AAUW International Fellowships 

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships program is a prestigious initiative that empowers women from around the world to pursue graduate studies in the United States. Established in 1917, this fellowship supports women who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents in advancing their academic and professional careers. 

This guide provides a detailed overview of the AAUW International Fellowships program, including its history, objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and impact on women’s education globally.

History and Origins of AAUW International Fellowships

Founded in 1881, the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has been a driving force for advancing education and equity for women and girls. In 1917, AAUW introduced the International Fellowships program to support female scholars from outside the United States in pursuing graduate or postgraduate studies in the U.S.

The program was designed to help women who demonstrated academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in their home countries. Over the years, the AAUW International Fellowships program has awarded thousands of fellowships to women from over 150 countries, playing a pivotal role in their academic and professional achievements.

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Objectives of the AAUW International Fellowships Program

The AAUW International Fellowships program is guided by several key objectives that reflect the organization’s mission to promote gender equity through education and advocacy:

• Supporting Women’s Education: The program aims to support women pursuing graduate or postgraduate education in the United States. By providing financial assistance, AAUW enables women to access high-quality education that may otherwise be out of reach due to financial constraints.
• Advancing Gender Equity: The program is committed to advancing gender equity by empowering women with the skills and knowledge needed to become leaders in their fields. Through education, AAUW helps women break down barriers and achieve success in traditionally male-dominated industries and sectors.
• Fostering Global Leadership: AAUW International Fellowships seek to identify and nurture the next generation of global leaders. The program emphasizes leadership development, encouraging fellows to use their education to make a positive impact in their home countries and communities.
• Encouraging Community Engagement: The program values the importance of community engagement and social responsibility. Fellows are expected to contribute to the advancement of women and girls, both in their home countries and globally, by using their education to advocate for social change.

Eligibility Criteria

The AAUW International Fellowships program is highly competitive and open to women from all countries, with the exception of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Academic Qualifications: Applicants must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree by the application deadline. The degree must be from an accredited institution, and applicants should demonstrate academic excellence in their previous studies.
• Intention to Return to Home Country: Applicants must intend to return to their home country upon completion of their studies to contribute to the development of their communities. The program is focused on supporting women who are committed to making a difference in their home countries.
• Full-Time Enrollment: Fellows must be enrolled full-time in a graduate or postgraduate program at an accredited U.S. institution during the fellowship year. The program supports both master’s and doctoral studies, as well as postdoctoral research.
• English Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, as all fellowship activities and academic work will be conducted in English. This may be proven through standardized test scores or prior academic experience in an English-speaking institution.
• Commitment to Women’s Advancement: The program prioritizes candidates who have shown a commitment to advancing the lives of women and girls through their academic, professional, or community work. Applicants should articulate how their studies will contribute to this mission.
• Previous AAUW Fellowship Restrictions: Applicants who have previously received an AAUW International Fellowship are not eligible to apply again. However, previous applicants who were not awarded the fellowship may reapply.

Application Process

The application process for the AAUW International Fellowships program is comprehensive and requires candidates to provide detailed information about their academic background, professional experiences, and future goals. Below is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

1. Online Application

Applicants must complete an online application form, which includes personal information, academic history, and details about their intended program of study in the United States.

2. Academic Transcripts

Candidates must submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. Transcripts should include details about the degrees earned, grades received, and courses completed.

3. Proof of Degree

Applicants are required to provide proof of their highest degree earned, typically in the form of a diploma or degree certificate.

4. Letters of Recommendation

The application requires three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities, leadership potential, and commitment to advancing the lives of women and girls. Recommenders should be professors, mentors, or employers who are familiar with the candidate’s qualifications and goals.

5. English Proficiency

Candidates must demonstrate their proficiency in English, either by submitting standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS) or providing evidence of prior academic experience in an English-speaking environment.

6. Curriculum Vitae/Resume

A comprehensive CV or resume should be submitted, highlighting the candidate’s academic achievements, professional experiences, leadership roles, and community involvement.

7. Personal Statement

Applicants must provide a personal statement that outlines their academic and professional goals, as well as their commitment to advancing the lives of women and girls. The statement should reflect on the applicant’s motivations for pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. and how the fellowship will help them achieve their objectives.

8. Financial Information

Candidates must provide details about their financial situation, including any other scholarships or funding sources they have secured for their studies. This helps AAUW determine the level of financial support needed.

Selection Process

Once the application is submitted, candidates are evaluated based on their academic qualifications, leadership potential, commitment to women’s advancement, and alignment with the program’s objectives. Finalists are selected by a committee of experts and are notified of their award status in the spring.

Benefits of the AAUW International Fellowships

The AAUW International Fellowships program offers a range of benefits to its recipients, including:

• Financial Support: Fellows receive financial support to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses during their graduate studies in the United States. The amount of the fellowship varies depending on the program of study and the recipient’s financial need, but awards typically range from $18,000 to $30,000 per year for master’s or doctoral students and $20,000 to $50,000 for postdoctoral fellows.
• Professional Development: The program provides opportunities for fellows to participate in professional development activities, including conferences, workshops, and networking events. These opportunities help fellows enhance their skills, expand their professional networks, and gain exposure to new ideas and perspectives.
• Mentorship and Support: AAUW fellows benefit from mentorship and support from AAUW members and alumnae. This includes guidance on academic and professional development, as well as access to resources that can help fellows succeed in their studies and careers.
• Global Network: AAUW International Fellows join a global network of women leaders and scholars who are committed to advancing gender equity and social justice. This network provides ongoing support, collaboration, and opportunities for fellows to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world.

Impact of the AAUW International Fellowships Program

The AAUW International Fellowships program has had a significant impact on women’s education and leadership globally. Some key areas of impact include:

1. Empowering Women to Lead

The program has empowered thousands of women to pursue advanced education and leadership roles in their fields. Many fellows have gone on to become leaders in academia, government, business, and nonprofit organizations, using their education to drive positive change in their communities.

2. Advancing Gender Equity

AAUW International Fellows are champions of gender equity in their home countries and around the world. By supporting women’s education, the program helps break down barriers and create opportunities for women to excel in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

3. Building Global Connections

The program fosters global connections among women leaders and scholars, creating a community of change-makers who collaborate across borders to address pressing global challenges. This international network of fellows continues to make a difference in areas such as education, health, human rights, and economic development.

4. Inspiring Future Generations

AAUW International Fellows serve as role models and mentors for the next generation of women leaders. By sharing their experiences and successes, fellows inspire young women to pursue their education and career goals, helping to create a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Notable AAUW International Fellows

Over the years, the AAUW International Fellowships program has supported many distinguished scholars and leaders. Some notable AAUW International Fellows include:

• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria): The first woman and first African to serve as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a renowned economist and former finance minister of Nigeria. She has been a strong advocate for economic development, gender equity, and global cooperation.
• Dr. Celina Turchi (Brazil): A leading epidemiologist, Dr. Celina Turchi played a crucial role in researching the link between the Zika virus and microcephaly in newborns. Her work has been recognized globally for its impact on public health and her commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for women and children.
• Dr. Ida Odinga (Kenya): An educator and women’s rights advocate, Dr. Ida Odinga has been a prominent figure in advancing gender equity in Kenya. She has championed education for girls and women’s empowerment, particularly in political leadership and decision-making.

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Conclusion

The AAUW International Fellowships program is a transformative initiative that has empowered women from around the world to pursue their academic and professional dreams. By providing financial support, mentorship, and a global network, the program enables women to achieve their educational goals, break down barriers, and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive world.

For women seeking to advance their education and make a difference in their communities, the AAUW International Fellowships program offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to become leaders in their fields. Through this program, AAUW continues to make a lasting impact on women’s education and leadership globally.