Atlas Corps is an international network of nonprofit leaders and organizations that promotes innovation, cooperation, and solutions to address the world’s 21st century challenges. Their mission is to address critical social issues by developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and promoting innovation through an overseas fellowship of skilled nonprofit professionals. Atlas Corps engages leaders committed to the nonprofit sector in 12 to 18 month, professional fellowships at organizations to learn best practices, build organizational capacity, and return home to create a network of global changemakers.
Atlas Corps is an overseas fellowship for the world’s best nonprofit leaders. Our mission is to address critical social issues by developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and promoting innovation through an overseas fellowship of skilled nonprofit professionals.
Benefits for the Fellows coming to the U.S.
The Atlas Corps Fellowship is a 12-18 month professional fellowship offered three times a year. Fellows serve full-time at Host Organizations, develop leadership skills, and learn nonprofit best practices through the Atlas Corps Nonprofit Management Series training program and networking opportunities with other Fellows who are skilled nonprofit professionals from around the world.
Eligibility
- 2 or more years of relevant experience in the nonprofit/NGO/social sector
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- English proficiency (oral, writing, reading)
- 35 years or younger
- Applying to volunteer in a country other than where you are from
- Commitment to return to your home country after the 12-18 month fellowship
Timeline
Recruitment is a very fast-moving process. Applicants should check their email frequently for updates to avoid missing critical information or deadlines. Candidates who have already applied for the September 2011 or March 2012 Fellowship should NOT apply again. Finalists from those application cycles will be considered for the June 2012 Fellowship as well. Moving forward, Atlas Corps will be considering applications on a rolling basis. Apply by January 29th to be considered for the June 2012 class; applications received after that date will be considered for our September 2012 class.
March 2012 Fellowship:
- March 5 – 9: Orientation to Fellowship
- March 12: Fellows’ first day at Host Organizations
June 2012 Fellowship:
- January 29, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time: Deadline for applications
- January 30 – March 30: English Tests and Interviews for Applicants
- June 4 – 8: Orientation Week for June 2012 Fellows
- June 11: Fellows’ first day at Host Organizations
September 2012 Fellowship:
- April 15, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time: Deadline for applications
- April 16 – June 30: English Tests and Interviews for Applicants
- August 27 – 31: Orientation to Fellowship
- September 3: Fellows’ first day at Host Organizations
Application Process:
1. Online Application: All applications need to be submitted online. We will not accept applications via email or mail. You will need to create a login and you can save your responses so you can return to the application at any time. The application consists of background information, personal biography, essays, and letters of recommendation.
NOTE: In order to sponsor candidates to come to the United States for one year as a Fellow, we require detailed information about each applicant. The U.S. Government requires much of the information we are asking for in the application. Your responses also facilitate your Host Organization placement. Please answer each question honestly and accurately. It is critical to be honest and complete in your application. If you are found to be dishonest in the application, you will NOT be accepted as a Fellow and you will be sent home if you have been accepted.
2. Letters of Recommendation: Atlas Corps requires two (up to three) letters of recommendation from individuals who know you in a professional capacity and can write about your skills and experiences as well as your potential for success as an Atlas Corps Fellow. You will need to send your request for a letter of recommendation directly through the application system. Your recommender will receive an email that asks for a recommendation. More detailed instructions can be found in the online application form.
3. Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee including Atlas Corps staff and nonprofit sector, government, and business leaders from multiple countries. English writing tests and phone interviews will be conducted with semi-finalists. Host Organizations will conduct Skype video interviews with selected finalists. Host Organizations will make their final recommendations to Atlas Corps, and Atlas Corps will notify the selected candidates.
4. Visa Process: After being selected, candidates will go to the U.S. Embassy in their respective countries to apply for a J-1 visa. Atlas Corps will provide support in obtaining this visa.
Questions? Email apply@atlascorps.org
Learn more about the Atlas Corps Fellowship in the USA
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