The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program is a prestigious and highly competitive opportunity that provides financial assistance and professional development to individuals aspiring to pursue a career in the U.S. Foreign Service. Administered by Howard University and funded by the U.S. Department of State, this program offers a wide range of benefits and opportunities for outstanding young people interested in international affairs.
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program Overview
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Highly competitive program | The Pickering Fellowship is a highly competitive program that offers financial assistance and professional development opportunities. |
| Financial assistance for graduate school | Fellows receive funding for two years of graduate school, including tuition, room and board, books, mandatory fees, and a stipend for living expenses. |
| Professional development opportunities | The program offers two summer internships with the U.S. Department of State, mentoring from Foreign Service Officers, and participation in a rigorous training program. |
| Eligibility for U.S. citizens | The Pickering Fellowship is open to U.S. citizens who are college seniors or recent graduates with a demonstrated interest in international affairs. |
| Focus on international affairs | Applicants should have a strong interest in international affairs and demonstrate their commitment through academic records and extracurricular activities. |
| Strong academic record required | Applicants should have a strong academic record to be considered for the fellowship. |
| Emphasis on leadership and teamwork skills | Leadership, communication, and teamwork skills are essential qualities sought in potential fellows. |
| Welcomes applicants from underrepresented groups | The program encourages applications from individuals who are members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service. |
| Two summer internships with the U.S. Department of State | Fellows have the opportunity to gain practical experience through two summer internships at the U.S. Department of State. |
| Mentoring from experienced Foreign Service Officers | Fellows receive guidance and mentorship from experienced Foreign Service Officers. |
| Rigorous training program | The program offers a rigorous training program to equip fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge for a career in the Foreign Service. |
| Pathway to careers in the U.S. Foreign Service | Graduates of the Pickering Fellowship become eligible to apply for positions in the U.S. Foreign Service. |
| Successful track record of former fellows | Many former fellows have gone on to serve in important positions in the State Department. |
| Application deadline: September 21, 2023 | Applicants need to submit their applications by September 21, 2023, for the upcoming fellowship. |
| Program website: https://pickeringfellowship.org/ | For more information and to apply for the Pickering Fellowship, applicants can visit the official program website. |
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program Deadline
The deadline to apply for the 2024 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program is September 21, 2023. The application process is competitive, so it is important to start early.
Eligibility and Selection Process
The Pickering Fellowship is open to U.S. citizens who are college seniors or recent graduates with a demonstrated interest in international affairs. The program encourages applications from individuals with strong academic records and exceptional leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
Furthermore, the program seeks to increase diversity within the Foreign Service, thus encouraging individuals from historically underrepresented minority groups, women, and those with financial needs to apply.
Financial Support and Professional Development
Selected fellows receive two years of funding to pursue their graduate studies, covering tuition, room and board, books, and mandatory fees. Additionally, fellows receive a stipend to assist with living expenses. However, financial support is just one aspect of the program.
The Pickering Fellowship provides numerous professional development opportunities, including two summer internships with the U.S. Department of State, personalized mentoring from experienced Foreign Service Officers, and participation in a rigorous training program.
Career Opportunities in the U.S. Foreign
Service Upon completion of the Pickering Fellowship, graduates become eligible to apply for positions within the U.S. Foreign Service. The program has a proven track record of success, with many former fellows serving in significant roles at the State Department. This program serves as a stepping stone for individuals passionate about international affairs and seeking to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Benefits of the Pickering Fellowship
- Financial assistance for two years of graduate school, covering tuition, room and board, books, and mandatory fees.
- Two summer internships with the U.S. Department of State, providing practical experience in a professional setting.
- Mentoring from a Foreign Service Officer, offering valuable guidance and insight into the diplomatic field.
- Participation in a rigorous training program, equipping fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the Foreign Service.
- The opportunity to serve in the U.S. Foreign Service, working on global issues and contributing to international diplomacy.
How to apply for Pickering Fellowship
Here are the steps on how to apply for the 2024 Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship Program:
- Go to the Pickering Fellowship website: https://pickeringfellowship.org/ and create an account.
- Complete the online application form.
- Submit your application materials, including your resume, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.
- Participate in an online interview.
Required Documents for Pickering Fellowship
Here are the application materials you will need to submit:
- Resume: Your resume should highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and work experience.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended.
- Letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your character, qualifications, and potential for a career in the Foreign Service.
- Personal statement: A 600-word personal statement that discusses your reasons for applying, interest in international affairs, commitment to pursue a career in the Foreign Service of the Department of State, and any relevant experience or information.
The application deadline is September 21, 2023. The application process is competitive, so it is important to start early and gather all of your application materials.
Tips for Applying
- Start early: Due to the competitive nature of the program, it is crucial to begin the application process well in advance. The deadline for the 2024 Pickering Fellowship is September 21, 2023.
- Demonstrate interest in international affairs: Showcase your passion for international affairs through your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal statement. Clearly articulate why you are committed to making a difference in this field.
- Emphasize leadership, communication, and teamwork skills: These qualities are highly valued in the Foreign Service. Highlight experiences where you have demonstrated these skills effectively.
- Be authentic: The Pickering Fellowship seeks individuals who are genuinely passionate about international affairs and have the potential to make a significant impact. Be yourself throughout the application process.
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Eligible countries for the Pickering Fellowship
The Pickering Fellowship is open to U.S. citizens who are college seniors or recent graduates with a demonstrated interest in international affairs. The program also welcomes applications from members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial needs.
The following countries are eligible to apply for the Pickering Fellowship:
Africa:
Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Comoros, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (Kinshasa), Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Asia:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, East Timor, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (North), Korea (South), Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
Latin America and the Caribbean:
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Europe and Eurasia:
Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia (FYROM), Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
Please note that this order is based on the regions you mentioned and does not imply any ranking or preference among the countries.
Conclusion
The Pickering Fellowship program offers aspiring Foreign Service professionals a unique opportunity to receive financial support, professional development, and guidance from experienced mentors. With its track record of success and commitment to increasing diversity within the U.S. Foreign Service, the Pickering Fellowship is an excellent avenue for those seeking to prepare themselves for a career in international diplomacy. To learn more about the program and begin your application, visit the official Pickering Fellowship website at https://pickeringfellowship.org/.
