The Alfa Fellowship Program is a distinguished international initiative that each year offers up to 18 accomplished young 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 tutoring in the U.S., U.K., or Germany.
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 Alfa Fellowship Program is a distinguished international initiative that each year offers up to 18 accomplished young 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 tutoring in the U.S., U.K., or Germany.
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 between the ages of 25 and 35 with professional experience in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, arts/cultural management or related fields.
- Fellows possess leadership potential and are active in community or public service.
- While Russian language skills vary, most fellows have studied Russian for at least two years at the postsecondary level.
Eligibility Requirements
- U.S., U.K., or German citizen between the ages of 25 and 35 (Russian citizens are ineligible to apply, including individuals who are also citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, or Germany)
- Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in arts/culture management, business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, or a related field
Desired Qualifications
- Outstanding professional achievement and academic qualifications
- Active involvement in community or public service
- Russian language experience is preferred, however not required, at the time of application. If an applicant does not speak Russian, he or she will need to demonstrate proficiency in another foreign language to qualify for the program
- Graduate degree in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, international relations, arts/cultural management or a related field
- Evidence of leadership potential
The Alfa Fellowship Program is a professional-level initiative focused on the fellows’ assignments in Russia. The Alfa Fellowship Program will not sponsor independent or academic research.
Program Benefits
The Alfa Fellowship Program includes the following benefits:
- Round-trip transportation to New York City or London and accommodation (if needed) for selection interviews
- Orientation seminar in Washington, D.C., including speakers, activities, travel, and accommodation
- Program-related transportation between U.S./U.K./Germany and Russia
- Pre-departure and Russia-based language training
- Moscow Seminar Program, including briefings, assignment planning, and excursions
- A generous monthly stipend during the program in Russia
- All program-related travel within Russia
- Accommodation in Moscow
- Limited international health, accident, and liability insurance during the program in Russia
Program Year
Application Deadline:
The deadline to apply for the 2021-2022 program year is December 1, 2020.
Please check back in late summer 2020 for updated information regarding the application process and timeline for the 2021-2022 program year.
You are welcome to request an application request by clicking on the “Apply Now” button on the right at any time in order to receive a password once the application opens in late summer 2020.
Selection Interviews:
Interviews for candidates take place in New York City and London between late January and mid-February. Candidates are invited to the city closest to where they are residing at the time of the interviews.
Please note: candidates are required to attend the interview in person on the day it is scheduled in order to be considered for the fellowship.
Following is the timeline for a typical program year. For updates to the 2021-22 program year, please check back in late summer 2020.
U.S./U.K./Germany-Based Language Training
March – June
- Customized one-on-one Russian language lessons with a qualified tutor in the fellow’s geographical area. This training does not require fellows to relocate and is meant to be completed in conjunction with finishing an academic degree or working.
Washington, D.C., Orientation Seminar
Late April or early May (3 days)
- Program information and logistics
- Intercultural training and preparation
- Current events and contemporary political and economic topics
Russia-Based Language Training
Mid-June – September
- Small-group classes at a Russian language school in Moscow
Moscow Seminar Program and Lectures at the Higher School of Economics
July – September
- Politics and economics in Russia, including recent developments
- Russian foreign policy
- Law and public policy
- Social and cultural affairs of Russia and Eurasia
- U.S.-Russian, U.K.-Russian, and German-Russian relations
- Cultural events and excursions in Moscow and surrounding regions
Regional Trips
July, September, December, April
- Opportunity to visit three other cities in Russia (July, September, April) and another country in the region (December)
- Meetings with local officials, businesses, and other organizations
- Excursions to sites of historical and cultural significance
Professional Assignment
October – April
- Professional experience at a leading organization in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy, arts/cultural management or a related field
Final Evaluation/Exit Interview
April
- Final review, including an exit interview, individual research and findings, and evaluation of the Alfa Fellowship Program
