InterExchange Foundation Christianson Fellowship

The InterExchange Foundation Christianson Fellowship awards $2,500–$10,000 to young Americans looking to apply their skills and passions toward helping communities abroad thrive, while they increase their awareness and appreciation of local culture. 

Fellows have identified a project or an organization focused on an issue they care about, and are committed to spending a minimum of six months abroad. 

To date, Christianson Fellows have worked in 40+ countries around the world on a wide range of projects, including:

• Community Development
• Education
• Environment
• Human Rights
• Public Health
• Sustainable Development

The Christianson Fellowship is intended to cover Fellows' living expenses while abroad and contributing to a service project. This includes housing, meals, and local transport. It can also support associated costs, such as transport to and from the project location, passport and visa costs, and travel medical insurance.

Requirements

• 18-28 years old at the project start date
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Travel abroad for at least 6 months

What we look for in Fellows

The fellow is motivated and passionate about doing good, establishes clear measurable goals for their time abroad that align with their future plans, brings specific needed skills to the host community, and is excited to serve as an ambassador for InterExchange and the U.S. while learning about the host culture.

What we look for in service projects

• The project is supported by and clearly benefits the host community
• The service project is not a requirement for university credit
• The benefits of the project continue after the fellow’s departure
• The project location is safe and the project duration is feasible

We have three application cycle deadlines per year: March 15, July 15, and October 15. It is possible to apply up to one year prior to your project start date.

Learn more about the Christianson Fellowship and apply here! Contact Us at foundation@interexchange.org.

Note: The Fellowship does not support religious projects, independent research projects, or academic study abroad programs. Projects must not be part of a degree requirement or for class credit.

FAQs

What type of projects does the Christianson Fellowship support?

The Christianson Fellowship supports self-arranged and created service project experiences abroad. Past fellows’ projects have focused on multiple international issues, including public health, environmental conservation, legal advocacy, women’s and girls’ rights, microfinance, education, and poverty alleviation, among other topics. Your project should focus on an issue and a region of the world that you feel passionately about.

What do you mean by “self-arranged” projects?

Your project should not entail payment to a program provider who charges a fee to set-up your service project. You may contact an organization individually to learn about service opportunities. Many organizations actively recruit volunteers and interns.

What does the Fellowship cover?

The Christianson Fellowship is intended to cover your living expenses while abroad and contributing to a service project. This includes housing, meals, and local transport. You may also include associated costs, such as transport to and from your project location, passport and visa costs, and travel medical insurance.

The Fellowship does not cover mid-service trips home.

How many Fellowships are awarded each cycle?

The number of Fellowships awarded varies, depending on the quality of applications received. The Fellowship Selection Committee carefully reviews each Fellowship application and strives to provide funding to as many projects that meet the requirements and align with our mission to further international understanding and cultural awareness.

Can my project be part of my academic program?

No. The Fellowship does not support independent research projects or academic study abroad programs. Projects must not be part of a degree requirement or for class credit.

If my project or length of stay changes, do I need to inform InterExchange?

Yes. The Fellowship Selection Committee will review this information to determine any impact on the original Fellowship determination.

What are the content requirements?

Fellows are required to answer the pre- and post-project reflection questions and must submit at least two blogs or short videos about their project. InterExchange will provide details to Fellows.