was able to spend an extended amount of time in a place she never thought she'd have the time or opportunity to visit because of her busy work schedule and, later, to implement the knowledge she acquired overseas in influencing public policy on children's healthcare at home.

Former Berkeley University Professor Dwayne Banks, Ph.D., also a 1995 Atlantic Fellow, found his experience teaching at the London School of Economics such a worthwhile endeavor, he has opted to take his career abroad. "The international contacts and life-enriching experiences can only be matched by my current position," says Banks, who presently works in Amman, Jordan, as a senior associate for ABT Associates, an international consulting firm.

These are just two of the many professionals who have discovered that international fellowships are a great way to expand their professional horizons and attain personal enrichment. Our listing of fellowship opportunities help you get on the road to gaining a unique perspective on your chosen field.

arts and humanities

Rome Prize Competition (American Academy in Rome)

Attn: Programs Department
American Academy in Rome
7 East 60th St.
New York, NY 10022
212-751-7200
www.aarome.org

This overseas center offers independent projects in architecture, conservation, graphic design, historic preservation, industrial design, interior design, literature, musical composition, urban design, visual arts, etc.

Eligibility: U.S. citizen or permanent resident

Stipend: $9,000-$17,800, depending on the terms of the fellowship

Location: Rome

Duration: Six months to two years

Deadline: November 15

financial services

City Fellowships in Financial Services

Attn: Dr. Ray Raymond, Executive Director
British Consulate General
845 Third Ave.
New York, NY 10022
212-745-0252

The British Consulate General in New York and the City Fellowships Committee have established this program to offer practical experience in financial services to young American minority professionals.

Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens who are ethnic minorities. Must have a first degree (preferably but not necessarily business studies or economics) and a minimum of two years' practical experience in the financial services industry. Candidates with an M.B.A. and at least one year's experience may also apply.

Stipend: Amount to cover the basic expenses of travel and overseas residence. When possible, it will be commensurate with U.S. salary.

Location: London

Duration: One year

Deadline: Mid-April

education

Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program

600 Maryland Ave. SW, #320
Washington, DC 20024
202-314-3520
www.grad.usda.gov

To provide teachers, faculty and professionals the opportunity to promote mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and the peoples of other countries through educational exchange.

Eligibility: U.S. citizen fluent in English who holds a bachelor's degree. Must have at least three years teaching experience and currently hold a full-time teaching assignment in the U.S. or one of its territories.

Stipend: Varies depending on the country, but in general, fellows are offered a leave of absence with pay from their home institution.

Location: Contact the program for a listing of countries for exchange

Duration: Six weeks, a semester or a full academic year

Deadline: Must be postmarked no later than October 15

Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program (Institute of International Education)

1400 K St. NW
Suite 650
Washington, DC 20005
888-JAPAN-FMF
www.iie.org/pgms/fmf

Created by the Japanese government to offer American educators an opportunity to work and study in its society.

Eligibility: Must be a full-time teacher or administrator at the primary or secondary level (grades 1-12), U.S. citizen, and reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. Must have less than a month or no prior experience in Japan.

Stipend: An award covering all travel expenses

Location: Japan

Duration: Three weeks

Deadline: January 11 for both spring and fall terms

general research

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research Fellowships

U.S. Liaison Office
1055 Thomas Jefferson St. NW, Suite 2030
Washington, DC 20007
202-296-2990
www.avh.de