Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship
American University (AU): Master’s Degree Program (LL.M.) in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law

Fellowship Description:

The Master’s Degree Program (LL.M.) in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law is the only advanced specialized Master’s degree in human rights and humanitarian law offered in the United States. The program prepares students to take an active role in this field by providing advanced, comprehensive and specialized training with a theoretical and practical skills focus through specialized courses, research programs, and externships. Our faculty is composed of renowned and highly experienced leaders in the field of human rights with diverse backgrounds, fostering a stimulating learning environment that promotes the development of critical thinking and practical skills essential in the effective defense of human rights and the promotion of social justice.

The LL.M. Program offers specialized courses in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law both in English and Spanish covering core topics such as:

  • International Criminal Law
  • Asylum and Refugee Law
  • Genocide Prevention
  • Gender and Cultural Differences
  • Human Rights and Terrorism
  • International Human Trafficking
  • The Rights of Vulnerable Populations
  • International Environmental Law
  • InterAmerican System of Human Rights
  • UN System of Human Rights
  • Strategic Litigation
  • Litigio y Activismo en Derechos Humanos
  • Sistema Interamericano de Derechos Humanos
  • Mujeres y el Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos
  • Libertad de Expresión
  • Impunidad y Justicia Internacional
  • Implementación de los Derechos Humanos en el Sistema Interno
  • Derechos Humanos y Cortes Internacionales
  • Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales
  • Derecho Internacional Humanitario

Fellows will complete 24 credits of coursework over fall, spring, and summer semester. Fellows may choose to take 9 credits of coursework delivered in Spanish through the university’s hybrid track. The LL.M. student body is a diverse, inclusive and highly international community driven by their passion to become agents of change in the world of human rights and humanitarian law worldwide. Many of the students and faculty have deep connections and are actively engaged on issues concerning Latin and Central America.

University Name:

American University Washington College of Law

Host Department:

Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law. The Academy was created to promote practical approaches to human rights and humanitarian law as well as to strengthen links between human rights organizations, practitioners, and educators worldwide. It aims to enhance the culture and prominence of human rights and humanitarian law around the world. Additionally, we offer relevant, empowering training for scholars, practitioners, and students interested in the international human rights system and laws. The Academy accomplishes these tasks through its programs, partnerships, and scholarly endeavors.  

The Academy also partners with various centers and departments across American University and WCL, such as the Center for Human Rights, and the Anti-Corruption Law Program.

Information on English Courses:

Legal English for Lawyers

Select fellows will be required to take this course depending on their English levels.

Master’s Degree at AU:

LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

Professors Working on Anticorruption:

AUWCL is a prime center for the study of anticorruption around the world. Our specialized faculty comprises internationally recognized leaders in the field, including the following professors:

  • Claudia Martin
  • Robert Goldman
  • Diego Rodriguez-Pinzon
  • Eduardo Bertoni
  • Katya Salazar
  • Carlos Ayala
  • Juan Mendez
  • Johathan Rusch
  • Nancy Boswell
  • Viviana Krstisevic

Professors Working in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and/or Nicaragua:

AUWCL has a long tradition of connecting its world-class legal education with Latin America. In addition to the professors named above, many of our faculty are connected to Latin America through research and/or practice. They include:

  • Flavia Piovesan, Former IACHR Commissioner and Professor of Constitutional Law and Human Rights at the Catholic University of São Paulo
  • Duygu Çiçek, Counsel at the World Bank, Environment & International Law Practice Group (LEGEN)
  • Margaret Ellen Roggensack, Director of Market Engagement, Humane Society International
  • Johanna Gusman, Regional Adviser, Human Rights and Social Development, Division of Human Rights and Social Development, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)/Fiji
  • Marcos Orellana, UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights
  • Jamie Williamson, Executive Director, International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers’ Association (ICoCa)
  • Tracey Begley, Legal Advisor of the Red Cross International Committee
  • David Crane, Founding Chief Prosecutor, Special Court for Sierra Leone & Former UN Under-Secretary General
  • Helen Duffy, Founder of Human Rights in Practice, The Hague, The Netherlands, and Professor of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Leiden University
  • Claude Heller, President of the United Nations Committee against Torture (CAT), Eminent Ambassador of Mexico, and independent consultant on international affairs
  • Rochus Pronk,  Deputy Ambassador, Chargé d’Affaires at the Netherlands Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq, International Lawyer and Human Rights Defender Diplomat
  • Gerald Staberock,  Secretary General of the World Organization Against Torture (OMCT)
  • Viviana Waisman, Founder and Director Emeritus, Women´s Link WorldWide
  • Christie Edwards, Nonresident Fellow at The Stimson Center
  • Concepción Escobar Hernández, Former Member of the UN International Law Commission
  • Ezequiel Heffes,Director of Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict
  • Victor Abramovich, Deputy Solicitor General, Supreme Court of Justice, Buenos Aires, 
  • Rodrigo Uprimny, Former Member of the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
  • Amaya Úbeda de Torres, Professor of International Law and Human Rights at IE University, Spain
  • Juan Manuel Gómez Robledo Verduzco, Judge of the International Court of Justice and former Ambassador of Mexico before the UN
  • Eduardo Ferrer MacGregor-Poisot, Judge and Former Inter-American Court of Human Rights President
  • Carlos Ayala, Vice-President of the International Commission of Jurists
  • Ciro Colombara, President Foundation Kamanau and partner Estudio Colombara
  • Felipe Gomez Isa, Professor of Public International Law at the University of Deusto, Spain
  • Juan Méndez, Professor of Human Rights Law in Residence, AUWCL
  • Fausto Pocar, Ad hoc Judge, International Court of Justice, Former President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and Professor Emeritus, University of Milan
  • Catalina Botero, Executive Director, Director of the UNESCO Chair on Freedom of Expression at Universidad de Los Andes, co-chair of the Oversight Board of Facebook and Instagram
  • Pedro Vaca Villareal, Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)
  • Viviana Krsticevic, Executive Director of the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL)
  • Katya Salazar, Executive Director of the Due Process of Law Foundation (PDLF)
  • Macarena Saez, Executive Director, Women’s Rights Division of Human Rights Watch
  • Daniela Kravetz, Former UN Special Rapporteur on the State of Affairs of Human Rights in Eritrea
  • María Clara Galvis Patiño, Professor of International Human Rights andFormer Vice President of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances
  • Santiago A. Canton, Secretary General of the International Commission of Jurists 
  • Claudio Grossman, Member of the UN International Law Commission and Dean Emeritus, American University Washington College of Law
  • Claudia Martin, Co-director and Professorial Lecturer in residence, Academy of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, AUWCL
  • Diego Rodríguez-Pinzón, Co-Director and Professorial Lecturer in residence of the Academy on Human Rights & Humanitarian Law, AUWC, and former Member of the UN Committee Against Torture (CAT) and former Ad Hoc Judge of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights
  • Pablo Saavedra, Secretary, Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR)
  • Tania Reneaum Panszi, Executive Secretary, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)
  • Jorge Meza,  Assistant Executive Secretary for the Petition and Case System, Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR)
  • Balakrishnan Rajagopal, UN Special Rapporteur on Housing, Professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Forums, Workshops, Roundtables, Symposia:

In addition to dozens of events, forums and panels scheduled by the Academy throughout each semester, students have access to a wide variety of discussion opportunities hosted by different departments of AUWCL. Students and faculty regularly organize and host panelists on a variety of topics including law and democracy, rule of law, women’s rights, free elections, etc. AUWCL’s strategic location in Washington DC provides students with unparalleled opportunities to join events organized by various international organizations, embassies and NGOs, including the International Law Society, American Bar Association, CEJIL, the OAS and many more.

Opportunities to Connect with NGO, Private or Public Institutions Working in Anticorruption:

AUWCL is strategically positioned to provide access to key policymakers and research centers dedicated to anticorruption.  They include Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF), American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ROLI), the Organization for American States Anticorruption initiatives, World Bank global programs on anticorruption, InterAmerican Development Bank anticorruption initiatives, Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights and Transparency International, among others.

Access to Databases and/or Library:

All students have access toAUWLC’s Pence Law Library, a hub of legal research at AUWCL. The Library provides the faculty, students, and staff of AUWCL with the information resources and library services necessary to support the instructional, research, and service activities of the law school.

Location:

Washington, DC

Length:

One year: Fall 2025 Semester-Spring 2026 Semester-Summer 2026 Program (August 2025 – July 2026)

Eligibility:

Must have an undergraduate or graduate degree in law. Applicants will be required to complete the American University LL.M application, which includes providing official copies of academic records, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and official proof of English competency. Application materials may be submitted in English or Spanish.

Language of Fellowship:

English and Spanish

English language requirement:

  • TOEFL IBT is 84 points.
  • IELTS, the minimum score is 6.5.
  • Duolingo English Test, the minimum score is 110.
  • PTE Academic 56.

Note: English proficiency test scores are generally valid for 2 years.

Connection to Latinx Community:

The Program includes a widely diverse community comprising students from around the world with multiple backgrounds. Given the geographical proximity to the continent, the Program and multiple activities associated with it include many students from Latin America.

Other resources:

University of Florida (UF): Master of Arts in Latin American Studies (MALAS) Program

Fellowship Description:

The renowned richness of the Master of Arts in Latin American Studies (MALAS) program is sustained through dialogue among faculty and students with a broad range of perspectives, backgrounds. Students collaborate with 200 affiliate and core faculty members from the humanities, social and natural sciences, and professional schools to develop individual programs of study that integrate courses across the university. MALAS graduates are employed in educational and research institutions, international organizations, government agencies, and private businesses across the Americas; many continue studies in Ph.D. programs. Fellows will have a mentor-Academic Advisor that will help them choose courses offered in Spanish or English.  Select fellows will have the chance to lecture or co-teach with university faculty. Fellows can be matched with Center for Latin American Studies affiliate faculty, who work across the university and devote at least 25% of their work to research, teaching, or service to Latin America.  Fellows will be put in contact with local NGOs, clubs, and other associations. The Center for Latin American Studies has students from many countries in the Americas. Each fellow will have an academic advisor-mentor, in case of MALAS, Dr. Clate Korsant is the student advisor. All will be supported by a university-based fellowship coordinator dedicated to support the fellowship and the fellows.

University name:

University of Florida

Host Department:

Center for Latin American studies

Affiliate Faculty

Center Based Faculty

Current Students

Language of Fellowship:

English/Spanish

English Language Requirement:

  • TOEFL IBT is 80 points.*
  • IELTS, the minimum score is 6.0.*
  • MELAB 77*

* If you have questions, reach out to HRD@iie.org.

Note: English proficiency test scores are generally valid for 2 years.

Information of English courses/language support:

English Language Institute

Master´s Degree:

Master of Arts in Latin American Studies

Professors working in Anticorruption and Human Rights (gender, race, sexuality, disability):

Professors working in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and/or Nicaragua:

Forums, workshops, Roundtable, Symposium:

Annual Conferences:

  • 2025 The Struggle from Bellow: democracy and civil society in the age of backsliding
  • 2026 Migration and Human Rights in Latin America

Opportunities to connect with NGO, Private or public institutions working in anticorruption:

Fellows will be connected with NGOs working on human rights, migrant workers, immigrant rights

Access to databases and or library:

Latin American and Caribbean collection

Location:

Gainesville, Florida

Length:

Two Years: August 2025 – May 2027

Eligibility:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university.

3.0 GPA in all upper-division undergraduate coursework.

Minimal proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese or Haitian Creole.

Other resources:

University of Notre Dame (UN): Various Master’s Degree Programs

Fellowship Description:

Fellows participating in degree-seeking fellowship programs at University of Notre Dame will be hosted by the Pulte Institute for Global Development. Fellows will need to receive acceptance to both the Centroamérica en Ascenso fellowship and their desired graduate degree program in order to participate. (Note: The CEA fellowship cannot guarantee or influence acceptance to any particular graduate program at the University of Notre Dame.) Accepted fellows will spend the majority of their fellowship experience as a student in the desired graduate program, while also receiving academic/professional mentorship, support for research and publication, networking opportunities, and other community-building activities. Fellows will have the opportunity to connect with groups such as the Central America Research Alliance (CARA), the Notre Dame Keough School of Global Affairs, and higher education, research, and human rights institutions across the U.S. and Central America.

University name:

University of Notre Dame

Host Department:

Pulte Institute for Global Development / Central America Research Alliance (CARA)

Language of the Fellowship:

English

English Language Requirement:

See each master’s degree option.

Information of English courses/language support:

  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Classes
  • Academic Writing for International Students
  • Pronunciation Strategies & Techniques for English Language Learners
  • Spoken English Skills: A Class for Postdocs and Visiting Scholars
  • EAP Graduate Writing
  • EAP Oral Proficiency
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Workshops
  • Fall 2025 (spring schedule released later)
    • Setting Yourself Up for Success: Understanding the Expectations and Experiences in American Classrooms
    • Understanding and Navigating the Current U.S. Political Landscape
    • Cutting the Clutter and Increasing Clarity: Strategies for Writing Concise Sentences
    • Building Connections and Gaining Social Confidence: The Art of Small Talk
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Tutoring
  • Spoken English Skills Class: for Post-docs and Visiting Scholars
  • English Conversation Table

Master’s Degree Options:

1. LL.M Program in International Human Rights (Master of Laws)

August 2025 – May 2026

  • TOEFL iBT is 100. (Preferred Test)
  • IELTS is 7.0 in the Academic Modules.
  • C1 Advanced is 185 on the Cambridge English Scale.

GMAT/GRE test scores are optional for this program.

Note: The Admissions Committee prefers applicants to take the test within a year of applying to the Law School.

2. Master in Business Administration (MBA)

One Year: August 2025 – May 2026

Two Years: August 2025 – May 2027

  • TOEFL IBT is 80 points, with a minimum of 23 on the Speaking section.
  • IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0.
  • Duolingo English Test, the minimum score is 120.         

Applicants are required to submit their GMAT/GRE score for this program. Applicants will need to take the GMAT or GRE test with enough time to receive and submit their results.

Note: Will require a video language assessment that helps them better assess language skills. TOEFL/IELTS and Duolingo scores are valid for 2 years.

3. Global Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA)

August 2025 – May 2027

  • TOEFL IBT is 80 points, with a minimum of 23 on the Speaking section.
  • IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0.
  • Duolingo English Test, the minimum score is 120.

Applicants are required to submit their GMAT/GRE score for this program. Applicants will need to take the GMAT or GRE test with enough time to receive and submit their results.

Note: TOEFL/IELTS and Duolingo scores are valid for 2 years.

4. Master of Global Affairs (MGA)

August 2025 – May 2027

Full-time engagement in the summer of 2026 is required by the program.

  • TOEFL IBT is 80 points, with a minimum of 23 on the Speaking section.
  • IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0.
  • Duolingo English Test, the minimum score is 120.

GMAT/GRE test scores are optional for this program.

Note: TOEFL/IELTS and Duolingo scores are valid for 2 years.

5. Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA)

August 2025 – May 2026

  • TOEFL IBT is 80 points, with a minimum of 23 on the Speaking section.
  • IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0.
  • Duolingo English Test, the minimum score is 120.

GMAT/GRE test scores are optional for this program.

Note: TOEFL/IELTS and Duolingo scores are valid for 2 years.

6. M.A. in Iberian and Latin American Studies

August 2025 – May 2027

  • TOEFL IBT is 80 points, with a minimum of 23 on the Speaking section.
  • IELTS, the minimum score is 7.0.
  • Duolingo English Test, the minimum score is 120.

GMAT/GRE test scores are optional for this program.

Note: TOEFL/IELTS and Duolingo scores are valid for 2 years.

Professors working in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and/or Nicaragua, and/or who are working in anti-corruption:

Forums, Workshops, Roundtables, Symposia:

Workshops:

  • Setting Yourself Up for Success: Understanding the Expectations and Experiences in American Classrooms
  • Understanding and Navigating the Current U.S. Political Landscape
  • Cutting the Clutter and Increasing Clarity: Strategies for Writing Concise Sentences
  • Building Connections and Gaining Social Confidence: The Art of Small Talk

Events:

  • Hispanic Heritage Month through the Institute for Latino Studies
  • Letras Latinas through the Institute for Latino Studies
  • The Hesburgh Lecture in Ethics and Public Policy through the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies

Roundtables:

  • Dialogues on Nonviolence, Religion, and Peace through the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies
  • Kellogg Institute for International Studies Monthly Visiting Fellows Luncheon and Roundtable Discussion
  • International Working Group on Human Rights Education through the Klau Center for Civil and Human Rights
    International Race and Rights Lab through the Klau Center for Civil and Human Rights through the Klau Center for Civil and Human Rights

Opportunities to connect with NGO, Private or public institutions working in anticorruption:

  • Asociación para el Avance de las Ciencias Sociales
  • Centro de Documentación de Honduras
  • Centro de Investigación y Promoción de los Derechos Humanos
  • Coordinadora de Instituciones Privadas Pro las Niñas, Niños, Adolescentes, Jóvenes y sus Derechos
  • Cristosal
  • Equipo de Reflexión, Investigación y Comunicación
  • Estado de la Nación
  • Fundación Nacional para el Desarrollo
  • Fundación Salvadoreña para el Desarrollo Económico y Social
  • Instituto Centroamericano de Estudios Sociales y Desarrollo
  • Instituto Centroamericana de Estudios Fiscales
  • Instituto Universitario de Opinión Pública
  • NERAK
  • Observatorio Universitario de Derechos Humanos de la UCA
  • Servicio Social Pasionista
  • Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad Centroamericana de Nicaragua
  • Universidad Tecnológica Centroamericana
  • Maestría en Demografía y Desarrollo de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras
  • Universidad Rafael Landívar

Access to databases and or library:

Through the Hesburgh Library at the University of Notre Dame, employees and students have access to hundreds of distinct databases and resources in nearly every discipline. Dedicated librarians are willing and able to help guide Notre Dame community members in accessing the correct resources in alignment with their projects and learning objectives.

Location:

South Bend, Indiana

Length:

One to Two Years:

  • August 2025 – May 2026
  • August 2025 – May 2027

*Details can vary by degree program.

Eligibility:

See each master´s degree requirements

Connection to Latinx community:

  • La Casa de Amistad
  • El Campito
  • Hispanic Law Student Association (HLSA)
  • Latinx Graduate Association at Notre Dame (LGAND)
  • La Fuerza at St. Mary’s
  • Latino Student Alliance (LSA)
  • Student Coalition for Immigration Advocacy (SCIA)
  • Indiana Latino Institute
  • La Plaza
  • La Casa (Goshen)
  • Latinos Progresando (Chicago)
  • Casa Central (Chicago)
  • Instituto del Progreso Latino (Chicago)
  • Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

Other resources: