CDS International is currently seeking applications from eligible candidates for Alfa Fellowship program, which is a high-level professional development exchange program sponsored by the Alfa bank. This program was started to place qualified professionals from US and UK and with background in business, economics, journalism, law and public policy fields, at leading organizations in Russia. This program is managed by CDS International in the US and by Oxford University in the UK. The Fund for International Fellowships and Cultural Dialogue administers the program in Moscow. Established in 1990, Alfa Bank is Russia’s largest and a full-service bank with operations in different sections of the financial market.
Program Highlights
The program accepts up to 10 American and 5 British citizens per year. Key goals of the Alfa Fellowship Program are expanding networks of American, British and Russian professionals, developing greater intercultural understanding, and advancing U.S./Russian and U.K./Russian relations.
The program includes language training, seminar programs, and extended professional experience. Fellows receive travel, free housing, monthly stipends, and insurance.
Drawing upon extensive contacts throughout industry, media, government, and non-profit institutions in Russia, the Alfa Fellowship Program works together with participants to identify suitable work placements at leading institutions in Russia in business, media, and civil society. The Alfa Fellowship Program endeavours to secure positions that meet the interests of both the participants and host institutions. Fellows’ progress is closely monitored by the Fund for International Fellowships and Cultural Dialogue in Moscow.
Fellowship Provisions
In addition to individualized professional assignments, the Alfa Fellowship Program includes:
- Four-month Russian language tutoring program in the U.S./U.K.
- Four-month Russian language course in Moscow
- Orientation seminar in Washington, D.C., with accommodation and roundtrip travel included
- Housing in Moscow for the duration of the program
- Monthly stipend
- Limited international health, accident, and liability insurance
- Moscow seminar program
- Three regional excursions throughout Russia and one to a neighbouring country
Program Eligibility
Candidates for the Alfa Fellowship Program must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- U.S. or U.K. citizen
- 25–35 years old at the application deadline
- Russian proficiency is preferred; qualified candidates with fluency in a second language may be considered
- Graduate-level degree or equivalent training in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, or government
- At least two years of relevant work experience
Last date for submitting the applications is December 1, 2011.
For more information, visit this link.
