WHAT IS A FELLOWSHIP?

Fellowships are short-term learning opportunities with long-term impacts. Typically sponsored by a specific association or organization, fellowships are internationally-prestigious and highly-competitive awards that focus on the professional and academic development of undergraduate and graduate students. Opportunities range from a few weeks or months for undergraduate fellowships, to 1-2 years for fellowships post-graduation.

If you are seeking out additional international experience during your time at Siena or after you graduate, are looking to take part in high-impact academic and professional growth, or are interested in pursuing graduate school, teaching or research abroad, a fellowship may be right for you!

HOW DO I KNOW IF I'M A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR A FELLOWSHIP?

The one element most in your control is your academic performance. Excellence in (and out) of the classroom is up to you. Most fellowships have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 and require extracurricular engagement and demonstrated leadership experience. Speak with your Academic Advisor and the Center for International Programs staff to learn more.

For postgraduate fellowships, previous international experience (such as study abroad), focused extracurricular involvement, and intentional leadership roles are key to any application.

WHAT do i need to know about the fellowship application process?

There are three common rules to remember when applying to fellowships.

  1. Most people do not win. We say this not to cause you stress or anxiety, but to remind you that fellowships are highly competitive awards. There is no guarantee.
  2. Always have a back-up plan. Particularly if you're pursuing a fellowship post-graduation, have alternative plans in place should you not receive the fellowship. 
  3. Consider the benefits of simply applying. While fellowships are competitive and very selective, there are great advantages to completing the application, including honing and defining your goals, assessing your strengths and weaknesses, learning how to write compelling essays, emphasizing your skills and talents, organizing your time effectively, creating a narrative of your life (by "connecting the dots"), learning interview and presentation skills, and preparing for graduate school, internship or job applications.

WHAT CAN I DO NOW TO Build a competitive fellowship application?

There are several strategies to help you build a strong and competitive fellowship application:

  • Take part in intentional extracurricular activities (i.e. clubs and organizations, community service and engagement, internships, research) and seek out leadership roles on- and off-campus
  • Focus your academic projects / research in topics of interest, work alongside faculty on pursuing these interests, and register for relevant courses (especially those in Modern Languages, International Studies and Education)
  • For fellowships offering opportunities to teach abroad (such as Fulbright), seek out relevant experiences to teach, mentor, coach or tutor through your local community or on-campus programs in the Writing Center, SASE, Education Department, and Mentoring Program
    • Additionally, take coursework to gain theoretical background and practical experience in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction such as EDUC 275: TESOL Methods and WRIT 240: Peer Tutoring in Writing
  • For postgraduate fellowships, gain international experience through study abroad, service trips / travel courses and engagement with multicultural communities

HOW SHOULD I BEGIN WORKING ON A FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION?

If you are considering a fellowship opportunity or want to learn more, speak with your Academic Advisor and meet with an advisor in the Center for International Programs as soon as possible. You can email international@siena.edu to set up a meeting. Preparation and advice, especially early on, always helps! We can then work with you throughout the application process to put together a strong and competitive application.

For undergraduate fellowships, deadlines are typically between early-November to early-February. We recommend students reach out and begin the application process roughly 1-2 months in advance. For postgraduate fellowships, deadlines vary but most students should begin the application process at the end of their junior year and will submit their application at the start of their senior year. 

If you are a Siena alum, you are more than welcome to utilize our Center's resources to help you prepare and apply for a fellowship. Please reach out to us for further information and guidance.