Fellowships will be granted to candidates with a commitment to NGO or governmental efforts that support people with intellectual disabilities. Participants will receive an intense, hands-on learning experience that will benefit them both professionally and personally. Fellows will be paired with a Mentor in their Host Programs that will support their learning. Likewise, the Special Olympics Program in their home country will provide aid for their six-month volunteer project upon their return. Special Olympics headquarters is responsible for administering the program, including recruitment, selection, placement, logistics, monitoring, and evaluation.
After this experience, Fellows should be well-positioned to lead efforts in their own countries to promote effective policies and programs to benefit people with intellectual disabilities. Fellows will have the chance to make contacts with other leaders from across the globe and will gain a valuable network of colleagues. Through these new alliances, Fellows will have the ability to share perspectives and knowledge on best practices in disability supports and services, sports management and NGO administration.
Fellows will ultimately further their own career goals while also raising the status of people with intellectual disabilities. This exciting professional development opportunity will serve as a catalyst for Fellows to advocate for the needs and value of this population.
Am I eligible to become an EKS Fellow?
Candidates from 13 different countries that have been identified by Special Olympics and the State Department will be prioritized. These countries include Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, India, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.
Primary EKS Fellowship Program Selection Criteria:
- Be at least 21 years of age at the time of applying for the program;
- Possess knowledge of the English language sufficient for educational purposes and day-to-day interactions in a working and living environment;
- Have attained education above the high school level (for example, Bachelor's Degree, Associate Degree or equivalent successful coursework.) Advanced degrees encouraged, but not required;
- Evidence of leadership potential;
- Have a minimum of five years experience in the NGO or governmental sector in his or her home country; Professional experience within Special Olympics is not a pre-requisite for participation. In fact, Special Olympics will encourage strong candidates not formally affiliated with the movement, but who work on intellectual disability issues to apply. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated strong commitment to Special Olympics and who have worked for five or more years in the NGO sector;
- Genuine and proven interest in inclusive intellectual disability issues, nonprofit management and/or sports;
- Ability to spend at least three months without interruption in the United States;
- Commitment to volunteer with the Special Olympics Program in his or her home country for at least six months after completion of the visit to the United States to fulfill the Fellowship Project component of the experience; and
- Ability to obtain letter of support from the home country Special Olympics Program
Do I get paid?
All housing, food, transportation to and from the host country and other travel as directed by Special Olympics will be covered at the U.S. government per diem rate. In addition, a stipend for other living expenses will be awarded to each Fellow. Fellows will be financially responsible for obtaining their passports, visas, and for all luggage transport costs. They will receive administrative support from Special Olympics in obtaining a J-1 visa but will need to make separate arrangements to obtain a valid passport in time to participate in the program. It is recommended that Fellows possess a valid passport before applying to become a Fellow and that the passport be valid for at least six months beyond the period of the program.
What kind of support will I receive?
Applicants will be required to secure a letter of support from their home country Special Olympics Program, ensuring that an initial connection has been made. A series of conversations involving the home country Special Olympics Program, Special Olympics headquarters and the U.S. Host Program to which a Fellow has been assigned will then be conducted prior to each Fellow's arrival in the United States. These conversations will focus on the planning of the Fellowship Project and the creation of a customized learning experience, to aid each Fellow in implementing his/her Project. Additionally, Special Olympics will be responsible for helping Fellows troubleshoot issues during their stay and will serve as a liaison between the Fellow, the Host Program, and the home country Special Olympics Program.
What happens after I return to my home country?
Upon completion of the visit to the United States, each Fellow will implement their Fellowship project at the Special Olympics Program in his/her country. The project should take 250 hours total to complete for a period of six months.
Fellows from year 1 are completing Projects that represent their unique talents and interests. Samples of Projects include the creation of a new partnership between organizations coming from multiple sectors, the planning and implementation of an inclusive sports competition for athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, the facilitation of a sister exchange between a U.S. Host Program and a home country Special Olympics Program through a targeted sports equipment donation, the composition of an original song to raise awareness for people with intellectual disabilities, and the development of a Web-based resource to recruit new volunteers and increase youth activation.
What kind of visa do I need to enter the United States?
Applicants will enter the program under the "J-1" visa program. The "J-1" visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the U.S. Department of State. Applicants will be required to submit all supporting documents and to complete all necessary requirements to obtain this visa. For more information on "J-1" visas visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html.
What are the deadlines?
Applications are due on 1 February 15 February 2009. The Program will run from May to July 2009. Please note these dates are tentative and are subject to change.
How do I get further information on the program?
To receive further information, please contact Lisa Dietz, the manager of this program at +1 (202) 824-0228 or by e-mail at ldietz@specialolympics.org.
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