NAFSA RISE Fellowship FAQ

What the estimated cost would be to join the program?

The RISE Fellowship has no costs associated with it. The RISE Fellowship is intended to cover all required costs of participating in the NAFSA Academy for International Education in year 1. This includes everything that’s listed in the “What’s Included” section of the RISE webpage: www.nafsa.org/rise .

Do I have to pay the program costs for the NAFSA Academy?

No. This is included in the fellowship

Are there any hidden fees?

There are no hidden fees that fellows are asked to cover. However, please note that per diem during travel days to/from Academy Spring Training are not included and a set per diem, based on GSA rates will be provided for the Annual Conference. Spending over and above the set per diem is not reimbursable by NAFSA.

Do you have any examples of Year 2 activities? And is the individual/institution subject to pay for whatever costs those activities incur?

Year 2 activities will be developed and curated based on the learning plans and contexts of the individual fellows. All efforts will be made to eliminate/minimize any costs to the fellow/institution to the extent possible. Cost will be a point of discussion as plans are being made.

Is there any flexibility on the requirement of attending the NAFSA  Annual Conference?

Attendance at the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo is a requirement during the first year of the fellowship. Attendance and participation in the conference is a key element in achieving the goals set forth in your learning plan.

Is there any flexibility on the requirement of attending Academy Spring Training?

Spring Training is required for participation in NAFSA’s Academy for International Education and the RISE Fellowship. Spring Training is foundational to the entire Academy program . As Year 1 of the RISE Fellowship is full participation in the Academy, it is a non-negotiable requirement for RISE Fellows as well. If you have a conflict with Spring Training, we encourage you to apply for the RISE Fellowship again the following year.

Where can I find the dates for the Regional Conferences?

View future regional conference dates and locations.

Is it possible to attach another updated resume after submitting the application?

Applications can be updated and modified until the application deadline. At that point, no more changes can be made.

Can I apply as a non-NAFSA member?

You do not need to be a NAFSA member to apply for the NAFSA RISE Fellowship.

Can I nominate someone?

If you know someone who would be a good fit for this Fellowship, please encourage them to apply. You can also send an email to [email protected] with the person’s name and email and NAFSA Professional Learning Services staff will reach out to them and encourage them to apply for the fellowship.

Do I need a letter of reference?

Letters of reference are not part of this application process and will not be available to reviewers.

Is this opportunity available only to new professionals in the international education field?

New professionals is loosely defined. If you are interested in the RISE Fellowship and the Academy program otherwise, you are encouraged to apply and will be considered!

I am not affiliated with an institution. Can I still be considered?

Applicants do not need to be affiliated with an institution to be eligible to apply. All applicants must be currently employed full time in the field of international education and have been in their current position for at least a year by the program start date.

Would you consider those who work in foreign institutions as well?

The RISE Fellowship is meant to serve IE professionals working primarily within the U.S. Those IE professionals working for a foreign/global institution based in the U.S. are eligible to apply for the Fellowship.

Do I need to be employed in the field of international education to apply?

To qualify for the RISE Fellowship you must be employed full time in the field of international education. The program is designed to support and enhance the work the fellows are already doing on their campuses or in their organizations. Therefore, if you are not employed full time in the field, there would be no structure to the program for you.

I am currently enrolled in a degree seeking program, am I eligible to apply?

Being enrolled in a degree-seeking program does not disqualify and applicant. All applicants must currently be working full time within the field of international education to be eligible for the fellowship. During the first year of the fellowship, fellows take full part in the NAFSA Academy for International Education, which is a time-intense program. Applicants are encouraged to think about their time commitments to their full time job, their degree-seeking program, and their active involvement in the fellowship (which includes the Academy for International Education as one component), among all other commitments.

I just transition to a new position at a new institution. Am I eligible?

Explain the circumstances of your job transfer within your application. That will be weighed in the balance of your entire application and compared to other applicants.

I see that I have to be a new professional in the field with at least 1 year in my position at the start date of the program. When is the start date?

The program start date is always the beginning of January each year. If you are interested in applying, you can still do so – just be up front in an application essay about when you began your role.

Do past experiences count?

Yes, as long as the applicant is currently employed full-time in the field of international education.

Am I eligible to apply for this fellowship?

The list of identities that are currently eligible for the RISE Fellowship are listed on the website.