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Frequently Asked Questions
- Application and Selection
- Program Details and Financial Questions
- Fellowship Tracks
- Dependents and Visas
- Support Services for Fellows
Application and Selection
The deadline to apply for the Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship is June 9 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Following application submission applicants will be requested to provide supplementary materials or complete an additional university application depending on each fellowship track. Selected applicants will be invited to an interview with a panel of program leadership, university partners, and select expert stakeholders. The expected timeline for the fellowship decision will be communicated to applicants within approximately 6 weeks after the application deadline. The timeline depends on applications providing prompt information to the program team.
- Yes, the Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship encourages people with disabilities to apply. The application allows someone else to complete the application form on your behalf, should you require that assistance. For other disability-related accommodation requests during the application process, please reach out to HRD@iie.org.
- The program will provide all possible accommodations for fellows with disabilities to participate in all program activities. To see what accommodations are available at each partner university, please see university information in Fellowship tracks.
We encourage applications from women, LGBTQI+ individuals, individuals from indigenous communities, Afro-descendants, returned migrants, or those otherwise underrepresented in their fields.
All individuals who are 18 years old or older and meet the eligibility criteria for the fellowship program and for their desired fellowship track are encouraged to apply.
The Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship welcomes applications from individuals across various fields and disciplines, including but not limited to lawyers, judges, journalists, university faculty/researchers, human rights defenders, activists, civil society members, and other relevant profiles. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise to apply, provided they meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the program description.
The application materials are available in English and Spanish. A Spanish translation is provided for guidance, and applicants are encouraged to fill out the application in either language. You may download the application and the Spanish translation from the website here. If selected and depending on the selected track, you must submit English translations of any materials originally written in a language other than English. Translations need not be certified.
- English proficiency is strongly encouraged and required by some partner universities for participation in the program, as English serves as the primary language of instruction and communication at the host institutions. Having proficiency in English allows applicants to fully engage with program activities, resources, networking opportunities, and navigate daily life in the United States, including interacting with their communities and managing personal affairs.
- Applicants to degree-seeking track in English at American University will need to submit an English proficiency test with the minimum scores specified below. For non-degree seeking tracks, English proficiency is recommended but not required. The English proficiency exams and scores accepted are as follows:
- American University (AU):
- Duolingo: Minimum score of 110TOEFL: Minimum score 84 iBT
- American University (AU):
- Applicants to degree-seeking track in English at American University will need to submit an English proficiency test with the minimum scores specified below. For non-degree seeking tracks, English proficiency is recommended but not required. The English proficiency exams and scores accepted are as follows:
Note that although you are able to submit materials which are not originals in the fellowship application, such as transcripts or diplomas, you will need to have original documents in order to be officially accepted by a university.
Yes, applications from individuals who have been residing in another Latin American country since Spring 2019 due to threats will be taken into consideration.
- The eligible countries of citizenship for application include El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Applicants from these countries may currently live in other Latin American countries due to threat in their home country.
- Applicants are ineligible if they hold dual citizenship with any country outside of Latin America. Applicants living outside of Latin America are not eligible.
The Selection Review Panel responsible for choosing fellows typically consists of experts and professionals representing partner organizations, academic institutions, and relevant stakeholders.
Publications are optional for applicants to share. In this context, publications encompass a wide range of written or multimedia materials, including but not limited to books, book chapters, journals, papers, reports, creative work, newspaper articles, case studies, legal briefs, training manuals and toolkits, advocacy initiatives, multimedia projects, and documentaries. These materials should demonstrate the applicant’s contributions and expertise in their field and may be used to tailor the fellowship experience.
Your résumé/CV should provide comprehensive details including academic degrees (degree-granting institution, field, and date of award), your current position (employer/institution, professional title, location, dates of employment, and responsibilities), and previous positions listed in chronological order (organization/institution, professional title, location, dates of employment, and responsibilities). Additionally, include a detailed list of publications with full citations if applicable, and any relevant professional accomplishments or awards, such as supervision of master’s and Ph.D. theses, conference presentations, grants/honors/awards, and professional affiliations.
The statement of threat should succinctly outline the specific risks and challenges faced by the applicant, including any physical, legal, or social dangers encountered due to the nature of their work. It should provide specific examples and incidents illustrating the threats and their impact on the applicant’s ability to continue their work in their home country. Overall, the statement should effectively convey the necessity of support from the Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship.
The statement of social impact should include clear goals, objectives, and strategies aimed at creating positive change and improving the well-being of individuals or groups affected by the issues addressed. It should outline the specific actions or initiatives undertaken by the applicant to address these issues, as well as their intended outcomes and anticipated impact. Additionally, the statement should provide evidence of the applicant’s previous contributions and accomplishments in the field, demonstrating their commitment and effectiveness in effecting social change. Overall, the statement should effectively convey the applicant’s vision, expertise, and dedication to making a meaningful difference in their community or society. This statement should include a vision for how the Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship fits into their larger goals for impact.
Two letters of recommendation are required for the Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship application. The guidelines for these letters specify that they should be non-generic and come from professional and academic contacts who can speak to the applicant’s academic background and circumstances, if known. Referees should not be relatives or friends. The letters should be on official letterhead, signed, and sent directly to HRD@iie.org by the referee. Letters of recommendation should be submitted before the application deadline preferably in English, but Spanish is also accepted.
Please refer to the eligibility requirements in the application form and note that while efforts will be made to assign the same location to spouses, should both be selected fellows, it is not guaranteed.
Program Details and Financial Questions
The program components include support for a range of active Human Rights Defenders from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua annually, such as lawyers, judges, journalists, human rights defenders, activists, civil society members, and other relevant profiles dedicated to anti-corruption efforts. For one to two years, selected fellows will be provided unique fellowship experiences in safe and conducive environments at one of three U.S. Universities with strong regional connections. Tailored fellowship experiences at these partner universities will train and empower fellows to enhance their contributions, improve skills, share best practices, and expand networks after completion of their fellowships. For a full description of what is covered by the fellowship, see Fellowship Financial Support.
The duration of the program is approximately one to two years, during which selected fellows will be provided unique fellowship experiences in safe and conducive environments at one of three U.S. Universities with strong regional connections. The length of the program depends on the fellowship track chosen. For example, the Master of Laws (LLM) program at American University is for approximately two semesters plus a summer session based on the organization of the academic program. Other tracks at University of Florida and University of Notre Dame may be up to two-years depending on the length of the academic program and/or customized fellowship experience. For more detail on the available tracks, see Fellowship Tracks.
See the Fellowship Financial Support section.
- The expected timeline from award to placement and arrival at the host institution will vary depending on various factors such as visa processing, logistical arrangements, and academic schedules. Applicants will be provided with detailed information on the expected timeline once they have been selected for the fellowship. It is vital that applicants provide requested information promptly to the program team during all stages of the process. Meanwhile, see Fellowship Tracks for more information on requirements by each university.
- American University and University of Florida tracks will start in January 2025 and University of Notre Dame tracks will start in September 2024 or in January 2025. Applicants interested in a September 2024 program start should review the considerations in the application carefully.
- Fellows are expected to find their own housing during their stay in the United States with support from the program and the host university. The Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship team may assist fellows in connecting them with resources for securing accommodations. Additionally, host universities may offer guidance on finding housing options such as on-campus housing or in finding off-campus housing in the local community. All parties involved will work to ensure a smooth transition and comfortable living arrangements during their stay in the United States.
- It is important to note that fellows are ultimately responsible for understanding the terms of any lease or housing arrangement they enter into. The fellowship program, USAID, and IIE cannot serve as guarantors on any housing agreement.
- Upon completion of the program, fellows are required to adhere to the requirements of their USAID-sponsored J1 visa, which include, among others:
- Returning directly to their home country (or country of most recent residence prior to the fellowship) from the U.S. within 30 days of the end of their fellowship program.Fulfilling the two-year home residency requirement of the J1 visa.
- For more complete information on J1 visa requirements, see https://www.usaid.gov/about-us/agency-policy/series-200/252
No, any intellectual work produced by fellows during the program does not become part of the program. Fellows retain ownership of their intellectual property and have the freedom to determine the use and distribution of their work.
All fellows are expected to complete their fellowships on the timeline determined during the fellowship award process. Extensions are not possible. Fellows are encouraged to maintain open communication with program administrators and their university advisors to help identify any potential challenges and provide any needed support, so that they can complete their fellowships within the allotted time.
Yes, there are opportunities for fellows to create and/or contribute to the program’s alumni network to stay in touch after completing the Fellowship. The alumni network serves as a valuable resource for fellows to maintain connections, share experiences, and continue collaborating on initiatives related to human rights advocacy and combating corruption. Additionally, participation in the alumni network provides fellows with ongoing peer support, professional development opportunities, and access to a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting positive change in their home countries and beyond.
Fellowship Tracks
- Please refer to the Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship Tracks section for specific details on the possible Fellowship tracks including duration, content, English language requirements, etc.
- Fellows should review the available Fellowship Tracks and specify which track they are interested in in the fellowship application form and in their Statement of Social Impact.
- Fellowships are hosted by American University, University of Florida, and University of Notre Dame.
- All three universities collaborate closely with applicants to tailor the fellowship experience based on their backgrounds and needs. Regardless of the track chosen, each university is committed to providing a robust experience for fellows, which includes creating opportunities to build or strengthen connections, as well as engage in activities such as presentations and teaching opportunities.
The universities selected for the program offer comprehensive support and resources to fellows, aligning with the objectives of the Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship. They have strong regional connections, commitment to human rights, and diverse academic and non-academic programs tailored to Human Rights Defenders. This ensures access to relevant coursework and resources for skills enhancement. Additionally, the universities provide a supportive environment for networking, collaboration, and professional development, maximizing the impact of the fellowship experience.
Yes, language support is available for fellows who may not speak English fluently. This includes options such as selecting a degree program partially in Spanish, intensive English classes, access to bilingual advisors and professors, and involvement in Spanish-language grassroots work. However, proficiency in English is highly encouraged to fully benefit from the experience in an English-speaking country’s higher education system.
Health insurance and dental insurance are typically separate insurance plans in the U.S. health care system. The program will pay for the cost of enrollment for each fellow in university-provided health insurance. The program will also pay for the cost of enrollment for each fellow in university-provided or program-identified dental insurance. Dental care in the United States can be extremely expensive, with routine procedures costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. For example, a simple dental filling can cost anywhere from $100 to $300, while more complex procedures like root canals or crowns can range from $500 to $3,000 or more per tooth. Even with dental insurance, dental care can still be expensive. Given these high costs, we strongly encourage fellows to undergo any necessary dental work in their countries of residence before coming to the United States.
- Each university will have a Fellowship Coordinator who will be fellows’ primary point of contact for support in navigating the university during their fellowship. They can support with logistical arrangements such as identifying campus resources for academic support, disability-related accommodations, and mental health support.
- Fellows will also be able to reach out to a designated contact on the fellowship program team to receive support in understanding the terms of their fellowship related to visa regulations, finances and allowances, and also to identify resources to better support their fellowship experience.
Throughout your fellowship, the Social Impact Action Plan will serve as a strategic framework, leveraging your expertise and experience to drive positive change and address pressing social issues. Structured around specific goals, objectives, and strategies tailored to your field of expertise, the plan will provide a clear roadmap for your actions. By adhering to the plan, you’ll channel your efforts effectively, monitor progress, and measure outcomes. Moreover, it will facilitate collaboration and stakeholder engagement, enabling you to forge partnerships and leverage resources to amplify your impact. The plan, designed with problem analysis, goal setting, strategy development, resource allocation, monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration in mind, will be a valuable tool for optimizing the effectiveness and sustainability of your initiatives throughout the fellowship.
Yes, partner universities, deeply connected to local communities and target countries, facilitate connections for fellows, a requirement integral to the fellowship. They offer recommendations and opportunities to engage with local organizations, leaders, and initiatives. This involvement may include volunteering, event participation, or project collaboration, addressing human rights challenges at the grassroots level. Through these partnerships, fellows gain insights, build relationships, and make tangible impacts beyond academia.
Yes, professional development is integral to the fellowship program, offering access to workshops, seminars, and training sessions. Fellows can also lead sessions based on their expertise, fostering peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.
Yes, there are opportunities for networking and collaboration with other fellows as well as organizations during the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to engage with each other, share experiences, and collaborate on projects related to human rights advocacy and anti-corruption activities. Additionally, the program may facilitate connections with relevant organizations and stakeholders to further enhance networking opportunities and foster collaboration within the broader community dedicated to human rights.
Dependents and Visas
A dependent is defined as a fellow’s legal spouse (of any gender) or child under the age of 21.
- Fellows can request that USAID sponsor their dependents on a J2 visas. There is no limit to the number of dependents that fellows may request USAID to sponsor. Dependents on J2 visas in the U.S. are subject to the same Conditions of Sponsorship as a Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellow on a J1 visa.
- The fellowship program will provide facilitation of fellows’ J2 visa requests to USAID for your dependent(s). The basic requirements include:
- Proof of financial ability to support all dependents (50% of monthly stipend rate per dependent per month of fellowship program)
- Proof of round-trip ticket for dependent
- Proof of health insurance for dependent that meets the USAID minimum requirements
- Further details on preparing a request will be provided to fellows after their selection to the Centroamerica en Ascenso Fellowship Program. Please send any questions to HRD@iie.org in English or Spanish regarding dependents.
- The approval of J2 visa applications in entirely at the discretion of the U.S. consulate receiving the request. The Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship, USAID, and IIE do not have any ability to determine the approval of a J2 visa application.
Each fellow is responsible for demonstrating to the U.S. consulate that you have the financial means to entirely support any depenents during your stay in the U.S.
Support may encompass assistance with visa processing, access to healthcare resources, and guidance on integrating into the local community. Additionally, the program may offer informational sessions or resources to help dependents navigate life in the United States. Fellows and their dependents are encouraged to communicate any specific needs or concerns with the Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship program team, who will strive to provide assistance and support accordingly.
- IIE will assist Fellows in applying for J1 visas and their dependent to apply for a J2 visa.
- Fellows and dependent must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after their intended arrival in the U.S.
No, Fellows are required to maintain their J-1 visa status for the duration of the program.
- Per J1 visa regulations, fellows are required to return directly to their home country (or country of last legal residence prior to arriving in the U.S.) within 30 days of the end of their fellowship program.
- Fellows should communicate concerns about returning home with the Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship program team as soon as they identify them. The Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship can provide guidance on the J1 visa requirements and any allowed exceptions determined by USAID in accordance with U.S. government regulations.
- The Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship cannot provide immigration advice or guidance to fellows outside of confirming the allowable options within the terms of the J1 visa.
- Fellows are encouraged to communicate closely with the Centroamérica en Ascenso Program regarding the J1 visa requirements and with their university to get support and guidance during their fellowship program. The program aims to prioritize the safety and well-being of fellows and will work closely with fellows to provide accurate and up to date information on their requirements and options.
Support Services for Fellows
Yes, the program provides support by purchasing plane tickets for fellows to facilitate their travel to the United States. Additionally, Fellows will receive non-financial assistance from the universities and IIE in finding suitable housing accommodations upon their arrival. Fellows will receive a one-time settling in allowance to help cover one-time costs. See the Financial Support section for details on fellowship funding.
Fellows encountering challenges receive personalized advising, comprehensive health insurance, and access to resources on topics like housing and healthcare, aiding them in navigating their fellowship with confidence and support.
If you need to return home for safety reasons to support your dependents before the program ends, please notify the Centroamérica en Ascenso Fellowship program team immediately. They will work with you to address your situation and determine the best course of action. Note, however, that any expenses that come up will need to be covered by the fellows.
- Yes, mental health support is available as part of the support fellows will be receive from the program and the university.
- Fellows will be provided university health insurance and will have access to the student health center on campus. Mental health support is a priority on U.S. university campuses and there is no stigma attached to reaching out for support and help.