The Institute of Current World Affairs advances American understanding of international cultures and affairs by sending outstanding young professionals abroad on two-year independent writing fellowships to study countries, regions and globally important issues. Alumni have become leading journalists, scholars, diplomats, activists and businesspeople. ICWA nurtures the kind of deep understanding future generations will need to ensure America’s role in the world is informed by wisdom, foresight and compassion.
We search for critical thinkers who develop insight, vision and new ways of perceiving, navigating and improving our highly globalized world. The institute frees them from the routine of their professional lives through its unique cultural immersion program launched more than 90 years ago. Fellows are given the time and resources to explore the world through self-designed programs of travel, thought and writing. They produce monthly dispatches and go on to make vital contributions to their fields.
- Candidates must be under 36 years of age at the time of the due date for the initial letter of interest.
- US citizenship is not a requirement but candidates must show strong and credible ties to US society.
- Applicants must have excellent written and spoken English-language skills and must have completed the current phase of their formal education. (We do not accept applications from currently enrolled undergraduate students.)
- Candidates are expected to have the necessary language skills to allow to them to carry out their proposed projects. This means enough language proficiency for them to be able to function in the local language within a few months of arriving in country.
A proposed fellowship must hold the promise of enriching public life in the U.S. by enhancing understanding of foreign countries, cultures, and trends. Fellows write monthly newsletters for distribution among ICWA members and other interested parties, including family, friends, and professional associates of the fellows.
ICWA provides full financial support for its fellows during the course of the fellowship experience, allowing them to live in good health and reasonable comfort and to fulfill the purposes of the fellowship.