How can I learn about and share information on the FAS International Agricultural Fellowship Program?
The Foreign Agricultural Service International Agricultural Fellowship Program does not require an institutional recommendation for applicants. However, we depend on our university advisors, faculty, and staff, as well as individuals associated with different organizations throughout the country, to share information about the opportunities with students and alumni. To support these activities, we encourage you to do the following:
- Review our available resources, including a one-page flyer and our general presentation.
- Follow us on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Youtube).
- Share information on the FAS International Agricultural Fellowship with faculty, staff, affinity groups who work with under-represented groups, education abroad programs, student groups, participants in programs such as MANRRS, and students considering applying for other international programs or have an interest in agriculture or agricultural economics.
- Check out our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the fellowship and the application process.
- Consider scheduling short, informational pitches to groups that support under-represented and/or first-generation students, returned study abroad students, student honors programs; or classes in areas like agriculture, agribusiness, and agricultural economics. Templates and information session flyers are available at request.
- Request a virtual information session with a FAS International Agricultural Fellowship Program staff member. Please note that while our staff is small, we are always interested in direct conversations with interested groups.
What is the application and program timeline?
- 2024 Application launch: August 15, 2023
- Application deadline for 2024 Graduate Fellowship: October 12, 2023, at 11:59 PM EST
- Notification to applicants of decisions on finalists: Mid-November 2023
- Interviews for finalists: Early-December 2023
- Notification of fellowship award: December 8, 2023
- Orientation for 2023 Fellows: Late May/Early June 2024
- Domestic Internship: Summer 2024
- Graduate School: Fall 2024 to Spring 2026
- Overseas Internship: Summer 2025
- Entry into the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service: Fall 2026
Who Are We Looking For?
The Foreign Agricultural Service International Agricultural Fellowship Program (IAFP) is a new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that identifies and prepares individuals interested in careers in USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Those who successfully complete the program begin working for the Foreign Agricultural Service, a uniquely rewarding career of international service. Eligibility criteria include:
- U.S. citizenship
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale and
- Plans to start graduate school for a two-year program in either Agribusiness or Agricultural Economics in the fall of 2024 at a U.S.-based institution.
The program is open to seniors who will graduate by spring 2024 and individuals with a college degree. It is open to students with any major who want to promote positive change in the world. The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in USDA and those with financial need. It is open to students and alumni of all universities and with any major. It also values
- Individuals with a commitment to public service
- Individuals from diverse areas within the United States
- Individuals interested in agriculture, agricultural economics, and agribusiness
- Individuals interested in economics, business and international trade
- Individuals who have demonstrated resourcefulness and resiliency
- Individuals interested in foreign languages and cultures
- Individuals with strong leadership and organizational skills
- First-generation college students
We would appreciate advisors’ assistance in encouraging individuals with a wide range of backgrounds to apply.