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The Forgotten International - Fellowship Guidelines
Since its inception, The Forgotten International has sponsored Fellowships that place caring individuals in the field with our partner organizations around the world to do the work of poverty alleviation.
TFI works with a variety of schools, NGOs and grassroots organizations. Placements abroad may involve:
- teaching English or other skills to children or young adults in a village school
- writing, reviewing and editing English-language publications for an NGO
- performing legal research and writing for a human rights organization
- updating websites or other marketing skills to help a fledgling NGO
- working in a medical clinic or performing public health field work
Skills
For each type of placement, related experience is expected by the host organization. More importantly, however, are the skills which any volunteer needs:
- ability to communicate clearly and compassionately
- capacity to remain flexible and take initiative with projects
- willingness to make time to share information with curious students or coworkers
- desire to work cooperatively with local colleagues
- respect for different cultures and beliefs, and ultimately,
- patience with yourself and your new surroundings
Former Fellows
Be sure to read the stories of the individuals who have traveled on behalf of TFI in the past. It was based on their experiences and enthusiasm, as well as the meaningful work they each accomplished, that we decided to adopt a Fellows Program as part of our commitment to the schools and grassroots organizations we support abroad. See our Former Fellows.
Eligibility
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, have relevant experience and skills as well as be physically able to endure the sometimes difficult conditions associated with living in a developing country for an extended period of time. A time commitment of at least 8 weeks is required by our organization before we will place you abroad. Candidates from the San Francisco Bay Area are preferred so that we might conduct in-person final interviews, as well as possibly having them work with us as alumni of the program, but ultimately the best-suited applicants will be selected for each placement, regardless of your place of residence.
Compensation
TFI will help you arrange travel and accommodations and will provide a stipend of up to $2,500, based on an 8-week stay, to help offset half of the Fellow's estimated budget for travel-related costs. Upon your return, we would expect a brief report about your work experiences for our website, as well as photos which capture some of your work and time abroad. TFI Fellows can receive funding from other sourcesl.
To Apply
We require a resume with relevant education or experience and a cover letter describing your interest in a specific program or programs and ability to do this type of work. We typically recruit candidates through an application process in February of each year for 8-week placements from the Spring to the Fall of that year. View our Current Opportunities.
Contact Us
If you see an organization on our website that you are interested in working with or have questions about, please contact us with some information about yourself and your professional or educational background. Also tell us the time commitment you can make and when you would be available to travel. We can discuss the needs of that organization may be able help you arrange a placement.