PARAMARIBO – Mid-career professionals are now able to apply for the 2023-2024 Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, an exchange program offered through the U.S. Department of State.
The Humphrey Fellowship offers a year of non-degree graduate-level study, leadership development, and substantive professional collaboration with U.S. counterparts. The application process open now is for the 2023-2024 academic year program.
The deadline to apply is May 30. Full details can be found at the U.S. Embassy website: https://sr.usembassy.gov/hubert-h-humphrey-fellowship-program-2/
“The exchange program is not a vacation. It is an investment in change makers, giving them new tools, knowledge, and networks to build a strong future for Suriname,” said U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Jakes Goshert. “It is a unique self-directed program, so we look for individuals with a passion for lifelong learning and an ability to put that new knowledge to good use upon their return to Suriname.”
As a non-degree program, the Humphrey Fellowship offers valuable opportunities for professional development through selected university courses, conferences, networking, and practical work experiences. While in the U.S., participants are expected to develop their own study plans, identify needed conferences, and develop their own networks.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Surinamese citizenship and residency
- Completed your BA studies by the start of the grant
- At least five years of full-time professional experience (prior to August 2023)
- Interest in the policy aspects of your respective field of specialization
- Demonstrated leadership qualities and a record of public service
- Completed your online application, including two reference letters
- Are proficient in English
“While the Humphrey program does require a high level of English skills, applicants who feel uncertain about their language abilities are encouraged to apply,” Goshert said. “Because it does offer to some selected candidates the ability to travel to the U.S. early for intensive English training before the start of the program. So, fear that your English skills are not good enough should not stop you from applying.”
The Humphrey Fellowship is open to individuals working in a variety of fields, centered around four cluster areas, including:
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
The program covers all expenses and is free to apply. Full details can be found on the U.S. Embassy website: https://sr.usembassy.gov/hubert-h-humphrey-fellowship-program-2/
“We encourage anyone who is interested to apply, especially those from outside Paramaribo or who come from marginalized communities,” Goshert said. “If you don’t apply, the answer is always no. So I encourage you to apply for this life changing experience and see if the answer can be yes.”
For further information, please contact Ingrid Hill via hillik@state.gov or via phone 748-0076.
