All Scholarships Office application materials, including transcripts and recommendations must be received by this date. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. CDS International and Oxford University encourage candidates to submit applications as early as possible.
When and where do interviews take place?
For the 2011–2012 program year, selection interviews for American candidates are scheduled to take place in New York City in January. Round-trip transportation and accommodations will be provided on an as-needed basis.
Scholarships Office Selection interviews for British candidates are scheduled for the first week in February, and will take place in Oxford. Travel costs will be reimbursed, where appropriate.
What does the Alfa Fellowship Program provide?
Scholarships Office Program provisions include: selection interviews including round-trip transportation and accommodations as needed; language training prior to the program start in Russia as required based on proficiency assessment; orientation seminar in Washington, D.C., including speakers, activities, and travel accommodations provided as needed; Russia-based language training; Moscow Seminar Program, including meetings, briefings, assignment planning, and excursions; monthly stipend during the program in Russia; free housing in Russia; limited international health, accident, and liability insurance during the program in Russia; and all program-related travel expenses.
Why is Alfa-Bank sponsoring the Alfa Fellowship Program?
The key Scholarships Office goals of the Alfa Fellowship Program are expanding networks of American, British and Russian professionals, developing greater intercultural understanding and advancing U.S./Russian and British/Russian relations. By sponsoring the Alfa Fellowship Program, Alfa-Bank is demonstrating its commitment to fostering a new generation of American and British leaders with the expertise that is required for greater understanding and the sustainable improvement of important ties between the U.S., U.K., and Russia.
Will the Alfa Fellowship Program sponsor academic research in Russia?
No, the Alfa Fellowship Program is designed to benefit participants by giving them hands-on work experience in Russian enterprises and organizations. The Alfa Fellowship Program Scholarships Office is also meant to benefit its host institutions by bringing in the knowledge, expertise, and best practices of its participants.
What are the citizenship requirements?
Scholarships Office Candidates must be U.S. or British citizens. Permanent residents and citizens of countries other than the U.S. or the U.K. are not eligible for the Alfa Fellowship Program.
What are the age requirements for the Alfa Fellowship Program?
Applicants should be between the ages of 25 and 35. Candidates a little older or younger will still be considered, but the Alfa Fellowship Program is focused on serving early to mid-career professionals who will become future leaders in their fields.
What are the language requirements for the Alfa Fellowship Program?
Russian language experience is preferred, however not required at the time of application. If an applicant does not speak Russian, he/she will need to be proficient in a second language to qualify for the program. Where the Russian writing sample is required in the application, non-Russian speaking applicants should upload a statement detailing other languages in which they are proficient and where and when those language skills were acquired.
What kind of candidates is the Alfa Fellowship Program looking for?
Candidates should ideally have a graduate degree in business, economics, journalism, law, public policy or government. In addition, candidates should have at least two years of professional experience in their respective fields. Candidates must show outstanding academic and professional credentials, demonstrate genuine interest in Russia, and actively participate in their communities. Candidates without graduate degrees must demonstrate extensive and equivalent professional experience in their field in order to qualify for the Alfa Fellowship Program.
How competitive is the Alfa Fellowship Program?
The Alfa Fellowship Program Scholarships Office is very competitive, similar to being accepted at a top U.S. or British university. The selection committee will consider candidates’ full profiles. Unique experiences, specific goals and interests, and enthusiasm for new and exciting opportunities are as important as good grades and an extensive professional background. Candidates selected to be interviewed should, in their application, try to convince the selection committee why they should be on the Alfa Fellowship Program, how they expect it to benefit their career growth, and what they have to offer through their participation.
What do I need to send CDS in order to apply for the Alfa Fellowship Program?
A completed, signed application form, resume, official transcripts, a personal statement (two pages maximum), two letters of recommendation (at least one from relevant professional experience), and a language statement. For applicants with Russian language knowledge, the language statement should be a Russian writing sample (one page maximum) on a topic of their choice, regardless of their level of Russian. For applicants without prior Russian training, the language statement should detail other languages in which they are proficient, as well as where and when those languages were acquired.
British applicants: Please visit the U.K. Alfa Fellowship Programme website for application information.
What should the personal statement include?
Very specific information on the applicant’s background, experience, career aspirations, and interest in Russia. The personal statement should include anticipated benefits of participation in the Alfa Fellowship Program for both the applicant and host institutions. It must also include thoughtful proposals for specific institutions that the applicant believes to be appropriate for his/her professional assignment.
For a complete list of past Fellows’ work placements, please visit the AFP Alumni Association website.
Who should write the letters of recommendation?
Anyone who has worked closely with the candidate in the recent past. At least one letter of recommendation should be from someone who can attest to his/her professional experience, such as a current or former employer. The second letter may be from either a professor or someone else in the applicant’s professional background. Letters of reference should not be character references or from friends.
Is there a recommendation form or specific format for letters of recommendation?
There is no recommendation form; a standard reference letter is sufficient.
Can letters of recommendation or transcripts be sent by fax or email?
No, recommendations must be sealed with original signature only. No copies or faxes will be accepted.
May transcripts and/or letters of recommendation be sent directly to CDS?
Yes, for American Applicants, transcripts and/or letters of recommendation may be sent directly to CDS:
CDS International, Inc.
ATTN: Alfa Fellowship Program
440 Park Avenue South, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10016
For British Applicants, all application materials should be sent directly to:
The UK Alfa Fellowship Programme
Saïd Business School
Oxford University
Park End Street
Oxford
OX1 1HP
The source of Alfa Fellowship Program
