The Hubert H. Humphrey Program
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I would like to nominate my friend/colleague/acquaintance for this program.
Unlike some exchange programs, Humphrey Fellows are not nominated, but
must qualify through a highly-competitive application process. The
first step of this process is filling out the application form and
submitting it to the U.S. Embassy by August 15, 2009. If you know
someone whom you think would make an excellent candidate, you should
encourage them to learn more about the program. Ultimately, the
decision rests with that individual on whether to pursue participation
in the Humphrey Program.
The U.S. Embassy accepts only applications for this program, not nominations.
2. I participated on a short term U.S. Government program
recently, but was in the States for only six weeks. Am I eligible for
another J visa? Can I apply for this program?
There are really two issues here, the first regarding visa regulations, the second regarding program participation.
Participants on U.S. Government-sponsored programs are subject to the 'two year rule' which means that they must spend two years in their home country before being issued a temporary work visa or an immigrant visa. They are eligible for another J-1 visa.
Those persons who have spend more than six months in the United States during the previous 5 years or who have spent more than one academic year studying on the graduate level in the United States during the previous 7 years are technically ineligible to participate in the Humphrey Program.
Given two equally qualified candidates, preference will be given to the candidate who has spent less time in the United States.
3. How well do I need to speak, write and understand English?
Humphrey Fellows are required to speak, write and understand English
well enough to complete graduate-level academic course work and to
conduct professional activities during their affiliations with business
or organizations in the United States. Most successful applicants
receive at least a score of 195 on computer-based TOEFL examinations
(525 on paper-based). Pre-academic English language courses are offered
to finalists, if appropriate.
All applicants must be able to complete the sixteen-page application in English. The top applicants will be invited to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a twenty minute interview in English. If you cannot successfully do this, we recommend that you focus your energy on improving your language skills and applying at a later date.
4. When do I need to take TOEFL? Do I need to submit TOEFL results together with the other documents to the U.S. Embassy?
If you have recently taken TOEFL (within two years), you need to submit TOEFL results with the other documents to the U.S. Embassy. However, if you haven’t recently taken TOEFL, you do not have to take it in advance. If your application is selected by the U.S. Embassy and you have had a successful interview and you will be nominated for the program, you can register for TOEFL.
The TOEFL test registration is available on www.toefl.org. For all TOEFL-related questions, please contact American Center for Education and Testing (ACET) in Moscow (495) 647-2321, e-mail: acet@actr.ru, tlikholetova@actr.ru.
5. I have read all the materials on your website about the Humphrey Program. Can I apply?
You cannot apply if you :
- Have less than 5 years work experience;
- Are a university professor without management or policy responsibilities (the only exception to this are those professors applying in the field of 'English as a Second Language');
- Have attended a U.S. graduate school for one or more academic years in the previous seven years;
- Have spent more than six consecutive months in the U.S. in the previous five years; and
- Are a U.S. dual citizen.
That said, the ideal Humphrey candidate will demonstrate the potential for leadership and a commitment to service, either in the public or private sector. Because Humphrey Fellows design their own programs and establish their own professional affiliations, they must be self-motivated and able to easily adapt to a new environment. It is important that candidates have considerable initiative if they are to benefit from the program.
If this description fits you, then you should apply for the Humphrey Program.
5. I currently am employed in an entry-level position. Can I apply?
No, the Humphrey Program is for mid-level professionals.
6. My supervisor will not let me be absent from work for a year. Can I leave my job, take the Humphrey program and find another job on return?
No, you cannot leave your job. Before your departure to the U.S. on the Humphrey Program you will need to present a paper from your employer stating that you are allowed to be absent from work and that you will resume your responsibilities on return from the U.S.
7. I have more than five year work experience because I worked at
the same time that I completed my university degree. Am I eligible to
apply?
Generally, when looking for 5 years of work experience, we intend this
to mean 5 years since having completed your degrees. We are targeting
mid-career professionals, who are at a mid-point in their careers,
where this opportunity will allow them to move forward into a new level
of leadership and impact. Someone who graduated a couple of years ago,
even if they worked throughout their studies, doesn't really fit this
profile. However... if you are a potential applicant who doesn't have 5
years of post-graduation work experience, but worked throughout your
studies and can demonstrate that you have gained as much experience as
you can gain in Russia before needing to go abroad to have access to
new experiences, we will consider your application. You must
express in your application why you are ready for this opportunity and
why now is the right time for you to participate on this program.
8. I'm having a hard time coming up with a project plan. What are your requirements?
A successful project plan is not about trying to meet our requirements
- a successful project plan is about what you would like to accomplish.
It is important to describe how your major area of interest is
specifically needed in Russia. Additionally, you should state what
academic work, internships, and professional training experiences would
help you meet the challenges in this field. Finally, you should relate
the program to your professional goals and how you hope to implement
what you learn in Russia.
We recommend that you contact an EducationUSA Advising Center, which hosts special seminars on writing a personal statement. There are several advising centers throughout the Russian Federation. You can find more information about the advising center in Moscow at : http://www.useic.ru/. They have a schedule for times when they are available for personal consultations. They also have a useful handout for writing a statement of purpose at their website. For a list of advising centers in other cities, please paste the following link into your web browser: http://eca.state.gov/educationusa/centers/index.cfm?region=EUSA#RUSSIA
