Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General
What are the host institution’s primary obligations?
A host institution must provide an administrative coordinator as the central contact person between American Councils and the institution (usually the same person who completes the application). The host must also provide each Fellow with an academic advisor from the appropriate academic department. Other obligations include access to undergraduate and graduate courses within a Fellow’s academic discipline, access to a computer (personal or shared) with Internet access, library resources and workspace (shared/public acceptable). Hosts should also provide general logistical support to allow for Fellows’ quick adjustment to the community, such as assistance with locating housing, opening a bank account, and obtaining a social security number. Further logistical support may be necessary on an as-needed basis.
Fellow Selection & Host Application
Who selects the Fellows for program participation?
American Councils holds an open competition in each of the participating countries. Applicants must complete an application with recommendations and a statement of purpose. American Councils’ field offices locate readers to review applications (with anonymity for each applicant) and select semi-finalists. Semi-finalists are then invited to attend an interview and take an institutional TOEFL test. Interview results and TOEFL scores are shipped along with other application materials to the American Councils office in Washington, where a final selection committee comprised of American Councils staff and U.S. scholars review applications and overseas recommendations to make absolute finalist selections.
How do host institutions select Fellows?
The JFDP office has completely automated the process of selecting Fellows with an online placement tool, so that administering offices at host institutions need not process and distribute paper applications to all interested academic departments. Host institutions may search the list of Fellow finalists according to certain parameters (country of origin, academic field, or both), and then download, review, and distribute more detailed biographical information in electronic format (Adobe .pdf files). Host institutions decide which Fellows they would like to host and then use the online placement tool to submit requests for those Fellows, which should include information about the proposed academic advisor for a Fellow, relevant courses the Fellow could attend, and any other academic support information appropriate for a Fellow’s academic interests.
Can a host institution request to host someone from Eurasia or Southeastern Europe who has not been selected as a JFDP finalist?
Due to a rigorous competition and process of selection, American Councils cannot honor an institution’s request to host someone who is not selected as a JFDP finalist. However, if any selected Fellow has a prior connection to a particular institution, academic department or faculty member, American Councils will make that placement a first priority.
Who may host a Fellow?
American Councils staff prefers to work with one administrating office at each host institution. Having one central program contact at the institution allows for easier program administration.
May academic departments host Fellows or administrate the program for the entire institution?
To ease administrative duties, academic departments are encouraged to enlist their international scholar or program offices to centrally administrate the program. If such an arrangement is impossible, contact the JFDP office to explore other options.
Who may complete the application?
Only one host application per institution should be submitted. It is important that the appropriate parties complete the application. The JFDP must be administered from a central office, regardless of how many departments become involved in the program. Appropriate offices include international scholar or program centers, specialized institutes or research centers, or Russian, Eurasian, and East European centers.
Other Host Obligations
Once an institution submits an application, is it obligated to host a Fellow?
No. If, at any time during the selection or placement process, an institution decides it is unable or unwilling to host a Fellow, it may withdraw its application or simply not participate in the placement process.
How involved with the program should academic advisors become?
Academic advisors for JFDP Fellows are integral to the success of the program. We ask that advisors meet with their Fellows at least once a week, or according to a schedule that has been devised between the advisor and the Fellow.
What type of relationship should academic advisors expect?
The type of scholar accepted by the JFDP varies greatly from new faculty to department chairs. Therefore, the relationship developed between a JFDP Fellow and his or her advisor will also vary greatly. In the past we have seen peer relationships, mentor relationships, and everything in between. An advisor should act as an academic resource for the Fellow, help the Fellow acclimate to the department, and assist the Fellow in developing ties within the field.
Is collaborative work among Fellows and advisors expected?
It is not required of the program, but it is certainly encouraged that advisors work side-by-side on projects with Fellows, if professional interests coincide and the relationship permits.
Is a host required to offer private office space to a Fellow?
No. While this is an ideal situation, a host must minimally provide access to library workspace or shared office space. Fellows sometimes share space with graduate teaching assistants.
What about housing?
JFDP provides living stipends that adequately cover Fellows’ basic living expenses. American Councils requests that hosts provide assistance for locating housing. Fellows are not students, and hosts should not secure housing for them in the students’ dormitories. Graduate housing, faculty housing, and family housing are commonly acceptable. If housing will not be available upon a Fellow’s arrival, a host should locate temporary housing and assist the Fellow with finding housing arrangements upon arrival.
Program Goals
What kind of time commitment does the JFDP entail for the Fellows?
While it would be impossible to place specific time requirements upon the Fellows, their commitment to the program should resemble that of a full-time professor. No other activities, professional or personal, should impinge upon the Fellows' ultimate goals of receiving training in their academic field, forging relationships between U.S. universities and their home universities, gathering new academic materials and resources, garnering new educational perspectives, and informing U.S. faculty and students on education and life in their home countries.
Is the JFDP related to the Fulbright program?
No. The JFDP is a completely distinct program, although both are programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State. JFDP Fellows are not Fulbright Scholars, nor Junior Fulbright Scholars, and should not be represented as such.
How many courses should JFDP Fellows attend?
JFDP Fellows are required to attend at least four graduate-level courses in their field. Observation of, and participation in American university courses are essential to expanding the information bases in their respective academic fields.
What kind of coursework should JFDP Fellows be pursuing?
The approach Fellows take toward these classes varies from person to person. Active participation is encouraged, but simply observing classes is acceptable. If Fellows decide to visit courses only periodically according to specific lecture topics, it is expected that they will inform the instructor in advance and attend the equivalent of four full courses throughout the semester. Fellows should have access to graduate-level courses in their field, but their ultimate selections may be at the graduate or undergraduate level, whichever they find to be in their best interests.
Will the JFDP Fellows be conducting research during the program?
The JFDP is not a research-oriented program. No Fellow should be spending a majority of time in the library or working on a dissertation. However, by its very nature, expanding one’s information base in a field of study necessitates researching new topic matter. Working on textbooks, articles, or publications in one’s field is strongly encouraged.
Are the Fellows required to teach during the semester?
This is highly dependent upon the Fellows' comfort level with the English language and the university's regulations, but ideally all JFDP Fellows will have the opportunity to practice their newly-developed skills on an American audience. Co-teaching, guest lecturing, or giving occasional presentations are all ways in which Fellows can be involved in the university system.
Community involvement is mentioned as a program goal. What does this entail?
Many Fellows contribute to the university and local communities by volunteering their time, or teaching others about their backgrounds. Professional interests often motivate their involvement, but just as often they are interested in meeting people and becoming involved in the community. We request that you assist the Fellows in these endeavors by helping them identify community groups or events in which they could become involved.
Financial/Logistical Issues
Why doesn’t JFDP pay tuition or audit fees?
The JFDP is a non-degree program, so Fellows are not allowed to receive transcripts, grades or credit for the courses they attend. Likewise, Fellows may not formally register for courses, rather they may gain permission from instructors to informally observe classes. The host institution’s administrative coordinator or the academic advisor usually assist Fellows with choosing appropriate courses and communicating with those courses’ instructors to gain permission, thereby bypassing auditing fees.
What kind of insurance do JFDP Fellows have?
JFDP Fellows have the United States Department of State (USDOS) Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) Health Benefit Plan. The health insurance coverage is comprehensive and requires only a small deductible per illness or injury. The maximum benefit per illness or injury is $50,000, and also covers medical evacuation and repatriation. A link to the brochure with complete coverage details is located in the host application.
Will JFDP pay for a Fellow’s university health coverage if it can’t be waived?
Yes.
How do Fellows purchase textbooks and supplies for courses?
Fellows receive a fund for professional development, to be used for purchasing textbooks and supplies, and attending conferences and professional meetings. The fund is dispersed directly to the Fellow through a reimbursement process.
Are there any travel expenses which are not covered?
American Councils requests that host institutions meet Fellows for their initial arrival to campus, or at the very least provide instructions for ground transportation to the campus. The JFDP pays for all other international and domestic travel.
Can the JFDP Fellows travel away from the university during the semester?
The JFDP office needs to be informed of any travel away from the host university. Personal travel while classes are in session is prohibited, except for certain urgent matters which must be authorized in advance by American Councils. Fellows should conduct personal travel during semester breaks and weekends. Professional travel throughout the academic semester should be limited to one week, unless otherwise authorized by American Councils.
What is the policy concerning visas and DS-2019 forms?
American Councils prepares DS-2019 forms for Fellows and facilitates the processing of J-1 Visas as the responsible administering organization for the sponsor, the U.S. Department of State. Under no circumstances will extensions, renewals, or transfers of visas be granted. The two-year home residency requirement is strictly interpreted and enforced by this program and organization. Every Fellow must return home at the end of the JFDP.
What if a Fellow wants to pursue graduate work?
Fellows should be discouraged from conducting or seeking degree-work during their time in the U.S., nor should they apply for post-JFDP degree programs. Fellows actively pursuing or conducting such work may be removed from the program. American Councils will include this information in letters to advisors, and remind them they should not write recommendations for degree programs that begin immediately following the JFDP. Host universities that encourage Fellows to seek degrees may be ineligible to host any students, scholars, or faculty on American Councils and/or ECA programs in the future.
Does the program offer J-2 visas to the families of JFDP Fellows?
The American Councils will provide the documents necessary for processing J-2 visas for dependants (spouses and children under the age of 21) of JFDP Fellows, provided that all of the necessary regulations are met. There is a non-negotiable waiting period from the time a Fellow arrives at his/her university, before DS-2019 forms will be issued. To receive the DS-2019, Fellows must provide proof of dependants’ medical insurance and the ability to financially support dependants. Host institutions are not responsible for finding special housing arrangements for Fellows with dependants.
Are JFDP Fellows permitted to work during the program?
Under J-1 visa regulations Fellows are not permitted to work. However, the American Councils, as the administering organization, is able to authorize employment directly related to their academic and program goals. Fellows will be informed at orientation of the procedure to obtain work approval. Given approval of any proposal, Fellows are limited to working no more than fifteen hours/week, and earning no more than $500/month without a reduction in the stipend payment.
What if it is volunteer work?
American Councils encourages any kind of volunteer work a Fellow wishes to undertake. However, if it is going to occupy more than ten hours/week, it must be approved by American Councils.
Whom do I call with other questions?
Please contact the JFDP office at 202-833-7522 or at jfdp@americancouncils.org for all inquiries.