U.S. Department of State Professional Fellows Program (PFP) 2025 -2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
If you're a mid-career leader from Europe or Eurasia eager to grow your professional impact, the U.S. Department of State Professional Fellows Program (PFP) 2025 is now open for applications. This fully funded exchange initiative—sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by American Councils for International Education—connects emerging leaders from Eurasia with U.S. professionals across sectors. Through immersive 5–6-week fellowships, participants work in host organizations in the U.S., enhance leadership skills, build cross-cultural networks, and develop a follow-on project for their home communities.
🎓 Program Summary
Host Institution: American Councils for International Education (in partnership with the U.S. Department of State)
Program Type: Fully funded professional exchange
Location: United States (placements in nonprofits, private sector, or public institutions)
Duration: 5–6 weeks of on-site professional fellowship
Target Group: Emerging professionals (mid-level) from these countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, Türkiye, Ukraine (also Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania—depending on 2025 scope)
Eligibility Requirements:
Citizen and current resident of an eligible country
Minimum 2 years of professional experience in government, civil society, or private sector
Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and strong English proficiency
Ability to propose a project to implement back home post-fellowship
Additional residency rules for Belarusian (left after Aug 2020) and Ukrainian applicants (left after Feb 2022) are applied
🌎 Program Overview
Pre-Departure & U.S. Orientation: Virtual orientation followed by an in-person program in Washington, D.C.
Professional Placement: Fellows join host organizations for customized professional development tailored to their fields and needs
Civic Engagement & Cultural Immersion: Includes community service and a home-stay with an American family
Reciprocal Follow-On Project: Each fellow develops a project to implement in their home context, building on learnings from the U.S. placement
Professional Fellows Congress: A multi-day closing gathering in Washington, D.C. bringing all fellows together
Alumni Networks & Exchanges: Post-fellowship opportunities include reciprocal visits by U.S. partners, regional alumni workshops, and further U.S. government-sponsored programs
🎁 Benefits
Fully Funded: Covers international travel, visa processing, housing, living costs, orientations, and program logistics
Professional Development: Hands-on placements in relevant U.S. institutions deepen sector-specific knowledge and skills
Cultural Immersion: Participation in American community life and a host family stay enhances intercultural understanding
Global Network: Connect with a diverse cohort of fellows and hosts, reinforced through a strong alumni network
Impact-Oriented: Fellows return equipped and supported to drive change through thoughtful follow-on initiatives
✅ Eligibility Criteria Recap
Citizen and current resident of an eligible country
Minimum 2 years of professional experience in government, civil society, or private sector
Demonstrated leadership, collaboration, and strong English proficiency
Ability to propose a project to implement back home post-fellowship
Additional residency rules for Belarusian (left after Aug 2020) and Ukrainian applicants (left after Feb 2022) are applied
📝 Application Procedure
Apply Online via the Application Information System (AIS) Forms portal on the American Councils website
Required Materials:
Confirmation of eligibility
Education background and work experience
CV/resume in English
Three short essays on motivation, community impact, and project ideas
One professional recommendation
Signed Participant Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Submission: Applications must be submitted before the official deadline (which was extended to August 13, 2025)
