Yale World Fellows Program

Overview

The Yale World Fellows Program seeks applications from mid-career emerging leaders who have distinguished themselves within their own professions, regions, countries, or at an international level. Successful applicants uniformly possess the extraordinary qualities of mind and character that strong leadership requires.

Candidates for the Fellowship must demonstrate themselves to be driving forces for action or effective catalysts of change. In significant ways and in significant arenas, each must show promise of a career trajectory of increasing responsibility and impact. Yale World Fellows are selected from a wide range of fields and disciplines including government, business, nongovernmental organizations, religion, the military, media, and the arts.

Criteria for selection include:

• An established record of extraordinary achievement and integrity;

• Commitment to engagement in crucial issues and to making a difference at the national or international level;

• Promise of a future career of leadership and notable impact;

• Special capacity for critical, creative, entrepreneurial, and strategic thinking;

• Likelihood to benefit from participation in the Program and to contribute to global understanding at Yale;

• Commitment to a rigorous program of activities, to full-time residence at Yale for the duration of the program, and to mentoring students and speaking frequently on campus.

Applicants must:

- be in the mid-career stage, at least five and typically not more than twenty years into their professional careers, with demonstrated work accomplishments, and a clear indication of future contributions and excellence. The average age of a World Fellow is 38;

- have an excellent command of the English language and be able to speak, read, and write in English fluently;

- be a citizen of and reside in a country other than the United States

- Preference may be given to candidates who have not had extensive educational or work experience in the United States, particularly at Yale.

Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

- The online application form (personal information, employment history, and educational background)

- A résumé/CV

- Two essays (500 word maximum each)

Essay 1: Describe your recent work history and its relevance, including the key responsibilities of your positions and your major accomplishments.

Essay 2: Discuss an issue of importance to you and your country, your community, or region and how you think progress on this issue could be achieved.

Three confidential letters of reference. Letters should come from people familiar with your work and character. They may comment on your abilities, your potential for leadership, and your suitability for a Yale World Fellowship. You will have the ability to designate your recommenders who can submit a letter of recommendation for you online once you begin an application. Once you identify a recommender they will receive an e-mail providing instructions and access information.

Stipend and Living Arrangements

In addition to underwriting all program and educational costs, Yale provides Fellows with housing and a travel allowance, as well as a stipend of $32,500 to cover living expenses. The World Fellows Program does its best to assist with arrangements for Fellows who are joined in New Haven by a spouse or dependent minors for the duration of the Program.

Having a family accompany a Fellow to New Haven for the duration of the Fellowship is a decision that should be made only after serious consideration and discussion with the Program staff. While the families of some Fellows have lived full-time in New Haven for the four months of the Program, the majority of World Fellows with families – especially those with children – find it considerably easier and more convenient to have their family members come for shorter visits. Spouses and partners with career flexibility do often come to New Haven for longer stretches, and it is sometimes possible for them to be included in a small number of World Fellows activities. More complicated is the important decision regarding whether or not to bring children. Placing school-age children into schools in New Haven is a complex and competitive process. Program staff can provide information and some assistance in making school arrangements; however, there is no guarantee that schools in the Yale University area will have the necessary openings. Placing younger children into daycare centers can also present challenges. Fellows wishing to bring young children to New Haven must have full-time care arrangements for them. Fellows are occupied for many hours each day, including many evenings. In all cases, the Fellow must consider the intensive nature and significant demands of the Program, as well as the impact that long days and evenings will have on a partner and/or children.

Dates and Deadlines

The online application is open and available for 2012 candidates. The deadline for submitting all application materials is 11:59 PM EST on Friday, December 9, 2011. All materials must be submitted electronically prior to the deadline.

If you feel you would be a strong candidate for the Yale World Fellows Program and wish to start an application, please click here to begin

Contact detail

Telephone: +203 432 1910Facsimile: +203 432 1913E-mail: world.fellows@yale.edu
Website: www.yale.edu/worldfellows