Potential applicants can apply on either the professional or academic track.
PRACTICE TRACK:
- The Reagan-Fascell program is intended primarily for professionals from developing and aspiring democracies, and those from non-democratic countries.
- Applicants who register in the professional registry are expected to have considerable practical experience working to promote democracy or human rights in their country of origin or interest.
- There are no specific grade requirements for the professional track. Although there are no age limits either, the applicants in the professional career are typically mid-career professionals with several years of work experience in the field of democracy and human rights.
- Examples of eligible candidates for the career include human rights defenders, civil society leaders, political party figures, human rights lawyers, parliamentarians, trade union activists, journalists and other members of the media.
SCHOLARSHIP PROJECT:
While in Washington, DC, the fellows are working on a project related to the perspectives of democracy in a particular country or region. Projects can focus on the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural aspects of democratic development and can include a range of methodologies and approaches. Projects must reflect the interests and experience of the applicant and are not expected to include a study or comparison with democracy in the United States.
The staff of the program consults with the fellows the subject and scope of their project, as well as their final product. Fellows must complete a written product (article, report, manual, manuscript of the book, etc.), in English or any other language, related to their research project.
SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS: (VERY IMPORTANT)
Program activities
Through its calendar of seminars, round tables, excursions and other events, the program seeks to:
(a) develop knowledge about the work of the Foundation and its foremost institutes;
(b) provide education on democracy through field trips and seminars;
(c) support dissemination for dialogue and interaction with the governmental, nongovernmental, academic and media communities of the city and beyond; and
(d) promote a sense of collegiality among the fellows as a group. In addition, fellows benefit from the numerous informal social and cultural activities offered by the program, which include trips to sporting events, museums, movies and happy hours.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Each grantee receives a monthly stipend for living expenses, plus basic health insurance and a round trip to and from Washington, DC, at the beginning and end of the scholarship period. Scholarship payments are calculated to cover the cost of a short-term furnished apartment, plus the “cost of living” for food, local transportation and other needs. The fellows have a fully equipped office, as well as a limited budget for long distance calls and professional travel within the United States. Keep in mind that scholarship recipients who wish to bring family members with them to Washington, DC, are expected to cover the costs of their dependents’ round trip and stay in the United States.
ASSOCIATES OF RESEARCH
Research associates are assigned to work with several fellows and provide critical support in several ways: consult with fellows on the form and direction of their projects, provide editorial, writing and research support on topics related to theory and practice of democracy. facilitating dissemination, helping in the preparation and follow-up of the public presentations of the fellows, and providing the necessary assistance.
CENTER OF RESOURCES OF DEMOCRACY
Based in NED, the Resource Center for Democracy (RDC) is composed of four librarians and contains approximately 20,000 works, including books, magazines, donor reports and other publications on democracy.
VISAS
Before their arrival in the United States, prospective fellows who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States must obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa to travel to the United States. Accompanying family members must obtain a J-2 visa.
Scholarship applicants may not have participated in a J-1 research scholarship program within the 24 months immediately before their Reagan-Fascell scholarship. Fellows who are sponsored with our J-1 visa generally require them to return to their home country for two years after completing their scholarship before they can apply for an H visa, L visa or permanent legal residence.
SCHOOL TRACK:
The program is aimed primarily at professionals from around the world, distinguished scholars from the United States and other established democracies can also apply.
Applicants who enroll in the academic program are expected to hold a PhD (a Ph.D. or an academic equivalent) at the time of application, have published in their field of expertise and have developed a detailed research outline. for your scholarship project. .
Examples of eligible candidates for the academic career include university professors and academics, analysts in research centers and think tanks, writers and public intellectuals.
