The Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program brings international secondary-level teachers to the United States for a six-week program to take academic seminars for professional development at a host university and to observe and share their expertise with teachers and students at the host university and at local secondary schools.

Eligibility criteria

• Current secondary-level full-time teachers of English, English as a Foreign Language (EFL), math, science, or social studies including special education teachers in those subjects at institutions serving primarily a local population

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

• Minimum of three years of experience of full-time teaching by the start of program, with a preference for those who have completed at least five years of full-time experience

• Demonstrated oral and written English language proficiency

• Citizens of Belarus

To learn more about the program, please visit https://www.fulbrightteacherexchanges.org/programs/tea/

Application process

The application season for this program is currently closed. If you have any questions about Fulbright TEA, please contact American Councils for International Education at belarus@americancouncils.org

The selection of candidates for the Fulbright TEA program is carried out by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belarus with support from American Councils for International Education. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

The program offers equal opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, native language, handicap or disability.

The Fulbright TEA program is open to all Belarusian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria irrespective of their current place of residence.

The United States Embassy in Belarus is pleased to announce the competition for the Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship for the academic year of 2023-2024.

The Fulbright-National Archives Heritage Science Fellowship, a component of the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, provides an opportunity for Fulbright visiting scholars to connect with National Archives scientists and experts while conducting research at the National Archives’ state-of-the-art Heritage Science Research and Testing Lab in College Park, Maryland. This Fellowship is made possible through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the National Archives and Records Administration.  The award was established to support archival science education, conservation, and research.

Interested candidates should apply online at https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2022 (once you have started your application, make sure to select Fulbright-National Archives from the Award drop-down menu on the Country Information page). Additional information about the program can be found here: https://cies.org/fulbrightnationalarchives.

Applications are due by October 15, 2023, and NARA will host the first recipient during the 2023-24 academic year.

Award Activity

The selected Fellow will work in the Heritage Science Research and Testing Laboratory of the National Archives, a state-of-the-art facility focused on scientific research to assist in the conservation, preservation, and ongoing public accessibility of cultural and historic artifacts, records, and documents.

The Fellow will work with a team of heritage science experts and get hands-on laboratory experience. Scientists work collaboratively with a variety of units within the archives and with other Washington, D.C.-area universities and government agency partners on a diverse range of projects that leverage their expertise in analytical chemistry, physics, computational modeling and materials science. The National Archives collection includes materials ranging from paper and parchment to photographs, modern film, magnetic audio/visual tapes and digital files. Increasing knowledge about the collections and how to reduce the risks of damage and loss are the inspiration for research projects.

Location

 The National Archives Heritage Science Research and Testing Lab is located just outside of Washington, D.C. in College Park, Maryland. The Lab will provide the Fellow with needed office and bench space and access to common wet lab supplies, PPE, and equipment, including a desktop computer. The lab also has several analytical instruments available including an XRF, FT-IR, and GC/MS. The lab houses several temperature and humidity controlled ovens and a microfadometer often used for material aging experiments.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent agency of the United States government charged with the preservation and documentation of U.S. government and historical records. While NARA’s flagship locations are in the Washington, D.C. area, the agency represents a network of 40+ locations across the nation, including presidential libraries.

Eligibility

 Eligible candidates will be researchers or professionals in heritage science or related technical fields. A Master’s degree is required, but PhD or equivalent professional experience is preferred. Advanced Doctoral researchers completing dissertation projects related to heritage science are eligible to apply.

Disciplines

Heritage/Conservation Science

Preventative Preservation

Chemistry

Physics

Materials Science and Engineering

Microbiology

Statistics

Areas of Interest

Cultural heritage preservation and conservation

Applications of technology to complex issues in heritage preservation and risk management

Data analysis and visualization

Grant Benefits

 The selected participant will receive J-1 visa sponsorship, J-1 visa compliant health benefits, and round trip international travel to the United States. The Fulbrighter will also receive a modest stipend to cover living expenses, settling in, and professional development allowances, and if applicable, a modest dependent allowance. J visa compliant health insurance and travel costs for accompanying dependents are the responsibility of the participant. Additionally, recipients of this award will be invited to participate Fulbright Scholar Enrichment Activities as well as Fulbright’s Outreach Lecturing Fund. Fellows will join a diverse, active, worldwide network of alumni who carry the impact of their transformational Fulbright experience far beyond the period of their exchange programs.

Award Length and Dates

Minimum of 5 months, maximum of 12 months

Beginning September 2022

Application Deadline

October 15, 2023

Application

Apply Online: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2022

Important Notes: 

Once you have started your application, make sure to select Fulbright-National Archives from the Award drop-down menu on the Country Information page.

For additional information, please, contact the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belarus, at belarusprogram@state.gov or at +375 17 210-12-83 (ext. 5612).

The Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI) is the U.S. Department of State’s flagship program for emerging entrepreneurs from Europe. YTILI engages a cohort of young European entrepreneurs in program activities to enhance the transatlantic dialogue between business leaders from Europe and the United States and create sustained cross-cultural collaboration. More about the program can be found at https://ytili.org/

YTILI Fellows should be passionate about his or her business or social ventures and driving innovative and positive change in their home communities. We encourage you to apply if you would like to gain professional experience, develop transatlantic relationships, and scale your business or social venture at home.

Application process

The application season for this program is currently closed. If you have any questions about the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative (YTILI), please contact American Councils for International Education at belarus@americancouncils.org

The U.S. Embassy in Minsk is pleased to announce a new application season for the Fulbright Specialist Program.

The Fulbright Specialist Program (FSP) provides Belarusian academic institutions (universities, colleges, trade schools); government institutions (ministries); cultural Institutions (museums, conservatories, theaters); non-governmental organizations (NGOs, think tanks), and public health-related institutions (public health organizations, teaching hospitals) the opportunity to draw on the expertise of U.S. scholars and professionals and develop linkages with American institutions.

The Specialist Program funds American academic experts who wish to undertake two to six-week long projects in Belarusian academic institutions.

Specialists, who represent a wide range of professional and academic disciplines, partner with their host institution to conduct project activities in support of the host institution’s priorities and goals.

Activities may include:

• Delivering a seminar or workshop
• Consulting on faculty or workforce development
• Developing academic or training curricula and materials
• Lecturing at the graduate or undergraduate level
• Conducting needs assessments or evaluations for a program or institution
• Participating in academic programs, conferences, seminars
• Conducting teacher training

As a rule, Belarusian universities interested in hosting U.S. Specialists are willing to provide in-country transportation, meals and lodging. The Fulbright Program funds international transportation and provides a stipend to the Specialist.

Additional information: Fulbright Specialist Program Overview 
Host Institution One Pager

For more information, please see http://fulbrightspecialist.worldlearning.org/

The Application Form can be found here 

For additional information, please, contact the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Minsk, at belarusprogram@state.gov

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is a one-year program offered to young and mid-career professionals who have a proven track record of leadership, a public service commitment, and the capacity to take full advantage of a self-defined program of independent non-degree study at a leading U.S. university. The program awards a certificate from the U.S. Government; it is not designed to deliver an advanced degree.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program brings accomplished professionals from designated countries around the world to the United States at a midpoint in their careers for a year of graduate-level academic course work and professional development activities. The Humphrey Program was initiated in 1978 to honor the memory and accomplishments of the late Senator and Vice President, Hubert H. Humphrey. Fellows are selected on their potential for leadership and commitment to public service.

The program provides a basis for establishing lasting ties between citizens of the United States and their professional counterparts in other countries, fostering an exchange of knowledge and mutual understanding throughout the world.

Eligible Fields/Sectors

Human and Institutional Capacity:

• Economic Development

• Finance & Banking

• Public Policy Analysis and Public Administration

• Technology Policy and Management

• Human Resource Management

Rights and Freedoms: 

• Communications and Journalism

• International Religious Freedom

• Law and Human Rights

• Trafficking in Persons Policy & Prevention

Sustainable Lands:

• Agricultural and Rural Development

• Natural Resources, Environmental Policy, and Climate Change

• Urban and Regional Planning

Thriving Communities:

• Contagious and Infectious Diseases

• Public Health Policy and Management

• HIV&AIDS, Policy and Prevention

• Substance Abuse Education, Treatment and Prevention

• Educational Administration, Planning, and Policy

• Higher Education Administration

• Teaching English as a Foreign Language

Application Process

Interested applicants must apply online and include all supporting documents.

Online applications must be submitted by 23.59 (Minsk time) on September 3, 2023.

The online application form and additional instructions are available at https://apply.iie.org/huberthhumphrey

If you are unable to create an application after clicking on the “Start New Application” link, try closing your browser window after creating an account (or logging into your account), clicking on the direct link to the application form again, and following the “Start New Application” link.

In response to the question “What is your country of permanent residence?”, please choose “Belarus” even if you do not currently reside in Belarus, and then explain your exact situation later in the application form.

Please email us at belarus@americancouncils.org if you encounter any difficulties.

After national selection, final nominations are reviewed in the United States by independent review committees. These review committees make recommendations to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Awards will be announced in March of 2024.

To be eligible for a Humphrey Fellowship, applicants must be Belarusian citizens and must have:

• A first university degree;

• At least five years of full-time professional experience;

• Demonstrated leadership qualities and a record of public service;

• Demonstrated English language ability;

• Limited prior experience in the U.S.

Terms and Conditions

The Humphrey Fellowship provides international travel, tuition and university fees, accident/sickness coverage, monthly maintenance allowance and funding for books and professional activities, visa support for accompanying family members. The Humphrey Program does not provide financial support for accompanying dependents.

To learn more about the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, please visit the program’s website: https://humphreyfellowship.org/. The Humphrey Program is also on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn

The selection of candidates for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is carried out by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belarus with support from American Councils for International Education. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

The program offers equal opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, native language, handicap or disability.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program is open to all Belarusian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria irrespective of their current place of residence. All questions should be addressed to belarus@americancouncils.org.

The Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship is an intensive short-term exchange program, created to foster relationships among young Europeans and Americans to build strong linkages and awareness of shared values.  The four-week program enables teenagers, ages 16-18, to explore U.S. foreign policy priorities such as youth engagement, support for democracy and civil society, and economic prosperity.  The program consists of a series of lectures, seminar discussions and presentations, and a broad assortment of practical, faculty- and mentor-led workshops.  The coursework and classroom activities are complemented by community service activities, site visits, social and cultural activities, and homestays with American families to deepen participants’ experience of U.S. society during their exchange.

During the academic residency, participants also have the opportunity to discuss other topics such as democratic practices, conflict resolution, problem solving, communication skills, critical thinking, tolerance and respect for diversity, youth leadership, team building, and the media.  The institute explores how freedom of expression provides rights to and imposes responsibilities on citizens.

The institute is hosted by Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Candidate Description and Qualifications

All candidates are expected to have a strong interest in learning about diplomacy, the transatlantic relationship, the role of a free press in a democratic society, and public or community service.  They should have a strong demonstrated interest in communications, advocacy, debate, and/or civic participation.  They should have the academic aptitude for a program of this intensity and the personal qualities needed to be successful, including maturity, strong social skills, flexibility, and open-mindedness.

Candidates nominated for this Fellowship will:

• be 16, 17, or 18 years of age at the time of the program start;

• be highly proficient in English, as demonstrated in a personal interview;

• be committed to enrolling in high school or university in their home countries following completion of the institute;

• demonstrate strong leadership potential and interest in transatlantic relations and diplomacy;

• indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;

• demonstrate  a high level of academic achievement, as indicated by academic grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;

• demonstrate a commitment to community and extracurricular activities;
  have had little or no prior U.S. study or travel experience in the United States;

• be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful and inquisitive;

• be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive summer program, with community service and educational travel;

• be comfortable with campus life, shared living accommodations, travel and interaction with a multinational, co-ed group of participants from across Europe and the United States;

• be comfortable engaging with the Americans they meet in the host communities; and

• be able to adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home countries.

One principal and one alternate candidate are chosen from Belarus.

Application process

The application season for this program is currently closed. If you have any questions about Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellowship, please contact American Councils for International Education at belarus@americancouncils.org

The U.S. Embassy Minsk is pleased to announce a competition for the 2019 Study of the United States Institute on U.S. National Security Policymaking.

 This program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State and will cover all participant costs. The Institute will take place from January 3 to February 15, 2019 at the University of Delaware in Newark, DE.

The SUSI for Scholars on U.S. National Security Policymaking will provide a group of 18 scholars and professionals from different countries with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the foundations of U.S. national security policy and current threats facing the United States.  The Institute focuses on the formulation of U.S. foreign and national security policy and the role of the federal government, think-tanks, media, and public opinion in shaping that policy. The Institute will be hosted by the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware.

The program will examine U.S. national security policy continuities and changes throughout different presidential administrations.  The Institute will encourage intellectual engagement, reflection, and interaction with U.S.-based experts to deepen scholar knowledge of the foundations and formulation of U.S. national security policy.

The program focuses on four interconnected modules:

1) The U.S. view of the world and its place in the global system;

2) Terrorism and national security in the U.S. and abroad;

3) U.S. immigration and refugee policies;

4) The search for the right balance between unilateralism and multilateralism.

Each week, scholars will participate in academic sessions, roundtable discussions with U.S. national security experts, and conversations with the broader Newark, Delaware community on key thematic topics. The Institute participants will also travel to San Antonio and Austin, Texas; New York City, New York; Washington, D.C.; and other regional locales.

Study of the U.S. Institutes is a highly competitive global program.  As a general rule, no more than one participant per country will be selected. Priority will be given to candidates who have firm plans to enhance, update, or develop courses and/or educational materials with a U.S. studies focus or component; who have no prior or limited experience in the United States; and who have special interest in the program subject areas as demonstrated through past scholarship, accomplishments, and professional duties.

Candidates should be mid-career, highly-motivated and experienced scholars and professionals generally from institutions of higher education or research focused organizations (not-for-profits, think tanks, etc.).  While the educational level of participants will likely vary, most should have graduate degrees and have substantial knowledge of the thematic area of the Institute or a related field.

Candidates must demonstrate English language fluency.  The Study of the United States Institute on

U.S. National Security Policymaking is rigorous and demanding program; participants will be expected to handle substantial reading assignments in English and to fully and actively participate in all seminar and panel discussions.

Candidates should be willing and able to fully take part in an intensive post-graduate level academic program and study tour.

Deadline for applications is Monday, October 1, 2018.

Download application (PDF)

Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables its participants to research and study for up to two years at U.S. universities to pursue master’s degrees in the fields of Economics, Education, Environmental Policy and Management, International Affairs, Journalism and Mass Communication, Law, Library and Information Science, Public Administration, Public Health and Public Policy. Participants are selected through an open, merit-based competition.

The Fulbright program provides funding for the duration of the study. The grant covers tuition, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance. In addition to these scholarships, internships will be available on a competitive basis. This competition will take place in the U.S., once participants have initiated their studies there.

Eligibility requirements

• Belarusian citizenship;

• Proficiency in written and spoken English;

• Completed undergraduate education and a degree equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

Application process

Online applications must be submitted by September 3, 2023.

Applications and instructions are available at: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2024/. All applications and supporting documents should be submitted online ONLY.

If you are unable to create an application after clicking on the “Start New Application” link, try closing your browser window after creating an account (or logging into your account), clicking on the direct link to the application form again, and following the “Start New Application” link.

In response to the question “What is your country of permanent residence?”, please choose “Belarus” even if you do not currently reside in Belarus, and then explain your exact situation later in the application form.

A single online form is used to apply for two separate programs: the Fulbright Faculty Development Program and the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. Please make sure to select your desired program name (“award name”) in the beginning of the application form.

Please email us at belarus@americancouncils.org if you encounter any difficulties.

The selection of candidates for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program is carried out by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belarus with support from American Councils for International Education. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

The program offers equal opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, native language, handicap or disability.

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is open to all Belarusian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria irrespective of their current place of residence. All questions regarding Fulbright programs for Belarusian citizens should be addressed to belarus@americancouncils.org.

The U.S. Embassy in Minsk is pleased to announce the competition for the Fulbright Faculty Development Program (FFDP).

The Fulbright Faculty Development Program offers a one-semester, non-degree professional development program. Program activities include observing courses, developing curricula, gathering resource materials, attending conferences, collaborating with U.S. colleagues, giving presentations.  The Fulbright Faculty Development Program offers scholarships in any academic field. 

Fulbright Faculty Development Program provides promising junior university faculty with the opportunity to:

• develop new courses and ideas for curriculum reform at their home institutions;

• cultivate teaching skills and techniques based on personal observation of U.S. educational methods;

• expand the information base in their fields of study;

• become a vehicle for on-going contact and exchange between their home and host institutions.

Program Funding

The Fulbright Faculty Development Program provides round-trip international and domestic transportation, medical insurance, monthly stipends.  Since the Fulbright Faculty Development Program is a non-degree program, Fellows are not required or permitted to receive transcripts, grades or credit.

Application Process

Online applications must be submitted by September 3, 2023.

The application form and instructions are available at: https://apply.iie.org/ffsp2024/. All applications and supporting documents should be submitted online ONLY.

If you are unable to create an application after clicking on the “Start New Application” link, try closing your browser window after creating an account (or logging into your account), clicking on the direct link to the application form again, and following the “Start New Application” link.

In response to the question “What is your country of permanent residence?”, please choose “Belarus” even if you do not currently reside in Belarus, and then explain your exact situation later in the application form.

A single online form is used to apply for two separate programs: the Fulbright Faculty Development Program and the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. Please make sure to select your desired program name (“award name”) in the beginning of the application form.

Please email us at belarus@americancouncils.org if you encounter any difficulties.

The selection of candidates for the Fulbright Faculty Development Program is carried out by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belarus with support from American Councils for International Education. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

The program offers equal opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, native language, handicap or disability.

The Fulbright Faculty Development Program is open to all Belarusian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria irrespective of their current place of residence. All questions regarding Fulbright programs for Belarusian citizens should be addressed to belarus@americancouncils.org.

Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program is a non-degree, post-doctoral award program for researchers, university lecturers and experts from Belarus who wish to conduct post-doctoral research, lecture, or pursue combined lecturing and research in the United States. The program length is 3-6 months.

All candidates must currently be affiliated with universities or research institutions (including NGOs) in Belarus or other countries. Special preference will be given to candidates who have the capacity and commitment to take full advantage of a program of research or lecturing at a U.S. institution, and who are willing to share their experience and knowledge upon return. The Fulbright experience should be of value not only to the scholar, but also to the scholar’s home institution, as well as to the host U.S. institution. Fulbright scholars serve as cultural ambassadors and should be prepared to speak about their country, culture, and research to academic and community groups.

Eligibility

 Interested candidates also must:

• be citizens of Belarus;

• hold a Ph.D. or a post-graduate academic degree of “Kandydat Navuk” or “Doctar Navuk” in the field of research/lecturing;

• be proficient in oral and written English;

• receive a satisfactory medical clearance.

Program funding

The program is fully sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and provides the following items during the grant period:

• International airfare cost for return ticket;

• Monthly stipend for the whole grant period;

• Professional allowance;

• Settling-in allowance;

• Accompanying dependent visa support and monthly allowance;

• Health insurance.

Candidates should plan to start their programs between January 1 and May 31, 2024 (specific start dates to be determined by candidates based on their own preferences).

Application Process

The submission deadline for the online application is September 3, 2023.

Interested applicants should complete an online application at: https://apply.iie.org/fvsp2023/

If you are unable to create an application after clicking on the “Start New Application” link, try closing your browser window after creating an account (or logging into your account), clicking on the direct link to the application form again, and following the “Start New Application” link.

In response to the question “What is your country of permanent residence?”, please choose “Belarus” even if you do not currently reside in Belarus, and then explain your exact situation later in the application form.

Please email us at belarus@americancouncils.org if you encounter any difficulties.

Online application must include the following:

• Detailed project statement of proposed activity for research/lecturing in the U.S.;

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (resume);

• Three (3) letters of reference;

• Bibliography (research proposal) and/or course syllabus (lecturing proposal);

• Letter of invitation from a preferred U.S. host institution (optional, the program can also provide support in finding a host institution);

• Photocopy of a doctoral or “kandydatskaya” degree;

• Copy of passport.

The selection of candidates for the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program is carried out by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belarus with support from American Councils for International Education. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

The program offers equal opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, native language, handicap or disability.

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program is open to all Belarusian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria irrespective of their current place of residence. All questions regarding Fulbright programs for Belarusian citizens should be addressed to belarus@americancouncils.org.

The Professional Fellows Program is a two-way, global exchange program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. The program is designed to promote mutual understanding, enhance leadership and professional skills, and build lasting and sustainable partnerships between mid-level emerging leaders from foreign countries and the United States. The defining element of the program for foreign participants is a substantive five- to six-week fellowship placement in a U.S. workplace complemented by a collaborative project in their home country. More about the program can be found at https://www.professionalfellows.org/

Application process

The application season for this program is currently closed. If you have any questions about the Professional Fellows Program, please contact American Councils for International Education at belarus@americancouncils.org

Global UGRAD provides outstanding undergraduate students with one-semester scholarships for non-degree, full-time study in the United States. Students should be enrolled in the first two years of four-year Bachelor programs or the first three years of five-year Bachelor or Specialist programs at universities in Belarus or other countries.

The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) provides a diverse group of emerging student leaders with a scholarship for one semester of non-degree academic study at a U.S. college or university. Global UGRAD is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State, and aims to recruit participants from underrepresented backgrounds who have not had other opportunities to study in the United States. Successful applicants can expect an in-depth exposure to U.S. society, culture, and academic institutions, as well as opportunities to enhance their professional skills.

Program Design

All participants will be enrolled in full-time, non-degree, undergraduate coursework chosen from their host institution’s existing curriculum. Participants will be required to take one, 3-credit U.S. studies course to enhance their understanding of the United States. Participants will be required to participate in twenty hours of community service. There will also be a virtual arrival orientation and an in-person end-of-program workshop. Host institutions will offer instruction on topics including academic research and writing, critical thinking, time management, note-taking, and studying for and taking tests. Participants will live on-campus with U.S. peers or homestays with American families.

Participants cannot choose their host institution and will be placed at the most appropriate college or university based on their academic interests. Students who are not enrolled in pre-academic English may indicate a preference for a fall or spring semester, but final placement will be made by the organizers.

All academic fields of study are eligible.

*Per J-1 visa regulations, interested applicants in medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, pharmacology or other clinical fields of study, should be aware that direct patient care, including animal care, is not permitted, and therefore academic coursework and/or program activities at participating U.S. institutions may be limited.

The program is fully sponsored by the U.S. government, and includes:

• international travel from home city to U.S. host university,

• tuition at U.S. universities and living expenses,

• pre-departure orientation,

• virtual arrival orientation,

• in-person end-of-program workshop

Eligibility criteria

Candidates should be highly motivated and demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. They must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in Belarus or another country and have at least one semester to complete at their home institutions upon completion of the Global UGRAD Program. The UGRAD program cannot be the final academic term of a student’s undergraduate study.

The Global UGRAD Program is merit-based and is open to anyone who fits the eligibility criteria:

• a citizen of Belarus;

• at least 18 years of age at the start of the UGRAD Program in the United States;

• enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student in good standing at any university, public or private and having completed a minimum of their first semester of study;

• have at least one semester or an equivalent term to complete at their home institutions upon completion of the Global UGRAD Program.

• has a solid command of written and spoken English;

• able to begin studies in the United States in the fall of 2023 or in January 2024;

• eligible to receive and maintain U.S. student exchange visa (J-1) required for the program;

• cleared by a physician to participate in the program;

• have little or no prior experience in the U.S. or elsewhere outside of their home countries;

• must be able to achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 48iBT.

• be committed to returning to his or her home country after the completion of the program.

The following individuals are not eligible for the Global UGRAD Program:

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the United States;

• Masters-level students;

• Local employees of U.S. Embassies and Consulates; employees are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment;

• Immediate family members (i.e. spouses and children) of U.S. Department of State employees; family members are also ineligible for one year following the termination of employment;

• Current World Learning employees and their immediate family members.

English language testing

All nominated students must take the TOEFL test. Vouchers will be provided for nominated students to take the official TOEFL exam.

Application process

The application season for this program is currently closed. If you have any questions about Global UGRAD, please contact American Councils for International Education at belarus@americancouncils.org

The selection of candidates for the Global UGRAD program is carried out by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Embassy in Belarus with support from American Councils for International Education. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview.

The Global UGRAD program is open to all Belarusian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria irrespective of their current place of residence.