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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.
Upon arrival in the U.S. 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. Every fellow will 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.).
- Cost of application fee to American University, University of Notre Dame, or University of Florida (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.
- 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 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.
Monthly Stipend
Fellows will receive direct payments each month 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: $2,590
- University of Florida: $1,871
- University of Notre Dame: $1,768
These rates are designed for 60% to cover housing (rent) and 40% to cover meals and incidentals (groceries, transportation). They are designed to support one person living with others, presuming a shared rental cost. The rates are not designed to support a person living alone.
International Relocation Allowance – $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 – $1,000 one-time
Fellows will receive this allowance as a one-time payment upon arrive 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 – $500 per 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.
Professional Development Allowance – $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.