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Questions about the Fellowship
Can I apply to become a Fellow?
When is the deadline?
When does the program begin?
When does the program end?
Why 4-8 years of experience?
What does the Fellowship provide?
How do you determine the living stipend?
What kind of visa do I get?
Can I bring my family with me?
After the Fellowship, do I have to return to my home country?
Can I apply to become a Fellow?
You can apply to become a Fellow if you meet the following minimum requirements:
- You must have at least 3-10 years of work experience in the nonprofit sector in your home country.
- You must have a bachelor's degree.
- You must be able to speak, write and communicate effectively in English.
- You must have a bachelor's degree.
- You must be willing and able to spend one year in the U.S. and an additional year upon your return to your home country to work in a nonprofit/NGO.
When is the deadline?
- Apply to U.S.: We encourage people to apply by October 15th for the Spring program, and by May 15th for the Fall program to receive priority consideration. However, applications for both the Fall and Spring programs will be accepted year-round. Classes begin in March and in September.
- Apply to Colombia: Applications will be accepted year round.
- Apply to India: Check back for more information in 2011.
When does the program begin?
The Fellowship begins approximately September 1 and March 1 with a one-week orientation program, followed by 50 weeks at your Host organization. Fellowships may be extended for up to six months.
When does the program end?
The Fellowship ends one year after it begins. Fellows must return to their home countries immediately after the program ends.
Why 3-10 years of experience?
Atlas Corps is dedicated to providing rising citizen sector leaders in the developing world with opportunities to obtain additional skills those leaders will require to have an even greater impact in working for the greater good. Atlas Corps does not want to take Executive Directors of organizations away from the important work they are doing and does not want to recruit students to participate in this program since they don't have enough experience and perspective to share with U.S. organizations.
What does the Fellowship provide?
Fellows - but not their dependents - receive:
- Program-related international travel
- Program-related domestic travel
- Accident/sickness insurance
- Monthly stipend for basic living expenses
- Documentation (DS-2019) which enables the Fellow to obtain a J-1 visa.
How do you determine the living stipend?
The living stipend is a fixed amount for all Fellows. For Fellows in DC during 2010-2011 fellowship, the living stipend is approximately $14,500 annually. The stipend is approximately 130% of the poverty line for the community where these Fellows will serve. This is intended to be a voluntary position and is not meant to be a salary. The idea is that the living stipend will cover housing, food, transportation - just the basics.
What kind of visa do I get?
Atlas Corps provides documentation to secure a J-1, Exchange Visitor visa (trainee designation).
Can I bring my family with me?
Atlas Corps discourages Fellows from bringing family members with them to the United States. Family members may visit the Fellow provided it does not interfere with work and fellowship responsibilities. Family members should not travel to the United States until the Fellow is well established in the Host organization. Atlas Corps does not provide financial support for spouses or other family members. The Fellow is responsible for all costs incurred for and by family members.
After the Fellowship, do I have to return to my home country?
Yes, one of the primary goals of Atlas Service Corps is to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices between U.S. nonprofits and nonprofits in other countries. This exchange is completed once a Fellow returns home and is able to share and apply what he or she has learned. Additionally, Fellows will receive $1,250 upon completing an additional year of service in their home country.
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