Professional Fellows Program

The National Committee is very pleased to be working in partnership with the China Global Philanthropy Institute in Beijing, the Hong Kong America Center in Hong Kong, and the Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange in Taipei to administer a two-way exchange for emerging leaders in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the United States in the fields of environment, philanthropy, legal aid, and community building among marginalized populations. The program, funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is a capacity-building project for professionals in the non-governmental sector.

The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) comprises four rounds: 14 fellows from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan traveled to the United States in April-May 2019 and approximately five Americans will travel to China or Taiwan this summer. Similar numbers will travel in October-November 2019 (Chinese, Hong Kong, Taiwanese to the United States) and in spring 2020 (Americans to China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan). All Asian participants take part in pre-departure and post-arrival orientation programs, a four-week fellowship at a relevant host organization in the United States, a two-day wrap-up and evaluation session, and a Professional Fellows Congress in Washington, D.C., for fellows from more than 60 countries and territories around the world participating in similar programs. After returning home, fellows will develop and implement a project based on and informed by their fellowship experiences.

American participants will spend two weeks in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan visiting their counterparts and collaborating with them on their projects.

2019 PROGRAM (Spring 2019—Spring 2020)

2019-2020 Outbound Program Schedule:

  • Travel to China/Hong Kong/Taiwan (dates to be confirmed)

Fall 2019 Inbound Program Schedule:

  • October 16: Travel to the United States
  • October 16-19: Post-arrival orientation, Washington, D.C.
  • October 19: Travel to host city
  • October 21-November 15: Fellowship placement
  • November 17: Travel to Washington, D.C.
  • November 17-19: Program wrap-up
  • November 19-22: Professional Fellows Congress
  • November 23: Travel back to China/Hong Kong/Taiwan

Spring 2020 Inbound Program Schedule:

  • April 22: Travel to the United States
  • April 22-25: Post-arrival orientation, Washington, D.C.
  • April 25: Travel to host city
  • April 27-May 22: Fellowship placement
  • May 23: Travel to Washington, D.C.
  • May 24-26: Program wrap-up
  • May 26-28: Professional Fellows Congress
  • May 29: Travel back to China/Hong Kong/Taiwan

                                               

This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations.

Partner(s): 
China Global Philanthropy Institute
Hong Kong America Center
Chiang Ching-kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange
Funder(s): 
U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Topic: 
Culture
Governance & Civil Society
Next Generation Leaders
Tags: 
Community Building
Environment
Legal Aid
NGO
Philanthropy
Next Held:
April 21, 2020 to May 29, 2020

Past Fellows

Program History

  • Application: 2020 Professional Fellows Program

    April 21, 2020 to May 29, 2020

    Applications due November 1, 2019.

    Applicant Criteria:

    • Emerging leaders from the NGO sector 25-40 years of age who work in the fields of environment, philanthropy, legal aid, or community building. Outstanding applicants from other fields will also be considered. A limited number of slots for academics or government officials may be available
    • Demonstrated proficiency in written and oral English (able to live and work independently in the United States)
    • Genuine commitment to developing and implementing an independent project in home country after the conclusion of the fellowship portion of the program
    • Demonstrated professional excellence
    • Independent and self-directed, able to complete an independent 5-6 week fellowship
    • Limited previous experience in the United States (less than three months)

    The National Committee on United States-China Relations will work with participants to obtain visas and make all travel and lodging arrangements. Lodging during the fellowship period may be in homestays, dormitories or shared apartments. All costs for participation in the program will be covered.  

    Spring 2020 Inbound Program Schedule:

    April 21: Pre-departure orientations – Beijing, Hong Kong, Taipei
    April 22: Travel to the United States
    April 22-25: Post-Arrival Orientation, Washington, D.C.
    April 25: Travel to host city
    April 27-May 22: Fellowship placement 
    May 23: Travel to Washington, D.C. 
    May 24-26: Program wrap-up 
    May 26-28: Professional Fellows Congress  
    May 29: Travel to China/Hong Kong/Taipei

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