International Affairs Fellowship Program – United States

The program enables mid-career U.S. professionals to spend three to twelve months conducting research in Indonesia, developing a new professional network, and gaining deeper insights into the opportunities and challenges the country faces. Individuals from academia, business, government, journalism, NGOs, and think tanks are all encouraged to apply. Prior experience working in or writing about Indonesia is not required.

Fellowship Award

• The fellowship runs between three and twelve months. The program awards a stipend of $105,000 for a period of twelve months (or a prorated amount if the duration is shorter) as well as a modest travel grant. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR and are ineligible for employment benefits, including health insurance.
• CFR assist fellows in finding a host organization that matches their proposed work in Indonesia. CFR cannot guarantee placement at any specific agency or organization. The fellowship is intended as an in-person experience; fellows should expect to work on-site with their host organization at least three days per week.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
• Applicants must be mid-career professionals.
• Applicants must have a strong record of professional achievement.
• Applicants must have a demonstrated commitment to a career in foreign policy and have an interest in U.S.-Indonesia relations.
• Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
• Applicants must have a U.S. passport, valid through six months after the fellowship end date.
• The program does not fund pre- or postdoctoral research, work toward a degree, or the completion of projects on which substantial progress has been made before the fellowship begins. Although the program is intended primarily for those without experience in Indonesia, applicants with experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that the fellowship would add a significant new dimension to their career. Knowledge of Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) or other local languages is not required.

Selection Process

• Selection as an IAF in Indonesia is based on the following criteria:
  • scholarly qualifications
  • professional experience
  • a demonstrated interest in U.S.-Indonesia relations
  • the merits and feasibility of a research project on some aspect of Indonesia’s economy, politics, or society, or on some aspect of U.S.-Indonesia relations
  • character and personal qualities conducive to promoting cross-cultural communication and cooperation
  • the contribution the fellowship will make to the applicant’s career development
• The selection process is highly competitive. The selection committee awards one to two fellowships each year. Strong preference is given to candidates who have never received a CFR fellowship.

For more information, visit Council on Foreign Relations.