Taking off on an international fellowship is a unique and life-changing experience that offers countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. The journey can feel overwhelming for those looking to apply, but the knowledge shared by past fellows can help guide your way. Here are five invaluable tips for aspiring international fellows from previous fellowship winners. These individuals have navigated the application process and shared their adventures abroad. Check out the tips below, not only to prepare your own application but also to inspire you to venture beyond your usual stomping grounds. And don’t forget, the advice provided here can apply to any international fellowship application!
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Tip 1: Craft a Compelling Personal Narrative
The Boren Fellowships are a unique award sponsored by the United States government that provides U.S. graduate students the funding and support to have a language study experience abroad.
One of the most effective ways to stand out in your Boren Fellowship application is to craft a compelling personal narrative. Marjorie Wass, a Senior Public Affairs Specialist at the Peace Corps and Boren Fellow, emphasizes the importance of storytelling in her application process. She advises applicants to reflect on their personal and academic journey, focusing on their past experiences and future goals. It’s also necessary to show that the fellowship will help you achieve said goals while keeping in mind the program’s core mission, which, in this case, was U.S. national security.
Marjorie suggests that applicants approach the Boren Fellowship like a professional media pitch. “Look at yourself and find your story—what you’ve already lived and studied and what you hope to do in the future. Then show how the Boren Fellowship fits into that story to help create that future.” Her advice stems from her background in media relations, where she learned how to build a narrative to persuade others. She also noted that persuasive writing, a skill many may have once dismissed, plays a key role in successful applications.
Tip 2: Be True to Yourself and Follow Your Passions
The Luce Scholars Program offers a transformative year of professional development in Asia for outstanding young Americans. It is designed for individuals with limited exposure to Asia but who wish to learn about the region through firsthand experiences.
Bessie Young, who has won multiple prestigious fellowships, including the Luce and George Mitchell Scholarships, shares a vital piece of advice for aspiring fellows: “Follow your passions wholeheartedly and be truthful in explaining them and yourself to others.” She emphasizes that it is crucial to remain authentic and genuine throughout the fellowship application and interview process.
Bessie explains that while no fellowship is perfect for everyone, being true to your interests and motivations will help you find the right opportunities. “Take time when answering questions to not just come up with a good answer, but to come up with the answer that is truest to who you are.” This sincerity, according to Bessie, not only helps you connect with fellowship committees but also gives you confidence when you are offered a fellowship, knowing that they have selected you for who you truly are.
See Bessie’s full interview for more details on her trip to Japan as a Luce Scholar.
Tip 3: Believe in Yourself and Seek Mentorship
The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a prestigious program that provides funding for graduate study in international affairs and prepares students for a career in the U.S. Foreign Service.
Tiffany Brown, a 2021 Fellow, offers essential advice for those applying to highly competitive fellowships like Rangel: “Focus on mindset and believe in yourself.” Tiffany explains that, initially, she felt intimidated by the application process and the backgrounds of other fellows. She worried she was disadvantaged since many fellows came from international affairs or political science backgrounds. However, she learned that the Foreign Service values diversity in career paths and experiences. Whether it’s former zookeepers or Peace Corps volunteers, the U.S. diplomatic corps values a broad range of perspectives.
Tiffany’s first tip is to embrace the idea that you belong, regardless of your academic or career path. Along with building self-confidence, she stresses the importance of mentorship. Tiffany actively sought out former fellows and diplomats for informational interviews, which gave her insights into the application process and the world of diplomacy. She advises others to connect with mentors early on, as these relationships can provide reassurance and lasting support.
Tiffany has even more advice to share so be sure to read her full interview here!
Tip 4: Don’t Sell Yourself Short! Keep Applying and Learning
The HillVets Fellowship offers veterans an incredible opportunity to transition from military service to government roles on Capitol Hill. The fellowship helps veterans gain the skills needed for leadership positions in the U.S. government, with placements in congressional offices and other key areas of public service.
Mark Flanigan, a HillVets Fellow and veteran of several prestigious fellowships and the army, shares something we might easily forget: “Don’t sell yourself short.” Reflecting on his journey, Mark emphasizes that setbacks, whether rejections or missed opportunities are not failures but part of the process. He notes that many times in his career, he applied for fellowships, jobs, or programs that didn’t work out, but instead of giving up, he used those experiences as opportunities for growth.
Mark encourages aspiring fellows to see each application as a chance to improve, refine their skills, and learn more about their field of interest. “It’s good practice in tailoring your CV and cover letter, practicing your interviews, and building your research skills,” he says. Even if you don’t get the result you wanted right away, you’re still making progress in developing the qualities that fellowships look for in candidates.
He also suggests that aspiring fellows keep networking, attending career-related events, and continuously seeking out new opportunities. Fellowships and career success often come down to persistence. With the help of platforms like ProFellow, he advises applicants to stay open to new possibilities, as what might seem like a setback could ultimately lead to even better opportunities that you hadn’t imagined before.
Learn about Mark’s adventures in his full interview: Inspiring Service and Fellowship: Journey from Classrooms to Crisis Zones.
Tip 5: Demonstrate Confidence and Knowledge in Your Field
The U.S. Department of State’s Professional Fellows Program offers emerging leaders from around the world the chance to expand their professional expertise through tailored internships in the United States.
Youssra El-Sharkawy, a journalist and former Professional Fellow, highlights a crucial tip for aspiring fellows: “Demonstrate confidence and knowledge in your field.” Youssra believes that while her background helped get her foot in the door during the application process, it was her performance in the interview that truly made her stand out. She emphasizes that during the interview, you need to be able to clearly explain your project, articulate your expertise, and show that you are fully capable of carrying out the goals of the fellowship.
“You need to show that you have a deep understanding of your field and can make a meaningful contribution,” Youssra says. She believes that self-confidence, combined with a well-grounded knowledge of your subject area, is key to successfully securing the fellowship and making the most of the opportunity.
Her experience with the Professional Fellows Program at the Herald Tribune in the U.S. allowed her to grow personally and build global connections. Her advice reflects the importance of showcasing your professional capability and belief in your work.
Read about Youssra’s unique experience as an international fellow coming to the US.
These five tips from past fellowship winners provide actionable advice for aspiring international fellows. Whether building a compelling personal narrative, embracing your passions, or simply believing in yourself, each fellow’s unique journey highlights the importance of persistence, authenticity, and continuous learning. Applying for an international fellowship can be an unbelievable experience, and with the right mindset and approach, you can increase your chances of success.
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