Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship

Fellowship Financial Support

In addition to providing on-program support through the host universities and the program, the Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship will provide robust financial support to fellows during their fellowship programs in the U.S.

Upon arrival in the U.S. at their university campus all fellows will receive pre-paid debit cards with their initial allowances to enable them to make payments during the first 2-3 weeks of their fellowships. During the first 1-2 weeks it is important that all fellows set up U.S. bank accounts to be able to receive fellowship payments from IIE.

Please read below for details on program costs covered by the fellowship and the program allowances.

Costs paid by the program for all fellows

  • Cost of university-required English language proficiency exam (TOEFL, Duolingo, etc.).
    • All candidates will be required to take the Duolingo English Test (DET) before being invited to a Fellowship interview. The Fellowship will purchase 1 voucher per candidate to complete the test and submit their score to IIE.
    • Candidates whose DET score does not meet the English Language Test score outlined by each university in the Fellowship Tracks will not move on to the interview stage.
    • Note: Applicants to the MALAS graduate degree program hosted by University of Florida are required to take the TOEFL iBT test and to achieve a minimum score of 80. Applicants applying to this program must submit a valid (taken within 1 year of application) TOEFL iBT score along with their Fellowship application by the degree track deadline. The Fellowship will reimburse the cost of the test for candidates who move on to the interview stage. Also, the cost of the application fee to American University, University of Notre Dame, or University of Florida will be covered (as applicable).
  • International airfare for fellow to the U.S. at the beginning of the program and from the U.S. at the end of the program.
    • Note: Personal travel outside of required Fellowship program activities is the responsibility of the Fellow.
  • Enrollment in CISI travel insurance for the period traveling to the U.S.
  • University tuition and any required fees.
  • Enrollment in university health and dental insurance for the entire period of the fellowship.
  • Domestic airfare, ground transportation, hotel, and per diem for official fellowship program events during a fellow’s program period.
  • English language courses at the university on a case-by-case basis.

Program Allowances

Financial support includes a monthly living stipend, allowances for purchase of a computer or tablet, textbooks, and professional development, and an international relocation allowance to support fellows during their arrival in the U.S. Upon the successful completion of their fellowship, fellows will also receive exit allowances and travel per diem.

Monthly Stipend

Fellows will receive direct payments each month to their U.S. bank accounts to manage their personal expenses including rent, groceries, transportation, etc.

Current Monthly Stipend Rates are set by the Office of Academic Exchanges, U.S. Department of State. These rates are not negotiable, and they reflect different costs of living in each university location:

  • American University: USD $2,590
  • University of Florida: USD $1,871
  • University of Notre Dame: USD $1,768

These rates are designed for 60% to cover housing (rent) and 40% to cover meals and incidentals (groceries, transportation).

Important Note: The monthly stipend rates are designed to cover the cost of shared housing. This means that the stipend is designed to pay for a rental cost that is shared with roommates in a shared living arrangement such as an apartment, house, or on-campus housing. The rates are not designed to support a person living alone.

International Relocation Allowance – USD $1,500 one-time

Fellows will receive this allowance as a one-time payment upon arrival in the U.S. to support them in the adjustment to life in the U.S.

Computer Allowance – USD $1,000 one-time

Fellows will receive this allowance as a one-time payment upon arrival in the U.S. to enable them to purchase a laptop or tablet to support their academic studies or tailored fellowship activities. Fellows will be required to submit a receipt to the program.

Book Allowance – USD $500 per fall/spring semester

Fellows will receive this allowance in advance of each semester to support the purchase of required textbooks (for fellows in degree programs) or for purchasing recommended texts by academic advisors/mentors for fellows on non-degree track programs.

Note: Fellows who are required to take summer courses will receive USD $250 book allowance for that term.

Professional Development Allowance – USD $1,000 per fellowship

Fellows will be able to request this allowance to support professional development activities during their fellowship including conference attendance, professional memberships, subscriptions, etc.