Fully Funded Leadership Exchange in USA – Professional Fellows Program 2026

Applications are now open for the Professional Fellows Program (PFP) 2026 for South and Central Asia, focusing on Governance and Society. This fully funded, 5–6 week exchange program is supported by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by World Learning.

The program is designed to strengthen leadership skills, build cross-cultural connections, and enhance understanding of governance and societal issues. Fellows will collaborate with professionals in the United States, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, working together toward positive community change.

This call is for the Spring 2026 cohort (May–June 2026).

Program Overview

Host Country: United States
Duration: 5–6 Weeks
Dates: Spring 2026 (May–June)
Funding: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: August 29, 2025

Fully Funded Benefits

The Professional Fellows Program 2026 covers:

International airfare to and from the U.S.
Domestic travel within the U.S. related to the program
Accommodation (often shared housing)
Local transportation during the fellowship
Cultural activities and events
Modest living stipend for daily expenses
J-1 visa support including application fee coverage

Program Structure – A Two-Way Exchange

The PFP operates as a two-way exchange:

Non-U.S. fellows spend six weeks in the United States, gaining hands-on experience at a host organization.
American fellows later travel to participating countries to conduct follow-up projects and engage in collaborative programming.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is open to mid-level professionals who meet the following requirements:

Age: 25–40 years
Experience: At least 2 years of relevant work in:
- Governance & policymaking
- Public administration
- Journalism & civic engagement
- Innovation & political processes
Skills: Strong English proficiency
Qualities: Demonstrated leadership potential and openness to cross-cultural collaboration
Commitment: Willingness to implement a follow-on project after the program