Questions about the Fellowship
When is the deadline? The deadline for the 2007-2008 program has passed. The deadline for the 2008-2009 program is March 1, 2008. When does the program begin? The Fellowship begins in August with a two-week training and orientation program in your home country followed by a two-week orientation program in Washington, DC. Fellows begin their 12-month working assignments at their U.S. Host organizations in September. When does the program end? The 12-month Fellowship ends in August of the following year. Fellows will return to their home countries immediately after the program ends. Why 4-8 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:
How do you determine the living stipend? The living stipend is a fixed amount for all Fellows. For Fellows during 2007-2008, the living stipend is approximately $13,500 annually. The stipend is approximately 120% 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. 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 $2,500 upon completing an additional year of service in their home country. |