After this experience, Fellows should be well-positioned to lead efforts in their own countries to promote effective policies and programs to benefit people with intellectual disabilities. Fellows will have the chance to make contacts with other leaders from across the globe and will gain a valuable network of colleagues. Through these new alliances, Fellows will have the ability to share perspectives and knowledge on best practices in disability supports and services, sports management and NGO administration.
Fellows will ultimately further their own career goals while also raising the status of people with intellectual disabilities. This exciting professional development opportunity will serve as a catalyst for Fellows to advocate for the needs and value of this population.
Am I eligible to become an EKS Fellow?
Candidates from countries that have been identified by Special Olympics, Inc., and the State Department have been prioritized. These countries include Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, Russia, South Africa, India, Turkey and United Arab Emirates. Candidates from other countries may also apply; however, applicants who currently work and reside in one of the primary countries will be considered first. U.S. residents are not eligible to apply unless otherwise stated by Special Olympics, Inc.
Primary EKS Fellowship Program Selection Criteria:
- Be at least 21 years of age at the time of applying for the program;
- Possess knowledge of the English language sufficient for educational purposes and day-to-day interactions in the work environment;
- Have attained education above the high school level (for example, Bachelor’s Degree, Associate Degree or successful coursework); Advanced degrees encouraged, but not required;
- Have a minimum of two years experience in the NGO or governmental sector in the home country. Professional experience within Special Olympics is not a pre-requisite for participation in the program, and in fact we will encourage strong candidates who not formally affiliated with Special Olympics but who work on intellectual disability issues to apply. Endorsements from NGOs operating in the applicant’s home country will be a definite advantage. Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated strong commitment to the intellectual disability community and who have worked for five or more years in the NGO sector;
- Genuine and proven interest in inclusive intellectual disability issues, nonprofit management and/or sports;
- Ability to spend at least three months without interruption in the United States;
- Commitment to volunteer for the Special Olympics Program in their home country for 250 hours total for a period of no less than six months.
Do I get paid?
All housing, food, transportation to and from the host country and other travel as directed by Special Olympics, Inc. will be covered at the U.S. government per diem rate. In addition, a stipend for other living expenses will be awarded to each Fellow in the Program. Fellows will be financially responsible for obtaining their passports and visas. They will receive administrative support from Special Olympics, Inc. in obtaining a J-1 visa but will need to make separate arrangements to obtain a valid passport in time to participate in the Program. It is recommended that Fellows possess a valid passport before applying to become a Fellow and that the passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond the period of the Program (in this case, 6 months beyond June 2008).
What kind of support will I receive?
Applicants for the program will be required to secure a letter of support from their home country Special Olympics Programs, ensuring that an initial connection has been made. A series of conversations involving the home country Special Olympics Program, Special Olympics, Inc., and the U.S. Host Program will then be conducted prior to each Fellow’s arrival in the United States. The U.S. Host Program will support the Fellow on any day-to-day issues that may arise. Additionally, the headquarters support staff will be responsible for helping Fellows troubleshoot issues during their stay and will serve as a liaison between the Fellow, the U.S. Host Program and the home country Special Olympics Program.
