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EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS WITH RUSSIA

ACADEMIC YEAR 2004/2005

As part of its overall program of bilateral cooperation, the Embassy of the United States of America in the Russian Federation is pleased to announce the following educational and cultural exchange programs with Russia for academic year 2004/2005. Unless otherwise specified, these programs are carried out under the auspices of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.

Academic Programs are designed for scholars interested in research and lecturing opportunities as well as for university and high school students. Professional Development Programs offer opportunities for graduate-level (often non-degree) study as well as internships in related fields of employment. Recruitment for the majority of the programs, run by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, is based upon open competition. With the exception of specific programs, such as the Department of Agriculture's Cochran Fellowship, fluency in English is required for application.

All the participants of the U.S. Government sponsored educational and cultural exchange programs obtain J-1 visas. The participants and any dependents who traveled with them are required to return to their home country after completing their program in the United States, and reside there physically for two years before they may become eligible to apply for an immigrant or temporary worker visa.

Information regarding particular exchanges is available from the specific organizations cited in each category. Additionally, general information concerning these exchanges and studying in the U.S. (how to apply, which tests to take, university addresses, and scholarship information) is available from the following organizations:

A full list of Educational Information Centers in Russia is available at http://www.useic.ru/eics/.

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

The Fulbright Senior Scholar Program is an internationally recognized program working in over 140 countries for the purpose of promoting mutual understanding between the United States and other nations through academic exchange.

The Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program is open to Russian scholars who have established themselves in their fields and wish to take advantage of the opportunity to further their professional development through research or lecturing activity in the United States. The candidate must have a kandidatskaya degree (as a minimum requirement), a proven record of research activities and publications, and well-developed English skills. Applicants must be Russian citizens permanently residing in the Russian Federation.

Grantees are chosen through a merit-based, open competition which includes submission of an application and project proposal, peer review of the proposal, interviews in English, and final selection by a bi-national panel of Russian and American scholars and professionals. Applicants may submit project proposals for grants from 3 to 8 months in the following disciplines: American history; American literature; anthropology / archaeology; art history; arts management; architecture / urban planning; American studies; distance learning; business administration; economics; education; environmental studies; geography; history (non-U.S.); communications/ journalism; language / literature; linguistics; law; library science; medical sciences (infectious diseases, substance abuse); music; philosophy; political science; psychology; public administration; religious studies; sociology/ social work; TEFL / applied linguistics; performing arts (theater/dance); history and philosophy of science; film/photography.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS PROGRAM: OCTOBER 18, 2003.

The Fulbright Graduate Student Program is open to Russian university graduates and to graduate (kandidatskaya) students in the arts, humanities and social sciences. The program will support up to two years of study for a master's degree program at a U.S. university, one academic year of graduate-level coursework at a U.S. university, or research for one academic year at U.S. universities and archives to gather material for completing a kandidatskaya dissertation.

Applicants must be Russian citizens permanently residing in the Russian Federation who have a university diplom or a bakalavr degree. Applicants should be no older than 30 years of age.

Applicants may submit project proposals for grants in the following disciplines: American history; American literature; American Studies; anthropology / archaeology; architecture /urban planning; art history; arts management; dance; distance learning; film/photography; fine arts; folklore; geography; history (non-US); history and philosophy of science; linguistics; literature; music; musicology; philosophy; political science; psychology; religious studies; sociology/ social work; TEFL, theater, public administration, journalism, law (only for those who are committed to teaching law at a Russian university).

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS PROGRAM: JUNE 16, 2004.

Anyone seeking more information about either of these programs, including representatives from institutions of higher education that are interested in hosting a visiting American scholar, may contact:

Fulbright-Kennan Institute Research Scholarship Program is a merit-based, open competition that offers six-month fellowships in residence at the Kennan Institute in Washington, D.C. Preference will be given to applicants in the humanities and social sciences whose research informs discussion of key public policy issues, enhances development of scholarship in the former Soviet Union, and fosters communication between the world of scholarship and the world of public affairs. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a particular need to be in Washington, D.C. The Woodrow Wilson Center devotes significant attention to the exploration of broad thematic areas. Primary themes are: 1) governance, including such issues as the key features of the development of democratic institutions, democratic society, civil society, and citizen participation; 2) the U.S. role in the world and issues of partnership and leadership; and 3) key long-term future challenges confronting the U.S. and the world.

Fulbright-Kennan Institute Research Scholarships are available to researchers and lecturers from academic and higher educational institutions and research centers that are actively involved in academic and research work. Eligible candidates include scholars and researchers who have at least two years post-doctoral (post-kanditat) academic and research experience. While conducting research, Fulbright-Kennan scholars are expected to hold public lectures on their proposed research topics and actively participate in discussions within the public policy and academic communities, including meetings, conferences, and other activities organized by the Kennan Institute and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. Fellowships begin in the U.S. on September 1 or March 1.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS PROGRAM: OCTOBER 18, 2003.

Contact:

or

Junior Faculty Development Program is open to Russian educators with demonstrated potential as instructors who are currently teaching at a university or similar institute of higher education (VUZ) and who are interested in acquiring new skills and knowledge in teaching methodologies and curriculum development. The grantees are placed in an American university for a full academic year plus an internship (11 months total) in a program under the mentorship of an American faculty member in the appropriate field.

Applicants to the program must be Russian citizens permanently residing in the Russian Federation; must currently be teaching in an institution of higher education and have between two and eight years teaching experience in their field plus well-developed English language skills. Preference will be given to applicants under 40 years of age.

Grantees are chosen in a competitive process which includes submission of an application and project proposal, peer review of the proposal, interviews in English, a TOEFL test, and final selection by a bi-national commission of Russian and American scholars and professionals. Applicants may submit project proposals in the following fields: American studies; architecture and urban planning (priority given to applied aspects); arts management; business administration; cultural anthropology; economics; educational administration; environmental studies (emphasis on environmental policy); history (emphasis on 20th century and American history); public policy; law; library /archival science; linguistics; literature (emphasis on American literature); philosophy; political science; psychology; public administration; sociology; journalism.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS NOVEMBER 29, 2003.

Contact:

Contemporary Issues Program selects policy makers; government officials at the national, regional, and local levels; staff of non-governmental associations; lawyers; journalists; bankers and managers; political consultants; public opinion pollsters; judges; and academics for research fellowships at U.S. host institutions. Candidates must be professionally engaged in areas devoted to the building of democracy, free markets and a civil society. Fellows must hold an academic degree equivalent to a U.S. Masters of Arts or Masters of Science degree, have at least three years' professional experience in the proposed field of research, and possess good leadership and communications skills.

All fellows are required to conduct research, write analytical studies, and make presentations. The U.S. program is four months. Research on a broad range of topics should fall into one of the following categories: sustainable growth and economic development in Russia; human rights and the rule of law; democratization; political; military; security and public policy issues; strengthening civil society; Internet; the communications revolution; and intellectual property rights.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS OCTOBER 31, 2003.

Contact:

Young Leadership Fellows For Public Service Program is an academic exchange program for outstanding Russian college graduates who demonstrate leadership skills and an interest in public service to obtain the skills and experience necessary to become leaders in the public service sector in Russia.

The Program will provide one year of intensive academic and professional training to young Russian leaders in fields relevant to the democratic transition of the Russian society and the US-Russian historical, political and economic context. Students will select a concentration in either community affairs, governmental affairs, or corporate affairs.

Fellows will be placed at the academic institutions of the United States. The program includes one year on non-degree graduate-level academic study at qualified universities and colleges, a community service component, and a four-to-twelve week professional development internship.

Applicants must demonstrate interest or evidence of involvement in public service, as well as leadership potential, academic excellence, and proficiency in written and spoken English. All applicants must be Russian citizens, under the age of 30 at the time of the application deadline, and have received the equivalent of a bachelor's degree by the start of the program.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS OCTOBER 31, 2003

Contact:

Undergraduate Exchange Program provides tuition and living expenses for Russian undergraduate students in their first, second or third year of study to attend an American university or community college for one year. Fields of study include Agriculture, American Studies, Business, Computer Science (first year students only), Criminal Justice, Economics (second and third year students only), Education (second and third year students only), Environmental Management, International Relation (second and third year students only), Journalism and Mass Communication, Political Science, and Sociology.

Academic programs are complemented by community service activities, a practical internship and an end-of-year workshop. Applicants are selected through an open competition after meeting age and English proficiency requirements.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS OCTOBER 17, 2003.

Contact:

Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) brings Russian high school students to the United States to live with American host families, attend high school and experience community life for an academic year. Participants will be chosen for the 2004/05 school year. All students currently enrolled in the ninth or tenth grade who were born between 1 January 1988 and 15 July 1989 are eligible to apply. Students with disabilities are eligible to apply if they were born between 1 January 1986 and 15 July 1989 and study in the ninth, tenth or eleventh grades.

Recruitment is through an open competition organized by the American Councils for International Education (ACTR/ ACCELS) in conjunction with the Russian Ministry of Education. Successful applicants will have a good command of the English language, a good academic record, and the personal skills, qualities, attitude and motivation to enable them to succeed as exchange students.

FIRST ROUND RECRUITMENT FOR THIS PROGRAM WILL TAKE PLACE FROM SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2003

Contact:

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

The United States-Russia Awards for Teachers of English and American Studies is a Russia-wide competition for teachers at the secondary school level. The program is jointly organized by the U.S. Embassy and the Russian Ministry of Education in cooperation with the American Councils for International Education: ACTR / ACCELS.

Teachers who are currently teaching English or American Studies at a secondary school in the Russian Federation and who have at least five years of teaching experience are eligible to apply. Finalists spend six to eight weeks in the U.S. at a summer professional enrichment seminar. Semi-finalists receive books and computer or office equipment for their schools.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 15, 2003.

Contact:

Edmund S. Muskie Graduate Fellowship Program provides financial assistance to qualified individuals for one and two year degree and non-degree graduate-level programs in the United States. Fellowships are offered in the fields of business administration, economics, education, environmental management, international affairs, journalism/mass communication, law, library and information science, public administration, public policy, and public health.

Candidates must be under 40 years of age and have an undergraduate degree. Selection is conducted through an open competition and is determined on the basis of academic excellence, English language proficiency, and professional aptitude. Applicants are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and may be required to take the GMAT (test to enter business school) or GRE (general graduate school examination) if applying for degree programs. An interview in English is the final stage of the selection process.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS OCTOBER 31, 2003.

Contact:

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program brings accomplished mid-level professionals to the United States for a year of academic and professional work. Appropriate candidates are mid-career professionals in leadership positions who have the required experience, skills, commitment to public service, and potential for advancement in their professions. Fellowships are granted competitively to public and private sector candidates with a commitment to public service in the fields of communications/journalism, natural resources and environmental management, public policy analysis / public administration, economic development, agricultural development/agricultural economics, finance and banking, human resource management/personnel, law and human rights, urban and architectural planning, technology policy and management, educational planning, and public health policy and management. An additional drug abuse component in the field of public health policy and management emphasizes drug abuse education, treatment, and prevention.

Applicants are selected on the base of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). An interview in English is the first stage of the selection process.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THIS PROGRAM IS OCTOBER 24, 2003.

Contact:

The Special American Business Internship Training Program (SABIT) of the U.S. Department of Commerce is a unique U.S. private sector - U.S. government partnership to support Russia's and Eurasia' transition to market economies while fostering long-term U.S.-Eurasian commercial ties. SABIT provides 4 weeks of industry-specific group training, as well as 3-6 months' individual training in the U.S. Since 1990 SABIT has trained more than 3000 managers and scientists from Eurasia, including more than 1600 from Russia.

Contact:

Cochran Fellowship Program of the United States Department of Agriculture sends specialists from Russia to the U.S. for training in agricultural and agribusiness issues. The objectives of the program are to develop agricultural systems, which will satisfy food requirements in Russia, and to strengthen and enhance trade linkages with the United States. The program consists of short-term training for two to four weeks designed to address the specific interests of the participants. Selection is based on an application and an interview. There is no age limit or language requirement. Interested persons should contact the U.S. Embassy's Foreign Agricultural Service.

Contact:

SUMMER INSTITUTES AND SEMINARS

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. State Department sponsors Summer Institutes for Secondary School Educators and Summer Institutes for Foreign University Educators in the fields of American Studies and Civic Education. The Institutes are small and the selection process is highly competitive. Each Summer Institute consists of four weeks of academic courses plus two seeks of travel designed to introduce participants to the people and culture of the United States.

Contact: