Award: The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) seeking applicants for the 2024 FAS International Agricultural Fellowship Program (IAFP). The IAFP encourages the application of individuals interested in promoting U.S. agriculture in foreign markets and advancing international food security through careers as Foreign Service Officers in the Foreign Agricultural Service, a uniquely rewarding public service career. The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in USDA and those with financial need. It is open to U.S. students and alumni of all accredited universities and with any undergraduate major.

INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM ELEMENTS

  • Funding up to $42,000 per year for two years to attend two-year graduate programs in Agribusiness or Agricultural Economics at U.S. universities.
  • A summer internship working at the Foreign Agricultural Service in Washington D.C., with a stipend, housing, and transportation.
  • An overseas summer internship working in a FAS office at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, with a stipend, housing, and transportation.
  • Mentoring from a FAS Foreign Service Officer.
  • Professional development activities to prepare individuals for their Foreign Service careers.
  • Pathway to employment in the Foreign Agricultural Service for those who successfully complete the program and FAS requirements, with a five-year service obligation.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

  • U.S. Citizenship
  • 3.2 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
  • Intention to seek admission to a two-year, full-time, on-campus master's degree program at a U.S.-based graduate institution beginning in fall 2024 in Agribusiness or Agricultural Economics.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Apply online at FASFellowship.org.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  October 12, 2023 at 11:59 PM EST.

EMPLOYMENT IN FOREIGN AGRICULTURAL SERVICE:   Fellows who successfully complete the program and FAS entry requirements will join the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) upon completion of the program, in a position determined by FAS.   Those who pass the FAS Foreign Service entry procedures, including the FAS Foreign Service Test, will enter as Foreign Service Trainees.  If the Fellow has not yet passed the FAS Foreign Service Assessment, the fellow will enter as a Civil Service employee and have opportunities to take the FAS Foreign Service Assessment once employed. The five-year service requirement remains, whether the fellow is in the Civil or Foreign Service. FAS Foreign Service Officers serve as the eyes, ears and voice of American agriculture around the world, working in overseas field offices at U.S. diplomatic missions around the world. 

 

Requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen;
  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program relevant to Information Technology at a U.S.-based accredited institution and entering your junior year, OR
  • Be seeking admission in an IT-related master’s degree program at a U.S.-based accredited institution beginning in fall;
  • Be on a timeline to graduate with your bachelor’s or master’s degree in 2 years;
  • Hold a minimum 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale at the time of the application, and maintain this GPA through participation in the program;
  • Be able to obtain and maintain medical and security clearances and suitability requirements;
  • Agree to a minimum five-year commitment with the Foreign Service upon successful completion of the program and the State Department’s requirements.

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