The Fellowship recruits consist of young professionals from India and the US, between the ages of 21 and 35, with remarkably diverse professional and personal backgrounds, who bring a passion for community-based development.

• Be a US Citizen, US Permanent Resident, or Indian Citizen
• Be a young professional between the age of 21-35 by the program start of October 1
• Have completed at least a Bachelor’s or other undergraduate degree before the program starts on October 1
• Be willing and able to serve on the ground in India for the full duration of the program
• Be willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine before the start of the program
• Bring both skills and experience, as well as an eagerness to learn with host communities on the ground
• Willing to learn a local language if required for the project
• Be committed to enriching learning opportunities for the fellowship community and positively contribute to building U.S.-India bridges of understanding and partnership during their time of service and after

• While the program is highly competitive, development work is by nature interdisciplinary and requires teams with diverse skill sets. AIF encourage candidates from all fields, disciplines and sectors to apply. AIF welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds and levels of experience.

• Whatever one’s field may be, a candidate should demonstrate a deep interest, passion, and commitment to social and economic development in India. Candidates must show humility and an eagerness to learn within a cross-cultural context. Ideal candidates possess strong professional skills, relevant volunteer or other practical experience, and applicable academic credentials or training.
  
  
• They show a potential for leadership and are entrepreneurial, innovative, and creative in finding solutions and navigating unknown organizational and cultural environments.
  
  
• Candidates must be flexible and adaptable, and possess exceptional ability to build meaningful relationships across cultures in the social development space. A sensitivity and ability to work with vulnerable communities, as well as humility and passion to acquire new skills informally and “learn by doing” while on the project, are essential for a successful Fellowship.
  
  
• Although proficiency in an Indian language other than English is not required to apply, it is encouraged. Language skills may be considered for suitable on-site placements.
  
  

• Fluency in English is required. It is not a requirement for Fellows to speak other local languages, however it is considered a valuable skill in the selection process and taken into consideration when placing Fellows with AIF partner organizations. If accepted into the program, Fellows may be eligible to receive some language training in a local language related to their project.

  Regardless of existing language fluency, the ability to work across language barriers is important during the Fellowship. With over 19,500 languages or dialects spoken across India, even locals often must rely on informal translators from the community, or have to find other ways to communicate!

The initial online application consists of information about a candidate’s educational and professional background and a series of short essay questions. The essay questions are designed to help them understand the knowledge, skills, and qualifications that a candidate would bring to the Fellowship. AIF also want to get to know candidates better and find out what motivates them.

In addition to these, AIF also ask applicants to provide two professional recommendations. Rather than requiring recommendation letters, they will ask each recommender to complete an online survey about the applicant they are recommending. Candidates should inform their recommenders about the deadline in advance.