The Institute of Current World Affairs (ICWA) identifies and cultivates rare potential by immersing promising young professionals in the study of countries, regions or globally important issues, positioning them to become leaders in their fields.
Through an intensive two-year immersion program crafted over 90 years, the institute has helped transform the lives and advance the careers of emerging writers, scholars and diplomats, as well as experts in the fields of policy, business and social activism. A prestigious ICWA fellowship provides recipients with the rare gift of time and freedom to explore regions and topics, expanding their knowledge at a formative time in their lives, and sharing their self-directed, independent research through monthly newsletters.
The institute weighs all proposals with no restrictions on topics or regions. However, 2018 applicants are especially encouraged to propose examining any of the following topics:
Criteria for Consideration
Candidates must be under 36 years of age at the time of the due date for the initial letter of interest.
U.S. citizenship is not a requirement, but candidates must show strong and credible ties to U.S. society. A proposed fellowship must hold the promise of enriching public life in the United States by enhancing the understanding of foreign countries, cultures and trends. Public service, social activism or contribution to wider understanding in the United States is our ultimate purpose, from a belief that the public can benefit from the knowledge and wisdom our fellows acquire.
