How did the Fellowship program begin?
What work will I do?
What are the requirements and goals expected from a peace fellow?
Will my work be evaluated?
What type of recruits is AP seeking?
What are the key personal qualities in an AP Peace Fellow?
I want to apply for a fellowship right away but don’t see any openings listed. Can I send you my resume to keep on file?
What is the timeline for recruitment?
Are there fellowship opportunities at AP’s DC office?
Will I be considered for other placements?
What are the ideal qualifications for this fellowship?
Do I have to be a US citizen or attend a US university to apply?
Does AP charge a fee?
Will fellows be compensated financially by AP or the host? If not, how do fellows fund their trips?
What kind of non-financial support can fellows expect from AP during deployment?
Will I sign a written agreement?
What kind of organization will I work with?
What is the relationship between AP and the host organizations?
Is training mandatory?
What kind of follow-up will be expected of fellows after our return from the field?
What type of skills does this program develop and how will it benefit my career and me personally?
Are there any other benefits to becoming an AP Peace Fellow?
How did the Fellowship program begin?
The program was launched as Interns Without Borders in 2003, when AP recruited eight graduate students to work with AP partners as an experiment. The program grew steadily and was renamed Fellows for Peace in 2006. 305 fellows have served since 2003.
AP’s mission is to help community-based advocates to tell their story, take action, and produce social change. Peace Fellows help us jump-start the process. The fellowship begins when someone is accepted into the program in the spring. The fellow will then contact his or her host organization and discuss logistics and a work plan. Together, they will select at least two services that AP provides – which can all be done within the three month period. All fellows will develop a written work plan within two weeks of arriving.
What are the requirements and goals expected from a peace fellow?
There are different requirements and goals expected before, during, and after your Peace Fellow term. These include: before departure and upon acceptance to the Peace Fellowship Program, AP will require all Peace Fellows to start a Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, if he or she has not already created an account on these social medial platforms. During the program term AP will require Peace Fellows to post 10+ blogs, 100+ photos with captions, and 10+ social media posts. Peace Fellows are required to fill out mid-term evaluations of the program, partners, and AP, as well as make weekly Skype calls. After your program term, Peace Fellows are required to fill out Final Evaluations, attend an All-Fellow and AP Conference Call, and create a Fellow presentation on their work.
Yes. Setting goals and measuring results is an important feature of the fellowship. All fellows will be asked to evaluate the AP training and complete a mid-term and final evaluation. These help us to update and improve the program. They also help fellows to meet their own personal goals.
What type of recruits is AP seeking?
This program is targeted towards graduate students who have professional experience and are mid-way through a Master’s program. This time frame allows AP to take advantage of the students’ skills and enthusiasm, while giving fellows this opportunity without missing school. Most young professionals have skills in IT, which is central to AP’s model and highly valued by community advocates. Given the challenging nature of the fellowships, we do not generally recruit undergraduates, but rare exceptions may be made, and undergraduates are encouraged to apply if they have specifically appropriate skills or interests.
What are the key personal qualities in an AP Peace Fellow?
The key to a successful fellowship is an ability to adapt – assignments always yield surprises. In addition, fellows should be self-reliant, curious, flexible, and possess sound judgment; be able to improvise; set clear goals and be organized; be excellent team players; and be willing to both learn and teach. You should be confident in your abilities! You will be challenged and expected to contribute meaningfully to your program.
I want to apply for a fellowship right away but don’t see any openings listed. Can I send you my resume to keep on file?
No. Because each position has very different qualifications and requirements, we ask that you do not send us your application until the openings are posted. When openings are listed, you will be asked to specify the positions that interest you. Any materials received prior to the open recruitment period will not be reviewed.
While specific fellowships have different requirements, fellows are expected to have an understanding of human rights, social justice, conflict, and development; writing, editing, and research skills; and at least one year of graduate-level study in a relevant field. IT skills are a plus. Please make sure to read language requirements before submitting your application.
What is the timeline for recruitment?
Recruitment for summer 2019 fellows will begin with the posting of fellowships in January 2019. The deadline for applications is March 16, 2019. We will acknowledge your application by March. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by the end of March or the beginning of April and offers will be made within a month. All hiring will be completed by the end of April. We require a $150 deposit from all successful applicants. This will be refunded at training. Please let our team know if you have urgent deadlines – for example an application for a university scholarship. We will do our best to accommodate you.
Are there fellowship opportunities at AP’s DC office?
AP offers a limited number of internships in the DC office. Check our website, call, or email:
(202) 758 3328 or fellowships@advocacynet.org.
Will I be considered for other placements?
Yes. If you have more than one choice, please list them in order of preference on your application and explain further in your cover letter. You will be considered for other placements if you select to do so on your online application form.
What are the ideal qualifications for this fellowship?
While specific fellowships have different requirements, all fellows are expected to have an understanding of human rights, social justice, conflict, and development; writing, editing, and research skills; and at least one year of graduate-level study in a relevant field. IT skills are a plus. Please make sure to read language requirements before submitting your application.
Can I just send you my resume or CV?
We need a cover letter because of the high volume of applicants we receive. Also, we need to understand your preferences and experience. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Some positions may also require a writing sample.
Do I have to be a US citizen or attend a US university to apply?
No. We encourage applications from outside the US. Please note that positions carry requirements, including a fluency in English. You will also be asked to attend a week-long training course in Washington D.C. before deployment.
Yes. We require an application fee of $25 to cover the costs of servicing applications. This is the only charge we ask. We will also ask successful applicants for a refundable fee of $150 to hold your fellowship once you have accepted. This is done to avoid last-minute cancellations – something that can be demoralizing for the host organizations. The $150 deposit will be refunded at training.
Will fellows be compensated financially by AP or the host? If not, how do fellows fund their trips?
AP will provide a stipend of $1,000 for each of the 10 week fellowships, but fellows are expected to cover the remaining costs. The average fellowship costs between $3,000 and $4,500. Fellows are encouraged to approach their university career centers for funds, as many universities offer a grant for fellowships. Other fellows have raised funds by appealing to family, friends, religious groups, and community organizations either directly or through email and social media campaigns. Usually, fellows are able to raise sufficient funds prior to departure. On occasion, they raise more than they need: one fellow was even able to make a $5,000 donation to her host organization. Finally, we will cover the costs of your insurance. We ask all fellows to participate in this policy, which provides comprehensive coverage throughout your fellowship, including for medical evacuation.
What kind of non-financial support can fellows expect from AP during deployment?
Throughout your deployment, you will be supported 24/7 by the Fellowship coordinator, the AP Executive Director, and a qualified team in Washington. An AP staffer may visit you in the field during your fellowship. We ask that all Fellows are contactable by phone at all times. AP places a high premium on security, which is dealt with at length during training.
Will I sign a written agreement?
Yes. All fellows will receive an offer in writing and sign a written contract. Any Fellow who breaks the agreement during their fellowship will be asked to leave the program immediately after consultation with the AP Board. Their school will also be notified.
What kind of organization will I work with?
Our mission is to support advocates who represent marginalized communities. Your host will likely have emerged from one such community and share their problems. AP does not initiate partnerships, but we receive many inquiries and try to take on one or two new partners in any given year. Partnerships are open-ended, and we remain committed to partners even if they are not hosting a Peace Fellow. For more details, visit the partnership page.
What is the relationship between AP and the host organizations?
We support a close relationship often based on personal friendship, but communications are difficult. Fellows play a key role in building and cementing the partnership with AP.
Yes. All Fellows will be required to attend a week-long training session in May in Washington, D.C. The purpose of training is to introduce Fellows to the work of their hosts, provide relevant skills training, and cover practical issues (e.g. security). A training manual will be posted online by the end of March. Training builds teamwork and provides a basic grounding in the skills that will be needed to implement the AP model and work plan.
What kind of follow-up will be expected of fellows after our return from the field?
Fellows are encouraged to continue promoting the work of their host on return. Many past fellows have organized outreach events for their hosts at their university and stay in touch long after their fellowships have ended. While this is not required, it is strongly encouraged and we will do what we can to support such outreach.
What type of skills does this program develop and how will it benefit my career and me personally?
An AP fellowship is expected to produce five specific benefits. First, the Fellow will learn new skills (photography, video-editing, fundraising, etc). Second, the fellowship will build character. Third, it will enhance academic learning and help Fellows in their final year of graduate study. Fourth, you gain valued transferable skills such as writing proposals, or grant writing! Finally, serving as a Peace Fellow can help your future career by documenting your experience which can be used as a career resource.
This program is one of few that offers a substantial time abroad and the only one that gives volunteers direct exposure to grassroots human rights advocacy. This is valuable if you plan to work in a nonprofit, government, or a foundation. Personally, you will also be challenged, pushed, and tested. You will meet extraordinary people and often help them achieve extraordinary accomplishments. You will be inspired and you will inspire. In addition, Peace Fellows foster responsible global citizenship. You will build cultural bridges, and gain a first-hand understanding of human rights in a cross-cultural context. These important outcomes are all measured in the final evaluation. Please consult the Peace Fellow Feedback page to see what others had to say.
Are there any other benefits to becoming an AP Peace Fellow?
You will become part of the AP family! 305 remarkable men and women have served abroad as fellows. You too can tap into the experience and connections of this growing network of young, dedicated professionals working for social justice. AP also offers help with professional contacts, including references; free comprehensive health and accident insurance during your time in the field; quality deliverables (photos, videos, blogs) that will provide a written and visual record of your fellowship, and help your future career; your own Flickr library, with at least 100 photos; the companionship of other Peace Fellows in your cohort and a direct connection to past Fellows; continued support from The Advocacy Project after your fellowship that will probably include letters of reference and access to AP’s network of Washington contacts.
