The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program develops leadership skills among international professionals who work together to manage local and global issues and promote positive change. This growing global network shares best practices and builds expertise in fields of critical importance to advance societal and institutional capacity, promote human rights and freedoms, and ensure sustainable environments. It aims to develop thriving communities through academic study and professional development with U.S. counterparts.
Fellows work on their particular program goals throughout the year while also participating in workshops and seminars with their Humphrey peers. Unlike traditional graduate school, the Program encourages Fellows to travel outside of their host college to explore more about American culture and connect with their American peers. The Humphrey Fellowship prepares participants to be global leaders.
By the start of October every year, Embassies and Commissions must submit their nominations to the Institute of International Education in Washington, DC. The application deadlines differ per country.
Fellowship stipend
The Fellowship covers payment of tuition and fees at the assigned host university.
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If necessary, pre-academic English language training;
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A monthly stipend (maintenance), as well as a one-time settling-in grant;
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Coverage for accidents and illnesses;
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Allowance for books;
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a one-time grant for computers;
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Air travel (to and from the United States for the Program, as well as domestic travel to necessary program events);
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There is a Professional Development allowance for professional activities such as field trips, professional visits, and conferences.
Fellowship components
Humphrey Fellows will create customized program plans for their professional growth shortly after they arrive in the United States, outlining their year's goals and expectations, including courses, seminars, special projects, professional and community activities. The following are the primary program components:
Seminar on Hubert Humphrey
A year-long Humphrey Seminar hosted by the host university is an integral aspect of the Fellowship. Fellows learn about many facets of American culture and society while attending the seminar, which introduces them to the skills and perspectives they will need as global leaders. They also exchange responses to common concerns and difficulties in their countries
Academic Enrichment
Fellows are assigned to seven to fifteen universities in the United States, which will serve as their academic and professional homes. Fellows audit or enroll for a partial course load to travel and communicate with their American peers and specialists in their field, attend conferences, and participate in a professional affiliation (work experience) without feeling forced to fulfill a degree or certificate requirement.
Professional Development
The Humphrey Fellowship is designed to improve Fellows' professional skills and knowledge. Fellows have the opportunity to connect, exchange information, and share experiences with their American counterparts and Humphrey colleagues from all over the world through the Program. Fellows broaden their perspectives on their job and global concerns through conferences, networking events, lectures, and workshops. The Fellowship year culminates in a six-week work experience, or Professional Affiliation, organized by the Fellows that connects them with American organizations and gives them another chance to meet and interact with their American counterparts. The Institute of International Education also offers professional development workshops, which involve Fellows in cross-disciplinary and multi-regional encounters.
The Washington Global Leadership Forum
This four-day course in Washington, D.C., is required of all Fellows who want to learn more about U.S. institutions, government agencies, and international organizations. Humphrey Fellows engage with officials from influential organizations, attend leadership and professional development programs, and network with other professionals. The Global Leadership Forum allows Fellows to meet their Humphrey colleagues from all host campuses, allowing them to begin friendships and professional partnerships that will last throughout the Fellowship year and beyond.
English Language Courses
Fellows who are strong Humphrey prospects but need to enhance their English in order to benefit from the Humphrey experience fully receive extensive English language training before beginning their Humphrey Fellowship Program (usually during the summer months). Fellows can attend additional English language classes at their host colleges if necessary.
Eligibility
The following are the essential eligibility criteria required for the admissions:
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An undergraduate degree (bachelor's degree)
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Five years of full-time professional experience
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Leadership skills that have been demonstrated
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A track record of volunteerism in the community
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Ability to communicate in English
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Limited experience in the United States
Humphrey Fellowship application
For those who want to access the Humphrey Fellowship application, please be sure to get in touch with the U.S. Embassy. For a more thorough description, follow the link. (https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/participating-countries-region)
You are also kindly asked to review the official website of the Program before submitting your applications. (https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/how-apply-humphrey-fellowship-program)
Is the Humphrey Program considered a degree-granting program?
The Humphrey Program is a certificate program that does not lead to a degree. Participants may take academic coursework at their host university to update their academic and professional expertise. Still, they will not acquire an educational degree due to their participation in the Program.
Application deadline
The deadlines for applications vary by country. The U.S. Embassy (or Binational Fulbright Commission) will notify you of its internal application deadline.
As mentioned above, by October 1st, Embassies and Commissions must submit their nominations to the Institute of International Education in Washington, DC.
Time allocation to the Program
The Humphrey Program requires fellows to spend much time on program activities, and the schedule usually does not follow fixed hours and routines. Humphrey Fellows are required to participate in various activities as part of the Program. Fellows participate in field trips, attend a weekly Humphrey Seminar and other conferences and networking events, and might have to spend long hours each day in classes and participating in campus and community activities, in addition to spending time on campus with other group members. Fellows also spend two weeks in Washington, DC, for national program activities as part of the Program, which takes them away from their host university. Fellows can also attend other events like workshops and conferences in other parts of the country throughout the year.
Can candidates choose the university they will go to?
Fellows do not have a say in the university they attend. Instead, they are assigned to the most appropriate host institution in groups of 7-15 based on their area of interest and professional specialty.
How is the Program scheduled?
Humphrey Fellowship usually starts in the United States between April and September of the following year they submit their applications, depending on the degree and English language instruction required. The Program expires in June of the following year. Fellows who do not meet the TOEFL requirements may be asked to complete extensive English language instruction before beginning their Fellowship.
List of Host Universities
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American University, Washington College of Law
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Arizona State University
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Boston University
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Cornell University
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Emory University
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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Michigan State University Pennsylvania State University
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Syracuse University
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The University of California, Davis
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The University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs
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Vanderbilt University
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Virginia Commonwealth University
Final Thoughts
The Humphrey Fellowship Program seeks experienced professionals who want to improve their leadership skills by exchanging knowledge and understanding the issues of mutual relevance in the United States and Fellows' home countries. The Fellowship provides excellent chances for professional growth through selected university courses, conference attendance, networking, and practical work experiences as a non-degree program.
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