World Learning
Professional Fellows for Governance and Society, South and Central Asia
Program Description: Professional Fellows for Governance and Society, South and Central Asia
The Professional Fellows for Governance and Society, South and Central Asia program is designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas, strategies, and best practices in legislative processes and policymaking among young professionals from India, Pakistan, and Nepal in the United States.
Administered by World Learning on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, this two-way exchange targets emerging leaders aged 25-40. The program aims to enhance leadership skills, foster enduring linkages, and provide participants with valuable insights into the U.S. legislative process. Participants will be paired with a U.S. organization or government office for a professional fellowship, gaining hands-on experience.
Key Components:
Themes and Topics: The program covers themes related to legislation and governance, including good governance, legislative processes, the role of women and minorities in civil society, decentralization, youth engagement, NGO development, post-conflict transitions, and non-violent civic participation.
Enrichment Activities: Participants will engage in civic life through activities such as meetings with key stakeholders, dialogues, site visits, and participation in the Professional Fellows Congress alongside 200+ Fellows from 48 countries.
Application Deadline: March 30, 2018
Program Goals:
Mutual Understanding: Promote mutual understanding between mid-level professionals in the U.S., India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
Network Building: Establish networks among mid-level professionals across the participating countries.
Knowledge Enhancement: Encourage increased knowledge of the legislative process and principles of good governance.
Program Structure:
Participant Selection and Pre-departure Orientation: Conducted in India, Pakistan, or Nepal.
U.S. Experiential Program: A one-month program in the U.S. comprising fellowships, interactive seminars, site visits, synthesis discussions, and designing follow-on projects for multiple cohorts.
In-Country Seminars and Support: Post-U.S. program, participants receive support for follow-on activities, including workshops and consultations by American experts in multiple cohorts.
Orientation in Washington, DC: The U.S. program begins with an orientation in Washington, DC, focusing on the structure of the U.S. government, legislative processes, and the role of civil society.
Four-Week Fellowship: Participants undertake fellowships in various U.S. cities, including seminars, homestays, and civic engagement.
Professional Fellows’ Congress: The program concludes with a congress in Washington, DC, featuring workshops, meetings with U.S. government officials, and a program debrief.
Online Details: Professional Fellows for Governance and Society