Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Internet Access
- Computers
- Word-processing Software
Step1
Make sure you're eligible: Be a U.S. citizen at the time of application; have a Ph.D. or equivalent professional degree; have teaching experience in your field at the postsecondary level; have an appropriate level of proficiency in the foreign language of the country you'll be visiting; and be of sound mental and physical health.
Step2
Get an application form. Either download it (cies.org) or request one by phone at (202) 686-7877, or by e-mail from apprequest@cies.iie.org.
Step3
Determine whether you're more interested in lecturing or in pursuing your own research.
Step4
Decide whether to apply for a "prescribed award," which is designed around the priorities of the host countries and universities, or an "open award," in which you design your own research or lecturing program.
Step5
Think about what sort of program you'd like to design for yourself and how you'd describe the project to the funding committee. Consider a program related to the theme of mutual understanding between nations, since this is what the program exists to promote.
Step6
Notify recommenders well ahead of time for any letters you need from them.
Step7
Prepare the following materials: the application form; a project statement; a select bibliography (for research awards only); curriculum vitae; samples of course syllabuses (for lecturing awards); a letter of invitation from the host institution; a teaching report and reference letters; a language proficiency form (if required); and additional materials if your field is journalism, writing, architecture or the arts.
Step8
Photocopy your application materials before sending them in, and keep a copy for your records.
Step9
Send in all the materials before the deadline, which for most (but not all) grants is August 1 of the year before the grant begins. Be sure to write the destination country on the application envelope.