The Alfa Fellowship Program is a distinguished international initiative that each year offers up to 18 accomplished Americans, Britons, and Germans the opportunity to complete a high-level professional development program in Russia. Over the course of the program, fellows complete work placements at leading institutions, attend professional seminars, and receive intensive language training.
The fellowship provides a monthly stipend, accommodation, insurance, all program-related travel costs, language training in Russia, and private pre-departure tutoring.
The Alfa Fellowship Program was founded in 2004 with the aim of fostering a community of emerging leaders who have first-hand experience in the business, public policy, and cultural environments of Russia and the region. Since then, over 200 Americans, Britons, and Germans have been able to experience the workplace, while living and traveling in Russia through this unique professional opportunity.
The goals of the Alfa Fellowship Program are to expand networks of American, British, and German professionals with experience in Russia, to develop greater intercultural understanding, and to advance knowledge of Russia in the West.
The program is funded by Alfa-Bank, and is administered in the U.S., U.K., and Germany by Cultural Vistas and in Moscow by the Fund for International Fellowships and Cultural Dialogue.
Application Deadline: The deadline to apply for the 2022-2023 program year is December 1, 2021.
Participant Profile
- Fellows have a demonstrated interest in Russian and European and Eurasian affairs, exceptional academic and professional credentials, proven personal initiative, and clear goals and expectations for their professional assignments.
- Fellows are early to mid-career professionals with experience in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, arts/cultural management, human development, or other fields.
- Fellows possess leadership potential and are active in community and/or public service.
- Fellows value being part of an international network of individuals with diverse backgrounds and a common interest in Russia and the region.
- While Russian language skills vary, most fellows have studied Russian for at least two years at the postsecondary level.
Eligibility Requirements
- Early to mid-career professional from the United States, United Kingdom, or Germany*
- Bachelor’s degree and relevant professional experience related to desired field of work placement
- Demonstrated interest in Russia and the region with clearly defined career trajectory
- Committed to being an active contributor to an international network
- Previous study of a second language, preferably Russian
*Russian citizens are ineligible to apply, including individuals who are also citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, or Germany
Desired Qualifications
- Graduate degree related to desired field of work placement
- Outstanding professional achievement and academic qualifications
- Active involvement in community and/ or public service
- Evidence of leadership potential
- Russian language experience is preferred, however not required, at the time of application
For more information please visit www.culturalvistas.org