U.S. Embassy in Guatemala

Professional Fellows Program (PFP) for Economic Empowerment

 

First Guatemalan cohort at the Professional Fellows Congress in Washington, D.C., in November 2022

Professional Fellows Program (PFP) for Economic Empowerment

The Professional Fellows Program (PFP) is a two-way global exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, as well as build lasting, sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States.

PFP participants are placed in intensive 5- to 6-week fellowships in non-profit organizations, private sector businesses, and government offices across the United States for an individually tailored professional development experience. They build a broad network with U.S. and other program participant colleagues as they develop a deeper understanding of U.S. society.

The PFP is a two-way exchange, with American participants who have hosted foreign fellows subsequently traveling overseas for participant-driven reciprocal programs. The Institutes will include an academic residency component of approximately four weeks and a domestic study tour of approximately one week. During the academic residency, participants will also have the opportunity to engage in educational and cultural activities outside of the classroom. For the closing of the program, fellows will travel to Washington, D.C., for a seminar with other leaders from across Latin America.

THE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023 CYCLE IS NOW OPEN!

Submit your application from January 23, 2023, to February 12, 2023

Who can apply?

Interested persons who meet all the following requirements may apply:

• Be a Guatemalan citizen currently living in Guatemala (no dual U.S.-Guatemalan citizenship).

• Be between 25 and 40 years of age.

• Have a professional career, for a minimum of two (2) years.

• Be proficient in spoken and written English at the time of application.

• Have leadership skills, great motivation, and adaptability.

• Be committed to the development of your community and organization through community service, volunteering, or other activities.

• Be eligible to obtain a J-1 visa.

• Candidates with little or no prior experience in the United States will receive priority consideration.

• Applicants must be available to travel to the United States in Fall 2023.

How to apply

If you meet the eligibility criteria, complete the Professional Fellows Program 2023 Online Application here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PFP2023FAll

Timeframe

· Applications for the 2023 cycle are open from January 23, 2023, to February 12, 2023.

· Interviews will be held in March 2023.

· Selected fellows are expected to travel to the United States in Fall 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I don’t have a visa. May I apply?

Yes. Having a visa is not required to apply. Candidates should be eligible for a J-1 visa.

What expenses does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers the costs of visa, travel, accommodation, tuition fees, and medical insurance while participating in the program in the United States.

Can a family member of a U.S. Embassy employee apply to the program?

Family members of U.S. Embassy employees are ineligible for this program.

Can a relative travel or stay with the PFP program participant?

No. Relatives cannot travel or stay with participants during the program.

For more information about this scholarship, send an email with your questions to Guatemala.BecasEEUU@state.gov.