Scholarship Overview

The Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship for 2024-2025 is an exciting opportunity for international students to engage in postdoctoral studies in the USA. This fully funded scholarship, specifically designed for postdoctoral studies, offers recipients the chance to conduct independent research on democracy in a particular country or region. The fellowship program is hosted by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, D.C. and spans a duration of five months. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of this prestigious fellowship, including its benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Host Institution

The host institution for the Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship is the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in Washington, D.C. NED is a federally funded international exchange program that provides democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and scholars from around the world with the unique opportunity to engage in research on democracy. It serves as a hub for independent research on democratic development.

Level(s)/Field(s)

This fellowship program is designed for postdoctoral and non-degree studies in the field of Democratic Studies. It welcomes applicants who wish to focus on various aspects of democratic development, including political, social, economic, legal, or cultural dimensions.

Scholarship Value

Recipients of the Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship receive a comprehensive package of benefits, including:

  • Fellowship payments that cover the cost of a short-term, furnished rental apartment.
  • Coverage of "cost of living" expenses, including food, local transportation, and other necessities.
  • A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
  • Basic health insurance for the duration of the fellowship.
  • Round-trip travel to and from Washington, D.C., at the beginning and end of the fellowship period.
  • Access to a fully equipped office for research purposes.
  • A limited budget for long-distance phone calls and professional travel within the United States.

It's important to note that fellows who wish to bring family members with them to Washington, D.C., will be responsible for covering the costs of their dependents' round-trip travel and stay within the United States.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Proficiency in the English language.
  • Open to applicants from all countries worldwide.
  • Proposed research project focusing on the political, social, economic, legal, or cultural aspects of democratic development.
  • Availability to work in residence at the International Forum for Democratic Studies in Washington, D.C. during the 5-month fellowship period (either October 1-February 28 or March 1-July 31).
  • Practitioner Track (for mid-career professionals): Applicants should have substantial practical experience working to promote democracy or human rights in their country of origin or interest.
  • Scholarly Track (for academics): Applicants should possess a doctorate (Ph.D. or academic equivalent) at the time of application, a record of publications in their field, and a detailed research outline for their fellowship project.
  • Ability to obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa for travel to the United States, including J-2 visas for accompanying family members.

It's worth noting that fellowship applicants cannot have participated in a J-1 research scholar program within the 24 months immediately preceding their Reagan-Fascell fellowship. Additionally, fellows sponsored on a J-1 visa are typically required by U.S. law to return to their home country for two years following the completion of their fellowship before they may apply for an H visa, an L visa, or for legal permanent residence.

Application Instructions

To apply for the Reagan Fascell Democracy Fellowship, follow these steps:

  1. Create an account through the online portal.
  2. Complete the application process, including providing applicant information.
  3. Prepare a project proposal based on the practitioner or scholarly fellowship track.
  4. Arrange for letters of recommendation.
  5. Submit your resume/CV and biography.

All application materials must be submitted in English. The deadline for applications is November 6, 2023, and the deadline for letters of recommendation is November 13, 2023. Make sure to review the specific requirements and deadlines for each track and plan your application accordingly. This prestigious fellowship offers a unique opportunity for postdoctoral research and engagement with democracy-related issues at the National Endowment for Democracy in Washington, D.C. Don't miss out on this exciting chance to advance your academic and professional career. Apply now and embark on your journey to explore the dynamics of democracy on an international stage.