2012-2013 International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Japan and South Korea: Seeking Applicants

Are you interested in spending time and working on research in Tokyo, Japan or Seoul, South Korea? Do you have an interest in U.S.-Japan or U.S.-South Korea relations? Do you know someone who is? If so, consider CFR’s 2012-2013 International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in Japan or 2012-2013 International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in South Korea.

What is the mission of the IAF in Japan? Founded in 1997, the IAF in Japan, sponsored by Hitachi, Ltd., seeks to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between the rising generations of leaders in the United States and Japan. The program provides fellows the opportunity to carry out research while affiliated with a cooperating institution in Japan. The goal of the fellowship is to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship by expanding American understanding of Japan and enhancing communication between Americans and Japanese on global problems.

What are the eligibility requirements for the IAF in Japan? The program is only open to U.S. citizens between the ages of twenty-seven and forty-five. The program is intended primarily for those without prior experience in Japan, although the selection committee has made exceptions when it considered that the fellowship would allow an individual to add new dimension to his or her relationship to Japan. While a PhD is not a requirement, successful candidates generally hold advanced degrees and possess a strong record of work experience and firm grounding in the field of foreign policy. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not a requirement.

Does the fellowship provide a stipend? The program awards a standard stipend of 750,000 YEN per month plus a travel and research allowance. (Military or State Department officers who receive full pay and overseas allowances during the fellowship period do not receive a stipend, though they may receive travel and research allowances). Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR, and are not eligible for employment benefits including health insurance.

What is the duration of the fellowship? The duration of the fellowship is between three and twelve months.

How many fellowships will be awarded? CFR awards three to five fellowships annually.

How do I apply? Please contact Fellowship Affairs at [email protected] or 212.434.9489 as soon as possible.

What is the mission of the IAF in South Korea? The IAF in South Korea, sponsored by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies, seeks to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between the rising generations of leaders in the United States and South Korea. The program provides fellows the opportunity to carry out research while affiliated with the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in South Korea. The goal of the fellowship is to strengthen the U.S.-South Korea relationship by expanding American understanding of South Korea and enhancing communication between both countries on global problems.

What are the eligibility requirements for the IAF in South Korea? The program is only open to U.S. citizens. While a PhD is not a requirement, successful candidates generally hold advanced degrees and possess a strong record of work experience and firm grounding in the field of foreign policy. Applicants do not have to be Korea specialists, and knowledge of the Korean language is not a requirement.

Does the fellowship provide a stipend? The program awards a stipend which covers living expenses in Seoul, South Korea plus international transportation and necessary research expenses. Fellows are considered independent contractors rather than employees of CFR, and are not eligible for employment benefits including health insurance.

What is the duration of the fellowship? The duration of the fellowship is between four and twelve months.

How many fellowships will be awarded? CFR awards a small number of fellowships to highly qualified individuals with outstanding project proposals.

How do I apply? Please contact Fellowship Affairs at [email protected] or 212.434.9489 as soon as possible.