How long is the commitment for GHC fellows?
The period of commitment is 13 months, from mid-July to mid-August of the following year. This includes attending a two-week Summer Training Institute in July, followed by twelve months working on the ground on the fellowship, and a final group exit meeting in August. The dates for training 2013 are: July 7th to July 21st, 2013. Fellows travel directly from Training to their placement site.
How many other fellows will I be working with?
Fellowship teams consist of two fellows. All teams are cross-cultural, with one fellow from the host country (the “national fellow”), and one fellow from outside the host country (the “international fellow”). There are several fellow teams in each country where GHC works, and many Fellows live and work in close proximity to other fellow teams.
I will be completing my undergraduate studies in May but my graduation ceremony is next year. Am I still eligible to apply, and if so what documentation is required?
Yes, you are still eligible to apply. It is okay if your graduation ceremony is not until later in the year, as long as your educational studies have been completed. If requested, the school must be able to provide confirmation that you have completed your degree.
What if I am unable to attend training? Will that affect my application?
The training is mandatory for all fellows. It is viewed as highly valuable for community building, leadership development, and programmatic purposes, and is an essential component of the fellowship year. Inability to attend the training will be a limiting factor in being offered a fellowship if an individual of similar caliber and qualifications is able to attend.
Are references or letters of recommendation needed for the application?
For your application, you will need two references to complete the GHC recommendation form. You will be prompted in your application to enter the names and email addresses of your two references, and they will receive the form they need to fill out on your behalf. We recommend that at least one of the forms be completed by someone who has supervised or managed you in a professional capacity. The second may be from a professional or academic reference. Note: the due date for recommendation forms is February 20, 2013.
Do I need previous experience in healthcare to be a fellow?
No past experience in healthcare is required. Global Health Corps Fellowships engage young professionals from a variety of fields to use their specific skills to serve global health. It is important to note that specific experiences and skills are required for each of our positions, as determined by our placement organizations. Applicants should look carefully at the requirements listed in the job descriptions posted during each application season, and apply for positions that they are qualified for. Graduates with expertise in business and finance, research methods, technology, engineering, and other fields can contribute greatly to global health organizations, and are all welcome.
What positions can I apply for if I am a permanent resident of one of the placement countries?
If you are a permanent resident of one of our placement countries you are eligible for fellowships in your country of citizenship/permanent residence as a national fellow, and fellowships in the US as an international fellow. If you are a permanent resident of the US (i.e. you have a valid Green Card) you are eligible for fellowships within the U.S. as a national fellow, and any of our positions in East and Southern Africa as an international fellow.
What if I am a non-US citizen and a non-placement country citizen? Can I still apply for any of the fellowships?
As a non-US citizen, you are eligible for our US-based positions as an international fellow. Unfortunately at this time only US-citizens can apply to be the international fellow for positions outside of the United States.
When can I start applying? What is the general timeline for applications?
Part 1 of the application opensDecember 3, 2012.Position descriptions will be posted onDecember 21, 2012and Part 2 of the application opens on that date. Applications closeFebruary 3, 2013. The two letters of recommendation are dueFebruary 20, 2013.
Is it possible to defer fellowship acceptance if I am accepted into the program but am unable to participate during the upcoming fellowship year?
GHC is not able to accommodate deferment of the fellowship. We work to make our positions meet the needs of our placement organizations and the communities they serve, so position job descriptions, along with the desired skills of the fellow team, change year to year. We cannot guarantee that a candidate will be the best match for a position again after the year that they are accepted, though candidates are welcome to apply to GHC again in the future through the normal application process.
How much does the program cost? How are fellows compensated?
GHC is committed to ensuring that young people from all economic backgrounds can take advantage of the fellowship opportunity. GHC fellows are provided with living stipends, housing, health insurance, work expenses, and all travel required for fellowship participation. In addition to covering these expenses, all fellows receive a Completion Award of $1500 at the end of the fellowship.
Will I get to choose the country I work in?
Yes. Applicants apply to specific fellowship position. Each position is based in one of our placement countries, and the candidate identifies countries of choice through the selection of their position preferences during the application process.
What kind of guidance is given to fellows? I don’t know if I have the background or knowledge to take on one of these assignments.
There is no one specific academic or professional background beyond the completion of an undergraduate education required to be a successful GHC Fellow; the experience required varies by position. Our fellows’ previous education has ranged from recent completion of undergraduate education to graduate and professional degrees; type and amount of professional experience is similarly diverse. Successful applicants will possess skills that relate to the work demanded by the specific fellowship position for which they have applied. The placement organization is responsible for orienting and training fellows in any way necessary to complete the duties of their role within the organization, as would be done with any employee, while GHC provides additional programming that develops the professional capacities and leadership skills of each fellow.
Will I have to deal with the logistics of traveling and working abroad, like insurance and getting a visa?
All fellows are supported through the logistics of working outside of their home country. GHC and placement organizations coordinate insurance, travel arrangements, visas, and housing, and GHC staff members are available to respond to relocation questions or challenges as they arise.
Can I apply for multiple positions?
Yes, you may apply to up to three positions. You only need to submit one application. In the second half of the application, you will submit one essay for every position you apply to. You should tailor each essay response to the respective position as much as possible.
I am over the age of 30 but I am very interested in Global Health Corps. May I still apply?
Unfortunately we only accept applications from those who are age 30 or younger at the time of the fellowship start. However, many of our placement organizations offer great opportunities for you to volunteer or work. We encourage you to seek employment or other involvement opportunities with these great organizations in the GHC community.
Do you only partner with non-profits, or can for-profit organizations also apply?
GHC is open to partnering with any organization working to improve global health equity, including non-profit, for-profit, and government entities. Please refer to our Partners page for more information on placement organizations and other partnerships.
Is there any way I can still be part of GHC without being a fellow?
We offer internships during the school year and summer at our NY office. If you are interested in applying, please look for opportunities on our Join the Team page.
I am very interested in working abroad with GHC. Is it possible to work with an organization for only a few months and not the whole year?
We only offer yearlong fellowships. However, many of our placement organizations do offer volunteer or internship work throughout the year. We encourage you to check out their websites for further information.
Is it possible to travel home during the fellowship year for school interviews, family emergencies, etc.?
Fellows must comply with the vacation and leave policy at their individual placement organization when arranging any home travel during the year. However, GHC has no policies against fellow travel during the year, and we have had several past fellows return to their home countries for small periods of time during the fellowship.
Would my spouse / partner be allowed to join me during the fellowship year if I am placed abroad?
We do not prevent spouses from joining fellows. However, the couple will be responsible for finding their own alternative housing if the apartment or house arranged for the fellow is not suitable for a couple. The spouse will be responsible for all of his or her own living and travel costs, and GHC is unable to sponsor visas for spouses or dependents. We have had many fellows with spouses / partners in the past; some partners have stayed home throughout the year, some have visited the fellow for short periods of time, and others have made arrangements to join the fellow for the full year.
I’m very interested in applying to GHC, but I will be abroad during the application process. If I were to get an interview, would I be able to do it via Skype or a phone call?
Yes, Skype or phone interviews can be arranged. All Americans and International applying for positions in the US interview by phone or Skype regardless of where they are located. National applicants in East or Southern Africa may interview by Skype if they are not in the country during our in-person interview days in their country.
When is Training 2013?
The dates for training 2013 are: July 7th to July 21st, 2013. Fellows travel directly from Training to their placement site.