1. When is the deadline?

The deadline for all materials to be received by the CAORC office is Friday, January 16, 2009. All materials, including letters of recommendation and transcripts (if applicable) must be received by the deadline date in order to be considered for the fellowship.

2. Who can apply?

For eligibility criteria please refer to the Eligibility Guidelines section of the Multi-Country Research Fellowship page.

back to top

4. How many countries can I visit?

You must visit a minimum of two countries outside of the United States, at least one of which hosts an American overseas research center. The fellow is responsible for making all research arrangements in countries without a research center. Applicants interested in conducting research in more than one country that hosts an American overseas research center are especially encouraged to apply. Funding is not available for research conducted in the United States.

5. What countries host an American overseas research center?

Algeria, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Ski Lanka, Tunisia, Turkey, Senegal/West Africa, Yemen. Travel to centers in Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and West Bank/Gaza is currently restricted by the Department of State. CAORC encourages applicants and fellows to check the Department of State website (http://travel.state.gov) frequently and contact CAORC for any travel updates.

6. When must the fellowship grant be used?

The fellowship expires on August 31, 2010. By this time, all travel must be complete and your final report submitted to the CAORC office. Any unused portion of grant must be returned by this date as well. Extensions may be considered if the fellow is in continual contact with the CAORC office and a request is made with in an appropriate amount of time for CAORC to apply for an extension on your behalf.

back to top

7. Where do I send my application?

Please submit the application form, project abstract, project description, and curriculum vitae (if applicable) in MS Word or Adobe PDF format via email to fellowships@caorc.org.

If you do not have access to e-mail and would like to submit your application via postal mail, please send to the address in #8 below.

8. How do I send my transcript(s) and letters of recommendation?

Please have your letters of recommendation and transcripts (if applicable) mailed directly to CAORC via the U.S Postal Service or Express mail.

9. Who has to submit a transcript?

Only Ph.D. candidates need to submit their transcripts. This can be omitted if you already have obtained your Ph.D.

back to top

10. How do I contact CAORC with further question?

For general information and questions about the fellowship please contact Olivia Swanson, Program Assistant:

Phone: 202-633-1304
Email: fellowships@caorc.org

11. How are fellows selected?

For selection process please refer to the Review Criteria section of the Multi-Country Research Fellowship page.

12. How is the fellowship funded?

The CAORC Multi-Country Research Fellowship is funded by a grant from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.

back to top

13. What are the terms and conditions of the fellowship?

For all terms and conditions of the fellowship please refer to the Fellowship Terms and Conditions section of the Multi-Country Research Fellowship page. It is the fellow’s responsibility to understand and adhere to the guidelines set forth by CAORC.

14. Do I have to be affiliated with a US academic institution in order to apply for and
       receive the research grants from CAORC if I already have my Ph.D.?

It is not required that scholars holding a Ph.D. be affiliated with a US academic institution. Applications by independent scholars are acceptable. As long as you are a Ph.D. candidate at an accredited university or have already earned the degree you are eligible for the fellowship.

15. How are funds distributed to the fellow?

The grant is distributed to the fellow directly or to the bank of their choice. Funds are pro-rated according to the number of days spent in country during each portion of the total 90 days that the Fellow is engaged in research for this program and are only released once proof of travel has been provided to CAORC and all necessary paperwork has been completed.

back to top

16. If I already had a CAORC Multi Country Research Fellowship, can I apply again?

Fellowship recipients are eligible to reapply for a second MCRFP three years after their initial award.

17. Do I have to be a US Citizen to be eligible for the fellowship?

Fellowships will be awarded to U.S. citizens only. Proof of citizenship (i.e. photocopy of passport, etc.) must be shown upon receipt of fellowship.

18. Can I use other grants during the same time that I am a CAORC Fellow?

While CAORC encourages scholars to apply to other federal and private sources in addition to the CAORC Multi-Country Research Fellowship Program, CAORC fellows may not simultaneously hold other major federally funded fellowships. Some may be taken serially. CAORC fellows who receive additional awards must contact CAORC immediately to discuss possible date and stipend adjustments.

back to top

19. What should I do if one of my references does not send in his/her letter of recommendation?

It is the responsibility of the applicant to follow-up with references as well as confirm with CAORC to ensure that all letters of recommendation are received prior to the application deadline.

20. Who will review my application?

Fellows will be selected by the CAORC grants panel made up of scholars accustomed to conducting regional and trans-regional research.

21. How soon will I find out if I am awarded a fellowship?

It is anticipated that applicants will be notified via email by March 31, 2009. Please do not call CAORC, as notification will only be made by email.

back to top

22. Can I get feedback about why my application was not selected for a fellowship?
        Do you have examples of winning proposals?

Unfortunately, CAORC does not have the resources to provide feedback. We do not provide examples of winning proposals because there is not a set template by which applications are judged. Each application is reviewed on an individual basis according to the categories cited above.

23. How competitive is the program?

We receive an average of 100 applications for the 10 fellowships.

24. Is there a general recommendation form or any guidelines that should be given to
        those writing the letter of recommendation?

Ph.D. candidates must submit one letter from his/her academic advisor. The advisor must complete and return the ‘Advisor Sheet’ which can be found on page 6 of the application.
For all other letters the standard format for letters of recommendation is sufficient. The three letters of recommendation must have an original signature and be on official letterhead. No emails, copies, or faxes will be accepted.

back to top