Fellowships: Language Training & Research in Eurasia, Spring & Summer 2007 programs

[Sheila Dawes]

American Councils is pleased to introduce new applications for its 2007-2008 Combined Research and Language Training Program. Applications for spring and summer programs are due October 1; applications for fall and academic year programs are due January 15. Applications are now available at www.americancouncils.org.

The American Councils Combined Research and Language Training (CRLT) Program serves graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, and faculty who, in addition to support for research in Eurasia, require supplemental language instruction. 

Programs are available in Belarus, Central Asia, Russia, the South Caucasus, Ukraine, and Moldova. Scholars may apply for support in more than one country during a single trip but must plan to be in the field for a total of three to nine months. Full and partial fellowships are available for research and/or language study through American Councils from U.S. Department of State (Title VIII) grant support.

Award Components: The total value of Title VIII CRLT fellowships, administered by American Councils, ranges from $5,000 to $25,000. Typical awards include: 
--International airfare from the scholar's home city to his/her host-city overseas. 
--Academic affiliation at a leading local university or educational institution.  
--Roughly ten hours per week of advanced language instruction in Russian, the host-country language, or a combination of the two. Classes are often conducted as private tutorials, focusing on each participant's individual needs and interests. 
--Visa(s) arranged by American Councils in direct collaboration with academic host institutions in order to facilitate archive access and guarantee timely visa registration. 
-- Housing in a university dormitory or with a local host family. 
--A monthly living stipend. 
--Financial and logistical support for travel within the region, as required by research. 
--Health insurance of up to $50,000 per accident or illness. 
--Ongoing logistical support from American Councils offices throughout the region, including an in-country orientation and 24-hour emergency aid.

Application Requirements: Scholars in the humanities and social sciences who have attained at least an intermediate level of proficiency in Russian or their proposed host-country language are eligible to apply to the program. Typically, CRLT applicants are graduate students at relatively early stages of their dissertation research. However, participants may be at more advanced stages in their careers, and applications from established scholars seeking to develop their proficiency in new languages are welcome.

While a wide-range of topics receive support each year, all funded research must contribute to a body of knowledge enabling the U.S. to better understand the region and formulate effective policies within it. All applicants should clearly describe the policy-relevance of their work, be it in anthropology, literature, history, international relations, political science, or some other field. 

Applicants must submit a two to three-page research proposal and bibliography, curriculum vitae, archive lists (if relevant), a one-page research synopsis in the host-country language, application form, clear copy of the inside page of their passport, and two letters of recommendation from colleagues, professors, or other qualified persons who are familiar with the applicant's work. At least one letter of recommendation must directly address the applicant's language skills and ability to conduct research in the host country. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. All competitions for funding are open and merit based. 

Applications for spring and summer programs are due October 1; applications for fall and academic year programs are due on January 15. 

For more information, please contact:

Outbound Programs/ Title VIII Research Scholars
American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS
1776 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (202) 833-7522
Email: outbound at americancouncils.org 
Website: www.americancouncils.org	

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