Professional Fellows Program
This project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and managed by ITD. The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is a two-way, global exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, as well as build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States. PFP participants are placed in intensive five- to six-week fellowships in non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the United States for an individually tailored professional development experience. They build a broad network with American and other program participant colleagues as they develop a deeper understanding of U.S. society. U.S. counterparts that have hosted international fellows then travel overseas for participant-driven reciprocal programs. ITD has implemented PFP programs on civic engagement, the environment and women’s health.
Are you interested in becoming a Professional Fellow?
If you are a citizen of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras or Mexico, are between the ages of 25 and 40, and work in the area of economic development, click on the link above for your country for more information, or here to apply directly for our program in Economic Empowerment.
Are you interested in becoming a Professional Fellowship Host?
ITD works with partner organizations in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras to select emerging professionals who are between 25-40-years old and working towards economic empowerment initiatives in their own countries. Fellows will arrive at ITD (based in Amherst, MA) in early May 2024 and we are working to match the fellows with an organization/business for their fellowship which will begin May 14 and run through June 7, 2024. Hosts may be located anywhere in the U.S. and all travel and living expenses for the Fellows are covered by the grant. Fellows are all fluent English speakers. In addition to the cross-cultural and professional exchange that the PFP offers both the host organization and the Fellow, hosts receive a $1000 honorarium and have the opportunity to apply to be a U.S. Fellow and travel to Honduras and El Salvador in the fall of 2024 for a reciprocal exchange.
